Three Days in Ireland | Dublin, Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, and Cliffs of Moher

Ireland had been on my radar for a while, but its distance from India—and the necessary stopover in London or another city—always made it feel out of reach and faaaar away. So, when a work trip took me to London, I seized the chance to add a few extra days and finally visit the Emerald Isle of Ireland.

However, it wasn’t an instant decision, as two things gave me pause: (1) the intense February cold and (2) whether a mere three days would be enough to see at least the highlights. Luckily, the weather cooperated for most of the trip. And with some mental persuasion and body lugging—despite my feet screaming—three days were just enough to hit the highlights.

Ireland’s landscapes are breathtaking—best enjoyed on the road, preferably with frequent pauses and certainly a pub stop or two. Honourable mention to the local spirits—bold, balanced, and uplifting. It’s easy to see why the locals are so welcoming; surrounded by such beauty and blessed with fine whiskey, I guess they want to share their good fortune with open hearts.

Here’s how to make the most of three days in Ireland, covering Belfast, Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway City, and the best of Dublin, with Dublin as a base.

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About

Ireland

Ireland is located in northwestern Europe. It is an island in the North Atlantic Ocean, separated from Great Britain to the east by the Irish Sea, the North Channel, and St. George’s Channel. The island is approximately 84,421 square kilometres in size and is divided into two political entities. The Republic of Ireland (also known simply as Ireland) is a sovereign nation, while Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.

The Republic of Ireland covers about five-sixths of the island and gained independence from the UK in 1922. Its capital is Dublin, and it is a member of the European Union, using the euro as its currency. The Republic is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and landscapes, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Northern Ireland occupies the remaining one-sixth of the island, with Belfast as its capital. It remains part of the UK, and its currency is the British pound. Known for its historical shipbuilding (the most famous being the Titanic) and landmarks like the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland has a complex history, including the Troubles, a period of conflict from the late 1960s to 1998.

Travel between the two regions requires attention to visa rules. A UK visa allows entry into Northern Ireland as it is part of the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland typically requires a separate visa, but under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), certain UK visa holders can also visit the Republic for short stays. A short-stay visa to the Republic of Ireland can be obtained separately as well.

For the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS), which enables certain UK visa holders to enter the Republic of Ireland, you must first arrive in the UK and have your visa stamped there. This initial entry into the UK is mandatory to activate the BIVS scheme. Once your visa is stamped in the UK, you can use it to travel to the Republic of Ireland for a specified period without needing a separate Irish visa.

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Dublin

Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and is situated on its east coast, along the River Liffey. It is the largest city in the Republic of Ireland and a major hub for culture, business, and politics. It has a population of about 1.5 million people in the city proper and around 2 million in the metropolitan area.

Dublin has a rich history starting as a Viking settlement in the 9th century. It later became a medieval hub and the seat of the English colonial government. Key city attractions include Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Dublin also boasts a rich literary heritage, and it is mind-boggling how many famous writers are from here–such as James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde. So many other recent Nobel and Booker winners, too.

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Belfast

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom. It lies on the eastern coast of the island of Ireland, along the River Lagan. The city has a population of around 350,000, making it the largest city in Northern Ireland. The metropolitan area has a population of approximately 600,000.

Belfast has a rich industrial history, most famously as the shipbuilding capital of the world during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was here that the RMS Titanic was built. The city has undergone significant transformation since the end of the Troubles, a conflict that lasted from the late 1960s to 1998. Today, Belfast is known for its thriving arts scene, modern architecture, and historical landmarks such as the Titanic Belfast Museum, the Ulster Museum, and the Peace Wall. It is also a key centre for higher education, with Queen’s University being one of its prominent institutions.

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Essentials

How to Reach Dublin

From India, most flights stop over in London and then proceed to Dublin. There were no direct flights at the time of writing this. Flights cost around INR 60k+ (USD 700) and take 11-15 hours from most Indian cities.

As I was already in London for work, getting to Dublin was a short and direct flight (about 1 hour and a half). There are several options for this route. Ryanair operates from London Stansted, Luton, or Gatwick, and British Airways and Aer Lingus fly from London Heathrow. While Ryanair and EasyJet may seem cheaper at first glance, their airports are farther from Central London and their baggage rules are restrictive. In the end, I chose Aer Lingus despite slightly higher prices, as London Heathrow was easier to access, and their carry-on baggage allowance suited my needs perfectly. The flights were more or less on time and satisfactory. No complaints.

