7 night trip to ireland

The Ultimate Itinerary for 7 Days in Ireland

Ireland is one of the most beloved countries in Europe, if not the world, because of its 50 shades of green, medieval castles, iconic movie/TV filming locations, scenic drives, delicious cuisine, world-renowned whiskey, and more. Though Ireland is a small country, it has so much to see and explore. Truth be told, 7 days in Ireland was not enough for us because of the number of cities and castles we wanted to explore. 

So I highly recommend spending at least 7 days in Ireland, especially if it is your first trip to the Emerald Isle. And if you are the type of traveler wanting to see it all during your first trip to a new destination, you will definitely want to read through my ultimate itinerary for 7 days in Ireland.

This itinerary is not for the faint of heart, it is for those daring to experience it all. I packed this itinerary to be as perfect as possible, including a day in Northern Ireland. From castles to Star Wars  and  Game of Thrones  filming locations , beautiful landscapes, driving on the Ring of Kerry, touring the famous Jameson Distillery, watching a traditional Irish dance show and more.

So whether you copy this itinerary day by day, or take little bits and pieces to create your own itinerary – this post of 7 days in Ireland has it all!

My itinerary for driving 7 days in Ireland is almost a complete circle of the country that starts and finishes in Dublin. It is all based on my first-hand experience and includes where to stay, places you must visit, tidbits of what you can do with additional time, and more.

At the end of this post, I hope you will walk away with a wealth of information to help plan your own trip to Ireland.

Full disclaimer –  Our post may contain affiliate links. When you click on the link you will have the option to purchase a product at no extra cost to you, but we would receive a small commission. We want to thank everyone for following and supporting us on all of “Our Sweet Adventures.” 

The Best Time to Visit Ireland

In my opinion, I think the best time to visit Ireland is in early May. The trees and flowers should be at full bloom, the weather is fantastic (give or take some rainy days per usual), and there are fewer crowds which mean lower costs as well.

Other great times to visit Ireland are during St. Patricks Day, April, early June, September, and October. After experiencing Oktoberfest in Munich , we can only imagine how much fun St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland must be. However, there are some sights that are not open yet. Some of the “touristy” destinations to visit and tours to enjoy only open after Easter weekend.

If you plan to visit Ireland between late June through August, be prepared for long waiting times to kiss the Blarney Stone or crowds of people along the Cliffs of Moher.

Best Way to Get Around Ireland

The best way to get around Ireland and truly enjoy everything the Emerald Isle has to offer is by renting a car. If you are not used to driving on the left side of the road, do not be discouraged – it is a lot easier than you would think! Furthermore, you can also find automatic cars at a reasonable price.

Here are a few helpful driving tips for an Ireland road trip :

• BUY trip insurance and make sure it covers third-party vehicles. Whether you purchase it through the rental company or through another party, you must have insurance to rent vehicles in Ireland.
• Get comfortable sharing tiny roads. Take your time and allow other cars to pass before you continue.
• Avoid tolls – it not only saves money, but you also get to enjoy Ireland’s beautiful landscape.
• The speedometer and speed signs in Ireland are in KPH, but if you drive to Northern Ireland it changes to MPH.

7 Days in Ireland Itinerary

It took us a long time to come up with the perfect 7 days in Ireland itinerary due to the fact that we wanted to see as much of the Emerald Isle, including Northern Ireland, as possible. The website that helped us plan our Ireland trip is Furkot . It allows you to place each destination you want to visit with the desired time you want to stay. Then it calculates your entire trip with the exact times of when you need to arrive and leave at each destination – it is amazing. To give you an idea of what our 7 days in Ireland itinerary looks like, here is a map.

