10 Days UK & Ireland Itinerary
Embark on a 10-day journey through the UK and Ireland, experiencing the highlights of London, Edinburgh, Dublin, and Galway. This trip balances historical exploration with cultural immersion, offering a taste of the best each city has to offer.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$2500-3500
Best Time
May-September (for milder weather and longer daylight hours)
Activities
60
Daily Avg
USD300/day
Cities
London (2d), Edinburgh (1d), Dublin (1d), Edinburgh (2d), Dublin (2d), Galway (1d), Dublin (1d)
Pace
Fast
This combination offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Explore iconic landmarks in London and Edinburgh, then immerse yourself in the vibrant Irish culture of Dublin and Galway, experiencing the best of both island nations.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 12 must-have experiences
Historical Landmarks
Day 3: Edinburgh Castle
Literary Pub Crawls
e.g., London Literary Pub Crawl, Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
Live Music
Day 7: Traditional Irish Music Session
Scenic Walks
Day 6: Hike Arthur's Seat
Museum Visits
Day 2: British Museum
Whiskey/Guinness Tasting
Day 7: Guinness Storehouse
Royal History
Day 1: Buckingham Palace
Cathedrals and Churches
e.g., St. Paul's Cathedral (London), St Giles' Cathedral (Edinburgh)
Day Trip to the Countryside
e.g., Scottish Highlands (from Edinburgh), Cotswolds (from London)
Shopping Experiences
Day 9: Wander through Shop Street
Traditional Irish Culture
Day 7: Traditional Irish Music Session
Parks and Gardens
e.g., Regent's Park (London), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The UK and Ireland boast a diverse culinary landscape, blending traditional comfort food with modern gastronomic innovation. From hearty pub fare to fresh seafood and innovative vegetarian options, there's something to satisfy every palate. Expect regional variations and a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes
Deep-fried battered fish (usually cod or haddock) served with thick-cut fried potatoes. A true British classic, best enjoyed with salt, vinegar, and mushy peas.
📍 Coastal towns, pubs, dedicated fish and chip shops
A hearty breakfast consisting of sausages, bacon, eggs, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and black pudding (in the UK) or white pudding (in Ireland). A great way to start the day!
📍 Cafes, pubs, hotels
Roasted meat (beef, lamb, pork, or chicken) served with roasted potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy. A traditional Sunday meal.
📍 Pubs, restaurants on Sundays
A minced lamb (or beef) pie topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. A comforting and flavorful dish.
📍 Pubs, restaurants
Food Neighborhoods
Known for its curry houses.
Known for its diverse range of artisan foods and produce.
Known for its traditional pubs and Irish cuisine.
Known for its diverse restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in larger cities. Many restaurants offer clearly marked menus indicating allergens (gluten, nuts, dairy, etc.). Halal food is also available in areas with large Muslim populations. When in doubt, ask your server about ingredients and preparation methods.
It's customary to tip 10-15% in restaurants if service is not included. In pubs, it's not necessary to tip the bartender. It's considered polite to say 'please' and 'thank you'. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from locals.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
AugustThe world's largest arts festival, attracting large crowds and impacting accommodation availability.
St. Patrick's Day
MarchCelebrated throughout Ireland with parades and festivities.
Notting Hill Carnival
AugustA vibrant street festival in London celebrating Caribbean culture.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From Heathrow, take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, then the Underground (Circle or District line) to St. James's Park station.FREE
11:00 AM - Buckingham Palace
Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony (check schedule beforehand) and admire the palace exterior.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walking distance from Buckingham Palace.$25
01:00 PM - Lunch near St. James's Park
Enjoy a casual lunch at a cafe or pub near St. James's Park. Many options available.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Lunch
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- 🚶Walk through St. James's Park to Westminster Abbey.$35
02:00 PM - Westminster Abbey
Explore the historic abbey, the coronation church of British monarchs.