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From the Airport to the Hotel

Most people stay at the Temple Bar area, and it’s advisable to do so when the itinerary is as short and packed as this one is. The journey from the airport to the Temple Bar area takes about 45 minutes. You can take

• Dublin Express (Line 782). They depart from outside the doors of Terminals 1 (Zone 1) and 2 (Zone 21). Buses operate between 04:05 and 00:35. Costs €8 one way, €10 for a return ticket. It was a breeze to use Dublin Express. A trip to Temple Bar/downtown takes around 40 minutes from Terminal 2 of the airport. The closest stop was Ormond Quay from my hostel, Clink i Lár. It was a bit confusing to determine the nearest stop as there were no obvious signs. I took a gamble.

• Aircoach (Line 700). Buses depart every 15 minutes from 4.30 am until midnight, and hourly from midnight to 4.30 am. They depart from outside the doors of Terminals 1 (Zone 2) and 2 (Zone 20). Tickets cost €10 one way and €12 return. They boast bigger, better buses and hence the higher price.
• Dublin Bus (Line 16 from Zone 15). Payment can be made in coins (exact fare only) to the driver on the bus or using pre-paid tickets (Dublin Bus tickets or Leap Card). The standard one-way fare to the city centre from the airport is €2.
• Taxis cost about €35-40.

More info here.

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Where to Stay

Finding a reasonably priced hotel in the city centre felt like searching for a unicorn. So, I bit the bullet and booked a hostel. Naturally, I wanted something peaceful—think introvert-friendly vibes, not party-central chaos—but still central enough to show up in time for tour pick-ups and visit key sights.

Enter Clink i Lár. Yes, I stayed in a hostel with a name I couldn’t confidently pronounce, and yes, I’d do it again. Even if you’re not usually a hostel person, this place might surprise you. I stayed in a four-bed ensuite room, and it was great–proper curtains on the bunks (no creaking!), quiet but with a good social vibe. The staff were fantastic, and they even have lockers you can rent after checkout (€5 for four hours), which was super handy. Plus, 24/7 coffee (for a small fee), decent food, good drinks, and music–all the right ingredients. I lucked out with awesome roommates, and the room and bathrooms were spotless. The location was the real clincher, though–smack-dab in the centre of everything. Just a seven-minute walk to all the Temple Bar action and, crucially, super close to the tour pickup points. That was a lifesaver on those early winter mornings!

Canbe Garden Lane Backpackers was a close second on my shortlist.

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SIM, Currency, Discount Cards

SIM: A SIM card can be purchased at Dublin Airport terminals from WHSmith or SPAR. There are also vending machines. If travelling from London, a Vodafone SIM card purchased at Heathrow Airport includes free roaming in Ireland. The SIM card costs £25 (USD 31) and provides 100 GB of data, along with unlimited calls and SMS within the UK. You can buy a Vodafone SIM at the information centre in Heathrow Terminal 2 after exiting customs.

Currency: I didn’t need cash at all, and I feel it might be needed only for tipping on a free walking tour. The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro while Northern Ireland uses the British pound but also accepts the Euro.

Discount Cards:

• The Dublin Pass: Experience over 40+ of Dublin’s most popular attractions for free by paying $77.45 (€75). This includes Big Bus Dublin, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery Bow St., The Little Museum, Game Of Thrones Studio Tour, and many more and is incredible value for money for those staying in Dublin for longer. Since I wanted to stop at Trinity College (Free entry), Kilmainham Gaol (€8), The Little Museum (free with hop-on-hop-off bus ticket), and Guinness Storehouse (€20 for a Tuesday morning ticket), I decided to do pay-as-you-go as it would be cheaper.
• The Leap Visitor Card is an unlimited public transport ticket for tourists and visitors to Dublin. The fares are: 1 day (24 hours)–€8.00 | 3 days (72 hours)–€16.00 | 7 days (168 hours)–€32.00. Available at Wright Airport Convenience Store (T1 Arrivals), WH Smith (T1 Arrivals), and Spar Shop (Terminal 2) and also in several SPAR shops in the city centre. Download the TFI Live App to plan your journey. However, for a one-day visit, I didn’t avail myself of this option.

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And now for the three-day whirlwind tour of Ireland.

