FIVE DAY ITINERARY: Aer Lingus 26th trans-Atlantic destination Raleigh-Durham

Travellers heading to the Research Triangle region in late 2025 will find Raleigh and Durham providing a straightforward base for exploration, with easy access to museums, parks, and trails that suit a relaxed pace.

Raleigh took shape in 1792 as the planned capital of North Carolina, laid out in a tidy grid to house government buildings amid oak-lined streets. Durham grew from a 19th-century railroad stop into a tobacco processing centre, with factories lining its core until the mid-20th century, when universities and research labs began reshaping the landscape. Both cities connect seamlessly via highways and paths, allowing visitors to move between them without much hassle, while the Raleigh-Durham International Airport serves as a central arrival point.

A five-day itinerary starting in Raleigh and shifting to Durham allows time to cover key spots at a comfortable rhythm.

On day one, begin in downtown Raleigh at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, where exhibits on ecosystems and dinosaurs fill multiple floors, followed by a walk through the adjacent North Carolina Museum of History to see displays on state settlement and industry. Lunch at a nearby spot with barbecue plates leads into an afternoon at Pullen Park, the fifth-oldest amusement park in the United States, complete with a vintage carousel and boat rentals on its lake. End the day strolling the grounds of the North Carolina State Capitol, a Greek Revival building from 1840 open for self-guided tours.
Day two focuses on art and nature in Raleigh, starting at the North Carolina Museum of Art, which houses a collection of European paintings and modern sculptures across its indoor galleries. The museum’s park outside offers trails dotted with outdoor installations, perfect for a morning hike before picnicking amid the trees. In the afternoon, head to Umstead State Park for more wooded paths and lake views, with options for biking along paved routes. Dinner in the North Hills area brings casual dining with local brews to wrap up the day.
Shift to Durham on day three, arriving at the Museum of Life and Science, a hands-on site with indoor exhibits on physics and outdoor areas featuring bears and butterflies. After exploring the butterfly house and aviaries, move to the nearby Eno River State Park for a short trail walk along the water, where rocky outcrops provide spots to pause. The evening calls for a meal in downtown Durham, sampling farm-to-table dishes at established eateries.
Day four centres on Duke University’s campus in Durham, beginning with the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, 55 acres of formal terraces and ponds threaded by walking paths. Continue to the Nasher Museum of Art for contemporary works in its galleries, then tour the Gothic-style Duke Chapel, known for its stained-glass windows and stone details. Afternoon time at the American Tobacco Campus allows browsing shops in repurposed factory buildings, with a relaxed dinner overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
On day five, wrap up in Durham with a visit to the Duke Lemur Center, home to over 200 primates in outdoor habitats viewable by guided tour. Follow with a drive along the American Tobacco Trail, a 22-mile path for easy cycling through fields and forests. Before departing, stop at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park for a look at the historic baseball field, then head back toward the airport or Raleigh for the journey home