Book on Klook - 🚶Adjacent to Westminster Abbey.FREE
04:30 PM - Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Admire the iconic Houses of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben).
Book on Klook - 🚶Walking distance from Houses of Parliament.$30
06:00 PM - Dinner in Westminster
Find a restaurant or pub in Westminster for dinner.
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- 🚶Walk along the Thames from Westminster.$40
07:30 PM - London Eye (Optional)
Take a ride on the London Eye for panoramic views of the city (Optional, may exceed budget).
Book on Klook
South Bank
Close to many attractions, good transport links, and vibrant atmosphere.
📅 Best Time to Visit
May-September (for milder weather and longer daylight hours)
The weather is generally mild, but can be unpredictable. Expect occasional rain showers and varying temperatures.
May-September offers the most pleasant weather and longest daylight hours, making it the peak tourist season.
Bank holidays in the UK and Ireland can affect opening hours and transportation schedules.
Getting Around
London Underground, buses, and national rail
Oyster Card / Contactless
Use contactless or Oyster for London transport.
Travel
USD 300-500 (flights, trains, ferries)Accommodation
USD 80-150 per night (moderate hotels, guesthouses)Food
USD 50-75 per day (mix of restaurants and budget-friendly options)Activities
USD 300-500 (tours, entry fees)Utilize budget airlines and trains for inter-city travel. Consider overnight buses to save on accommodation costs.
Look for guesthouses or budget hotels outside the city center. Consider staying in hostels for a social and budget-friendly option.
Take advantage of free activities like walking tours and visiting parks. Eat at local pubs and markets for affordable meals.
- Purchase an Oyster card in London for easy travel on public transport.
- Book train tickets in advance, especially between London and Edinburgh, for better prices.
- Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour in each city for a good overview.
- Pack for all types of weather, as conditions can change quickly.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Gaelic for a more immersive experience in Ireland.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Rain jacket
- 3Layers of clothing
- 4Universal adapter
- 5Reusable water bottle
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance for peak season (summer) or popular events, 1-3 months for off-peak. Early booking secures better prices and availability.
Visa / Entry Requirements
Check specific visa requirements for your nationality for both the UK and Ireland well in advance (at least 3 months). Rules vary, especially post-Brexit.
Popular Attraction Tickets
Book high-demand attractions like Warner Bros Studio Tour (London), Book of Kells (Dublin), Edinburgh Castle, or Stonehenge day trips several weeks to months ahead, as they often sell out or require timed entry.
Inter-city Train Tickets
For long-distance train journeys, especially on popular routes (e.g., London to Edinburgh, Dublin to Galway), book 'Advance' tickets online as far as 12 weeks ahead for significant savings.
Rental Car (if driving outside cities)
Book at least 1-2 months in advance, particularly if you need an automatic transmission. Be aware of driving on the left and often narrow roads.
eSIM / Physical SIM
Purchase and activate an eSIM before departure, or plan to buy a physical SIM upon arrival to ensure immediate connectivity.
Travel Insurance
Arrange comprehensive travel insurance immediately after booking your trip to cover unforeseen cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Vodafone stores at airports or city centers
📍 TravelWifi website (pre-order and delivery to your hotel or airport pickup)
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some public areas. However, the quality and speed can vary. It's generally reliable in major cities, but may be spotty in more rural areas.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM upon arrival for reliable and affordable data access. Check with your mobile provider for international roaming options, but they are typically more expensive. Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip. Be aware of data roaming charges if you don't have a local SIM.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Three rectangular pins (UK style)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10–15% if no service charge
Round up or 10%
£1–2 per bag
Check if service is included. If not, 10–15% is standard.
Safety & Travel Advisories
The UK and Ireland are generally safe for tourists. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
999
999
999
999 or 112 for all emergencies
Payments
Cash declining — many places are card-only
Universally accepted
Ubiquitous
Contactless payment is king. Many places no longer accept cash.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
May to September is generally considered the best time to visit, offering milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
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