The Itinerary

Day 1: City Tour

How To Do

Dublin’s allure is in its “craic,” the lively spirit and good times you experience, rather than the sights you see, especially in the drab winter months. But ticking off sights has to be done, too. For this, you can either embark on the Dublin City Hop on Hop off tour (this is the original and the best rated! I did this.) or a local free walking tour (this is the best!).

The hop-on-hop-off bus tour has 24- and 48-hour versions. The timer starts once you validate the ticket; so a 24-hour ticket can run into the next day if you start late. The 48-hour ticket is just €5 more (€33) than the 24-hour version, so it’s value for money. The particular hop-on-hop-off I mentioned includes a Docklands Tour and entry to The Little Museum which are worth doing.

Needless to say, a bus covers more ground, such as Kilmainham Gaol and Phoenix Park which are far from the city centre. You also get elevated views of landmarks such as The Spire, O’Connell Street, and the River Liffey. For someone short on time and looking to cover more, the Dublin City Hop on Hop off tour is the best way.

The bus tour begins near the iconic General Post Office (GPO), a striking building that served as the headquarters of An Post, Ireland’s postal service, and a pivotal site in the 1916 Easter Rising. The famous Henry Street shopping district is nearby. The bus then moves to Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells and students, of course. It continues onward to an area brimming with museums, such as the National Museum of Archaeology and the National Museum of Natural History. Next comes the heart of historic Dublin: the castle and cathedral district. Here, you’ll find Christ Church Cathedral and Dublinia, offering a glimpse into Viking and medieval Dublin. Nearby stand Dublin Castle, which houses the Chester Beatty Library, and the magnificent St. Patrick’s Cathedral. City Hall is also within easy reach.

A couple of minutes later, the next hub appears home to several distilleries—starting with Teeling, then moving on to Guinness and Roe & Co. The next notable stop includes Kilmainham Gaol and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. After that, the route loops back, crossing the Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park. The Jameson Distillery is near stop 23, with Four Courts nearby.

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Get off At

Trinity College

Founded in 1592, the college is home to the stunning Long Room Library and the famous Book of Kells. A guided one-hour tour costs €16. A self-guided app costs €5. I spent about an hour inside the premises. The campus is a feast for the eyes, with its stunning, centuries-old architecture, embodying the “Ivy League” aesthetic. I also grabbed a quick snack in the cafeteria, a moment that allowed me to feel a part of the university community.

While I understand its historical importance, the Book of Kells wasn’t a priority for me. I skipped it.

Kilmainham Gaol Museum

A ticket costs €8 and can be purchased at their official site only. Winter slots started at 9:40 AM with the last slot at 16:20.

The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin is a crowd-sourced (and tiny, as the name says) museum that explores Dublin’s 20th-century history. Housed in a Georgian townhouse on St. Stephen’s Green, it opened in 2011 and holds over 5,000 artefacts. Exhibits highlight U2, the 1916 Easter Rising, and Dublin’s social and cultural evolution. The 30-minute guided tour, included with entry, offers engaging storytelling and humour. It’s a great stop in the hop-on-hop-off tour, providing a breather along with an immersive lesson in Irish history. Tours run every hour on the hour. It’s worth doing if part of a Pass or a tour ticket but not on its own.

Temple Bar

Temple Bar is Dublin’s cultural quarter, and chances are you’ll find yourself drawn there anyway, especially if you’re looking for a lively night out. Its charming cobblestone streets, traditional pubs overflowing with music and craic, and buzzing atmosphere make it a central part of any Dublin visit. If you’re staying in the area or planning to enjoy Dublin’s nightlife, Temple Bar will naturally be a key part of your experience—no need to make a special stop on the hop-on-hop-off.

The Guinness or Jameson Experience

These two popular Dublin tours left me debating which to choose. When deciding between the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery tours, consider the following:

Guinness Storehouse:

• Location: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8.
• Tour Experience: A self-guided journey through seven floors detailing the history and brewing process of Guinness, culminating in a pint at the Gravity Bar with panoramic city views.
• Cost: Online tickets start at €20 for midweek slots and €30 upwards for the weekend ones.
• Timings: Open daily from 9:30 AM (weekends) or 10 AM (weekdays), with the last admission at 4:45 PM.
• Ideal For: Beer enthusiasts and those interested in Dublin’s brewing heritage.

Jameson Distillery Bow St.

