Ireland had been on my list for years, and this trip lived up to every expectation! We packed a lot into five days, but the pace felt right: a mix of cities, small towns, and some of the most beautiful natural landscapes I’ve ever seen. This Ireland in November itinerary takes you from Dublin to Galway, with unforgettable side trips to Inis Mór and Connemara.
Ireland 5-Day Itinerary in November
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Day 1: Arriving in Dublin
I arrived in Dublin around 8 AM, and we kept the first day intentionally flexible to ease into the trip. One of our first stops was Howth, a coastal town just outside the city. It is a super cute little town, so we grabbed some breakfast and took a short walk with views over the water, before diving into the city.
Back in Dublin, we drove around seeing the main downtown area and different neighborhoods before checking into our Airbnb.
Next up was the Guinness Storehouse. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this, but let me tell you, it was SO COOL. Absolutely exceeded my expectations.
Definitely get the “Stoutie” experience – they print your face in the foam of the beer! And definitely have a pint at the bar – it has 360-degree views of Dublin.
The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around the city, popping into shops, and soaking in the energy.
The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around the city, popping into shops, and soaking in the energy.
We ended the night with dinner and drinks out. We went to The Temple Bar, and while many say “oh no it’s too touristy,” but since we went in November, it was decorated for Christmas. It was over the top, packed with people, but we had a blast!
Some other notable Dublin bars/pubs:
- The Temple Bar: Probably Dublin’s most famous pub. Yes, it’s touristy — but it’s iconic, energetic, and almost always has live music.
- The Brazen Head: Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198. A great spot for traditional music, history, and a classic Irish pub atmosphere.
- The Long Hall: A stunning Victorian-era pub known for its interior, Guinness, and relaxed but social vibe.
- The Stag’s Head: Popular with locals and visitors alike, with cozy corners, traditional music, and excellent pints.
- Whelan’s: One of Dublin’s most famous live music bars, great for catching up-and-coming bands and late-night energy.
- The Porterhouse: Known for Irish craft beer and a slightly more modern pub feel, with live music on many nights.
- O’Donoghue’s: A classic pub with strong ties to traditional Irish music and a lively crowd most evenings.
- Kehoe’s: A smaller, character-filled pub just off Grafton Street, popular for a quick pint and great conversation.
- The Cobblestone: A must-visit for authentic traditional Irish music sessions, especially if you want a more local feel.
Day 2: Dublin to Galway
After breakfast in Dublin, we drove the 2.5 hours west to Galway. Had we had more time, we would have gone to see the Cliffs of Moher. We already had plans for something else in Galway, but this would have been amazing to see! I recommend trying to fit this into your itinerary.
Since we visited during the winter, the Galway Christmas markets were in full swing and the city was completely decked out in Christmas lights. Highly recommend getting some hot mulled wine and walking around the city in the evening.
After grabbing some dinner in town, we headed to Róisín Dubh, one of Galway’s most well-known live music venues, where the atmosphere was lively, local, and exactly what you hope to find on a night out in Ireland.
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Day 3: Inis Mor Day Trip
This day was easily one of the highlights of the entire trip. Read the full post on this day trip here.
We drove from Galway to Connemara Airport, a tiny regional airport, and boarded an even tinier plane for an eight-minute flight to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands.
The flight itself felt more like a scenic experience than transportation, with incredible aerial views over the Atlantic. You can also take a ferry from Galway to the islands, but the plane was such a cool experience.
Once on the island, we took a shuttle into the main village and rented electric bikes to explore. While regular bikes are available, electric bikes are absolutely the way to go — the island is surprisingly hilly, and this was my first time riding an e-bike. I’m officially converted.
We spent the morning biking around the island, stopping to see the seal colony before heading toward Dún Aonghasa. The hike up is steep with very uneven ground, and there are no guard rails at the top — which feels a little wild — but the views of the cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic are unforgettable.
After the hike, we headed back into town for lunch, where I had Guinness stew and a pint in a local pub. We then biked over to Dún Eochla, another ancient fort with sweeping views across the island.
We would have liked to try and see “The Wormhole,” but we were warned ahead of time that it can be tricky to find and people often get lost. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to risk it, but it looks super cool!
We wrapped up the day at Ti Joe Watty’s Pub for one more Guinness before flying back to Connemara in the afternoon.
From there, we drove to Clifden, where we had dinner and enjoyed some music at a pub before settling in for the night.
Read More: Inishmore (Inis Mór) Day Trip from Galway
Day 2: Diamond Hill Hike, Connemara National Park
We drove to Connemara National Park to hike Diamond Hill. The lower trail is relatively approachable, but the upper trail becomes steep, rocky, and very exposed — especially in the wind. While it’s listed as a moderate hike, the conditions made it challenging, and the wind near the summit was intense.
That said, the payoff was incredible. The 360-degree views over the surrounding mountains, coastline, and boglands were some of the best of the entire trip.
After the hike, we visited Kylemore Abbey, a historic Benedictine monastery and Victorian estate set on a lake in Connemara. It’s definitely worth a quick stop – you can do some shopping or just walk around the gorgeous grounds!
We then drove Sky Road along the Wild Atlantic Way at sunset — a stretch of road that truly lives up to its reputation.
We ended the night back in Clifden with dinner and traditional music in a local pub, which felt like the perfect way to wrap up our time in West Ireland.
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Day 5: Clifden to Dublin & Departure
On our final day, we drove 3.5 hours back to Dublin from Clifden and caught our flight home from Dublin Airport.
Final Thoughts: Is November a Good Time to Visit Ireland?
After experiencing it ourselves, the answer is yes — if you plan smart.
Why November works:
- Fewer crowds
- Lower accommodation prices
- Cozy pub culture
- Dramatic landscapes and moody skies
Christmas markets starting in cities like Galway
Things to plan for:
- Shorter daylight hours
- Cold and windy conditions (especially on the west coast)
- Layered clothing and waterproof gear
This itinerary felt like the perfect balance of cities, nature, and culture for a quick November trip to Ireland — without feeling rushed or overcrowded.
Questions about visiting Ireland in November and this 5-day itinerary? Leave a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram!
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xx Chels
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Galway was such a fun base (great food and pubs), Connemara’s landscapes were stunning even in the rain, and the Aran Islands felt like stepping back in time. It can be chilly and windy, but if you layer up, it just adds to the atmosphere.
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