• Location: Bow St., Smithfield, Dublin 7.
• Tour Experience: Voted World Leading Distillery Tour at World Travel award for the past 5 consecutive years. Three whiskey Tastings.
• Cost: €31 officially, often discounted on Viator
• Timings: Duration of Guided Tour – 45 minutes. Tours every 30 Minutes from 11:00-17:30 (11.45 on Sundays)
• Ideal For: Whiskey aficionados and those keen on Ireland’s distilling traditions.

For a comprehensive experience, consider guided tours that include both attractions, often with skip-the-line access and additional insights such as this one.

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Everyone, including Tripadvisor, was like, “Guinness! You HAVE to!” I was torn—Guinness or Jameson? Honestly, I wasn’t much of a Guinness aficionado before this trip. But then I figured, “When in Dublin…” and off I went.

The Guinness Storehouse functions more as a museum than a working brewery, showcasing brewing equipment and explaining the process. The experience primarily focuses on celebrating Guinness and its deep connection to Dublin’s history. The seven-floor building includes a gift shop on the first floor (with surprisingly reasonable prices), a tasting room (offering small samples), and the third floor, which I found particularly engaging due to its display of Guinness advertising—the creativity of their campaigns over the years is truly impressive.

I went on a Tuesday morning because I’m cheap—€20 for entry, including a pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor. And at 11 AM, by which time I finished my tour, the place was packed. I’m not a big morning drinker, but hey, I paid for that pint, so down the hatch it went! No seat to be found, naturally. Moreover, I had the distinct pleasure of being rudely rebuffed when I dared to ask someone if I could borrow their chair. My inner monologue was like, “It’s 10 AM, lady! And there’s beer. Loosen up a bit, maybe?” It was a low point.

Anyway, if you’re a whiskey or beer aficionado looking for the nitty-gritty of production, maybe skip this and head straight to a distillery (Jameson or Teeling). But if you want to be mildly entertained, learn a little about how beer is made, and witness the sheer marketing power of Guinness, then go for it. Plus, by the end, I was a convert! I loved the dark, almost-black, velvety colour and light texture. Officially a Guinness fan.

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Free Stops

Dublin is an expensive city, so free activities are always welcome. Beyond the Little Museum of Dublin, which is included with the hop-on-hop-off bus ticket and talked of before, here are some other free things to do:

• Chester Beatty Library: Described by Lonely Planet as “not just the best museum in Ireland but one of the best in Europe,” it earned the title of European Museum of the Year in 2002. The museum features two galleries, “Sacred Traditions” and “Arts of the Book,” showcasing manuscripts, miniature paintings, drawings, rare books, and decorative arts from Persian, Islamic, East Asian, and Western collections. Some say it is as good as, if not better than, Trinity’s much-hyped Long Room library.
• Irish Museum of Modern Art (opposite  Kilmainham Gaol): Once the 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, was founded in 1684 by James Butler, Duke of Ormonde, as a home for retired soldiers, serving that purpose for nearly 250 years. The museum houses over 3,500 modern and contemporary artworks by Irish and international artists.
• Others

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Watching Comedy

Irish comedy is the stuff of legends, and with freezing February being a bit of a snooze-fest otherwise, I decided to dive into it. Dublin’s Temple Bar area is packed with comedy clubs, so there’s no shortage of places to have a laugh and more. Top of the list are the Craic Den Comedy Club, the Comedy Cellar, and Hysteria (Sin É)

Hysteria Comedy Club, located at Sin É in Dublin, is celebrated as the city’s top alternative comedy venue, hosting a variety of shows from Wednesday to Sunday. It features stand-up, improv, drag performances, and podcasts, showcasing renowned Irish comedians and emerging talents. It was running an inexpensive show on the Friday I landed, costing all of €6. So, off I went.

Okay, full disclosure, I wasn’t bowled over. Maybe it was jet lag–I’d just landed in Dublin that day–but the jokes weren’t exactly killing me. Honestly, my hop-on-hop-off bus drivers were funnier! That said, it was a fun glimpse into local life, both through the performers and the audience.

The audience was fascinating. A large family—around fifteen women, all related and celebrating a birthday—sat in front of me. They made up a significant portion of the crowd, and the comedians naturally interacted with them, which led to some amusing family dynamics unfolding. (Unfortunately, I also got pulled into the conversation—worst nightmare, eh? At least I managed to answer without blubbering.)

While the humour wasn’t entirely to my taste, the comedians themselves were certainly characters. They possessed that distinctive, self-deprecating, and slightly dark Irish humour, which was strangely entrancing. It was a cool cultural experience.

The venue was cosy–maybe 50 or 60 people–and there was a pub upstairs with live music. Plus, the cocktails and beer were fantastic. So, overall, not a bad experience! I’m sure there are other great comedy spots in Dublin, but this was a decent introduction, and something worth trying for the experience.

Watch a play at Abbey Theatre or Glass Mask Theatre if it is happening.

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Day 2: Dublin to Belfast (Black Cab), Dunluce Castle & Giant’s Causeway

The tour I took started at 7 AM and ended at 8 PM, so it was one hell of a packed day, but you cover so much, and the guides are so funny. It was a fantastic trip and among the best I have taken.

First, we went to Belfast.

Belfast

The trip to Belfast from Dublin takes about two hours by road. The train journey is supposed to be among the most scenic in Europe, but the bus trip is not bad, either.

After reaching Belfast, you have a choice: take a Black Cab tour or visit the Titanic Museum. One is included in the tour price.

A Black Cab Tour

A Black Cab Tour is an excellent way to delve into Belfast’s complex history. These tours, often led by locals who lived through the Troubles, provide firsthand accounts as they drive through key areas, explaining the stories behind the murals, peace walls, and memorials. Our driver, Kevin, was a particularly engaging guide. As an Irish Catholic, he shared humorous and poignant anecdotes about his community and his experiences during those turbulent times, trying to give an even-handed perspective on Belfast’s divided past and its journey toward reconciliation. Say Nothing on Netflix is another good way to get a primer on The Troubles.

The roots of the conflict between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland stretch back centuries, beginning with English rulers’ attempts to impose Protestantism on a predominantly Catholic population. Tensions intensified in 1609 with the Plantation of Ulster, where English and Scottish Protestants were granted land, displacing many Irish Catholics. Over time, religious differences became intertwined with political aspirations: Catholics sought an independent Ireland, while Protestants, particularly in the north, desired to remain part of the UK. By the 1960s, these simmering tensions exploded into The Troubles, a decades-long conflict marked by bombings, barricades, and paramilitary activity. The Good Friday Agreement (1998) finally brought an end to the violence, and the agreed cease-fire holds to this day.

Belfast has clearly defined Irish nationalist/Catholic and British unionist/Protestant areas, separated by physical barriers known as the Peace Walls. They were erected incrementally during The Troubles, initially as temporary barricades, but many became permanent structures. These walls aren’t just physical divisions; they also represent a social and cultural divide.

Tourists usually like to sign their names on the wall; it’s a selling point of the tour. The act is symbolic, as any message is likely to be covered over quickly. As I wrote my name, I experienced a strong sense of déjà vu, remembering when I did the same on the Separation Wall in Palestine years ago. There are striking similarities between these two historically troubled areas, and I finally grasped why the people in Northern Ireland have such empathy for the Palestinian cause.

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Titanic Tour

Set sail for the Titanic Belfast, a monumental tribute to the ill-fated ship, located right where she was designed and launched. This architectural marvel of a museum, resembling four ship hulls, houses nine interactive galleries that whisk you through Titanic’s conception, construction, and voyage. Experience the shipyard’s hustle, marvel at full-scale reconstructions, and even embark on a Shipyard Ride.

If you did the Black Cab Tour, never fear, you will have some time after the tour to roam about the backyard of the museum where the ship was built and take pictures. You can see the slipways where the Titanic and its sister ship, the Olympic, were built and launched, the Titanic Memorial Garden, the Titanic Dock & Pump House, and the walkway.

Opening Hours: Titanic Belfast operates with seasonal hours. Typically, it’s open from 10 AM to 6 PM. Tickets for the Titanic Experience are based on a timed entry with slots available every 10 minutes throughout opening hours.

Ticket Prices: Adult tickets are priced at £24.95, children aged 5-15 can enter for £11.00, and those under 5 enjoy free admission.

Leaving Belfast behind, we now head to Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway.

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Dunluce Castle

The medieval Dunluce Castle’s ruins sit dramatically on a basalt outcrop, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The castle is about 260 km (160 miles) from Dublin, a journey that takes about three hours by car when driving directly.

Built in the 13th century by the MacQuillan family, the castle later became the seat of the MacDonnell clan in the 16th century. It was abandoned in the late 1600s after part of it collapsed into the sea.

Dunluce Castle inspired Cair Paravel in The Chronicles of Narnia. It appeared in Game of Thrones as House Greyjoy’s Pyke Castle. The castle had a namesake town, which burned down in 1641.

Even in ruins, Dunluce Castle is a stunner—easily one of Ireland’s most photogenic spots. When I visited, it was freezing, but the castle still blew me away (not literally, thankfully). The ocean views are spectacular, and every turn offers a perfect photo op. There’s a small gift shop on-site (great for warming up) and a toilet for a quick stop. The visit is for about 30 minutes.

After Dunluce Castle, we now move to the crowning jewel of the day.

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The Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway was the highlight of the tour, and for good reason. This epic natural wonder boasts 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity 50-60 million years ago. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks.

The Giant’s Causeway is about a 3-hour drive (260 km / 160 miles) from Dublin and just a quick 10-minute hop (5 km / 3 miles) from Dunluce Castle. Both the Castle and the causeway are part of the breathtaking Coastal Route on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

There are two ways to see the sights as the bus drops you at the parking: A Red Trail and a Blue Trail. Most of us took the slightly longer and more difficult Red Trail route and returned via the Blue Trail (1.28 km long, taking about 15 minutes to reach the end). The Red Trail involves descending 162 steep steps known as the Shepherd’s Steps, which were once a narrow pass used by shepherds and their flocks. It is not recommended for visitors with limited mobility, but it offers spectacular views of the Causeway Coast. Overall, the trail is easy.

The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, an audio guide in 11 languages, a gift shop, and a café. Visitor Experience tickets, which include parking, are priced at £14-15 for adults, but it was included in the cost of the bus tour. The centre operates from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Science says the columns formed when lava cooled and cracked—but Irish legend has a better story. There lived a giant named Finn McCool, who supposedly built the causeway to fight the Scottish giant Benandonner. But when Benandonner arrived, Fionn’s wife tricked him into thinking Fionn was a giant baby. Scared out of his wits, Benandonner ran back to Scotland, smashing the causeway behind him to give those columns that shape. Whatever!

Most columns are hexagonal, but some have four, five, seven, or even eight sides. Some of the formations have names like the Wishing Chair, Giant’s Boot, and Organ Pipes. On a good sunny day, you can see Scotland (Islay and Jura of the whiskey fame, the Isle of Arran where the famous fishermen’s sweaters come from) and Rathlin Island.

The Giant’s Causeway looked very much like Reynisfjara in Iceland.

Just a short hop away is the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, originally built in 1755 by fishermen to reach Carrick-a-Rede Island. Back then, it had just a single rope handrail—not for the faint of heart. Today, the 20-meter (66-foot) bridge is much safer but still hangs 30 meters (98 feet) above the sea, offering stunning views of the Causeway Coast. It’s a thrilling attraction and a great spot for spotting seabirds, dolphins, and even basking sharks. Unfortunately, when I visited, it was closed, which was a bit disappointing. Maybe it’s open in summer—and you can experience it!

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Day 3: Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin

The tour I took started at 7 AM and ended at 8 PM, making for an incredibly full day. This was the second consecutive day requiring a 5 AM wake-up call to prepare and walk through the cold February morning for a 6:45 AM pickup. That’s true travel dedication, I’d say.

Cliffs of Moher Tour

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most famous natural attractions, rising 214 meters (702 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean and stretching 14 km (8.7 miles) along the west coast in County Clare. From Dublin, it is about 270 km, a 3.5-hour drive.

The Cliffs took my breath away (almost literally, with those chilly winds!). Though, I gotta say, the drive to get there was the real highlight. What views!!

The cliffs are named after a Napoleonic-era fort, Mothar, that once stood there. Formed over 300 million years ago from layers of sandstone, siltstone, and shale, they offer breathtaking views, especially from O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835. The cliffs are a haven for over 20 species of seabirds, including puffins and razorbills, and on clear days, the Aran Islands and Galway Bay are visible on the horizon. Movie buffs might recognize the cliffs from films like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre is well worth a visit, and I’d recommend allowing at least an hour to explore its exhibits on the cliffs’ geology and wildlife and to enjoy the entertaining 4D movie.

Given my limited time, I considered combining a visit to the Cliffs of Moher with the Giant’s Causeway in a single day. However, this proved impossible due to their locations on opposite coasts. The Cliffs of Moher are on Ireland’s west coast, while the Giant’s Causeway is in Northern Ireland on the north coast. With a six-hour drive between the two, attempting to see both in one day is simply not feasible.

Open 9 AM to 5 PM in Winter | 8 AM to 9 PM in summer | 8 AM to 7 PM in shoulder season (March-April, Sept-Oct)

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Galway City

We got to spend about 3 hours here, which included lunch.

Galway is considered one of Ireland’s most vibrant and artistic cities. Located about 210 km (130 miles) from Dublin, it’s a 2.5-hour drive or an easy train ride away. Once a medieval fishing village, Galway grew into a bustling trading port in the 13th century, connecting Ireland to Spain and France. The Spanish influence is still felt today in places like the Spanish Arch, a remnant of the old city walls.

Over the centuries, Galway evolved from a merchant hub into Ireland’s cultural capital, famous for its music, festivals, and bohemian vibe. The city is a hotspot for live street performances, with musicians, poets, and artists filling the colourful Latin Quarter. If you visit in July, the Galway International Arts Festival takes over the city with theatre, music, and street spectacles. In September, the Oyster Festival brings seafood lovers from around the world.

Galway is also known as the “City of Tribes”, named after 14 merchant families who ruled it in the Middle Ages. Today, it’s a mix of old and new, where cobblestone streets lead to trendy cafés, craft shops, and lively pubs. The medieval St. Nicholas’ Church, dating back to 1320, is still a local landmark.

Ed Sheeran’s “Galway Girl” music video was filmed here, capturing the city’s buzzing streets and legendary pubs. But Galway’s fun facts don’t stop there! The St. Nicholas’ Church market has been running every Saturday since the 17th century—even Oliver Cromwell’s army reportedly dropped by (though probably not for fresh produce).

Ever heard of the Claddagh Ring? I hadn’t either before I was told that it is an Irish symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship and the ring was born in Galway and even made its way into the Harry Potter novels.

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This was my whirlwind three-day tour of Ireland–it was a busy trip, but definitely possible! Hope you find this itinerary helpful for planning your travels.

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The Troubles (1960s–1998) – A Brief Overview
The Troubles were a period of violent conflict in Northern Ireland between mainly Catholic nationalists/republicans, who wanted reunification with Ireland, and mainly Protestant unionists/loyalists, who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom. The conflict involved paramilitary groups like the IRA (Irish Republican Army) and the UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force), as well as the British Army and police. It led to over 3,500 deaths before the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 brought relative peace.

What Led to the Division of Ireland? The sequence of events was as follows.

• Ireland was under British rule for centuries, but resentment grew, especially among the Catholic population.
• In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ireland pushed for self-governance, but Protestants in the north, who had economic ties to Britain, opposed it.
• Irish War of Independence (1919–1921): The Irish Republican Army (IRA) fought British forces, leading to the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921. The treaty created the Irish Free State (now the Republic of Ireland), while six counties in the north remained part of the UK, forming Northern Ireland.
• Discrimination against Catholics in Northern Ireland led to protests, which escalated into violence, marking the start of the Troubles. (1960s to 1980s)
• The conflict officially ended with the Good Friday Agreement (1998), which established power-sharing and reduced violence. However, sectarian divisions still exist today.

Why did the north of Ireland have so many protestants?
The high number of Protestants in Northern Ireland is mainly due to English and Scottish colonisation during the Plantation of Ulster (1609–1690) and later British rule. Here’s how it happened:

• Plantation of Ulster (1609–1690s): After the Nine Years’ War (1594–1603), the English Crown confiscated lands in Ulster (northern Ireland) from Irish Catholic lords. These lands were given to Protestant settlers from Scotland and England to establish loyal communities. The goal was to strengthen English control and suppress Catholic resistance.
• Continued Protestant Migration: Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, more Protestants arrived, especially Scots-Irish (Presbyterians from Scotland). Many settled in areas that later became Northern Ireland, maintaining close ties with Britain.
• Economic & Political Power: Protestants, being settlers, were given privileges under British rule, such as land ownership and trade advantages. Laws like the Penal Laws (1695–1829) discriminated against Catholics, reinforcing Protestant dominance.
• Industrialization & British Loyalty: In the 19th and 20th centuries, Belfast became a major industrial centre (shipbuilding, textiles), attracting more Protestant workers. Many Protestants strongly identified as British unionists and resisted Irish independence movements.

By the time of Irish independence in 1921, Northern Ireland had a Protestant majority, while the rest of Ireland remained mostly Catholic.

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Like Ireland, Canada offers some great drives. So does Oman.