Day 1: Dublin to Donegal

Day 2: Donegal to Galway

Day 3: Galway to Dromoland Castle – 1 hour

Day 4:  Dromoland Castle to Killarney – 3 hours 15 minutes

Day 5: Killarney to Cork – 1 hour

Day 6: Cork to Dublin – 3 hours 15 minutes

Day 7: Dublin to Flying Home

Day 1: Begin your 7 Days in Ireland Itinerary from Dublin to the Causeway Coast and Donegal

If you love Game of Thrones and beautiful landscapes, then you will LOVE this first day. Once you arrive in Dublin (in the morning), pick up your rental car and hit the left side of the road! This will be a very long, but rewarding day. You start in Dublin, then make your way to Northern Ireland and finish in Donegal.

There is so much beauty to explore and see that you will feel like your next 7 days in Ireland cannot top this first day. I know it seems daunting to drive this far on your first day in Ireland, but trust me, you do not want to miss Northern Ireland and the Causeway Coast.

Visit Your First Irish Castle at Malahide Castle

What better way to start your 7 days in Ireland than with a medieval castle? The first stop is to Malahide Castle. A very picturesque castle you cannot miss in Ireland that dates back to the 12th century. There is plenty to enjoy at Malahide Castle. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the castle, step into the beautiful butterfly house and take a stroll through the botanical garden and fairy trail.

Stroll through the Dark Hedges

Whether you are taking an epic Game of Thrones tour or just love beautiful landscapes, you cannot miss walking through the “Kings Road”. To put it simply, the Dark Hedges are absolutely stunning in person. As a  Game of Thrones fan, I truly felt like I was in Westeros. Just be sure you time this destination well because if you go between 10am to 1pm, you will most likely be fighting the crowds like you are fighting to sit on the Iron Throne.

Walk Across Carrick-a-Rede Bridge

Walking across the famous Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is one of the most popular and sought out experiences to enjoy in Northern Ireland. The 60-foot long rope bridge is about 100 feet above the water and links the mainland of Northern Ireland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. You must visit the ticket booth in-person to pay for a specific time slot to walk across the bridge. So it is recommended to get your ticket in case the next time slot is all taken and you have to wait.

Find Yourself Mesmerized at Giants Causeway

This is by the far the most beautiful landscape in Northern Ireland and should not be missed during your trip! Giants Causeway is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the most visited site in Northern Ireland. Visitors can easily spend at least an hour exploring and walking along the amazing hexagonal stepping stones. They also have a state of the art visitor center where you can learn more about the history and formation of Giants Causeway.

Explore the Ruins of Dunluce Castle

This is one of the most dramatic landscapes and castles on the entire Emerald Isle. It is also the castle featured in Game of Thrones to create the Greyjoy Castle (or House of Greyjoy) on Pyke Island. When you visit Dunluce Castle, you can find archaeological digs that show Dunluce Town’s street grid system. Furthermore, after exploring the castles’ ruins, head down to the sea cove beneath the castle known as the Mermaid Cave – it is a true hidden gem.

Stay at a Castle Hotel Fit for Royalty

There is nothing more fitting than staying at a castle hotel on your first day in Ireland. So finish your day at Lough Eske Castle Hotel & Spa , a five-star hotel in Donegal, Ireland. In addition to feeling like royalty in a castle hotel, one of the best features of Lough Eske Castle is its award-winning spa. So relax and unwind at their Thermal Suite before you continue your 7 days in Ireland itinerary.

Total driving time:  5 hours and 35 minutes

Where to stay: Lough Eske Castle Hotel & Spa in Donegal or enjoy glamping in Ireland at Portsalon Luxury Camping.

If you have more time: Spend a day in Belfast, tour Bushmills Distillery

Places you cannot miss: Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, Giants Causeway

Day 2: Continue your 7 Days in Ireland Itinerary from Donegal to Galway

A trip to Ireland is not complete without a visit to Galway. So of course, I have included it in my 7 days in Ireland itinerary. There are so many beautiful places to visit just outside of the city including several different castles and a beautiful National Park. These remarkable places help break apart the long drive from Donegal to Galway.

Gaze Upon the Marvelous Benbulben

The first stop from Donegal to Galway is Sligo’s marvelous tabletop mountain called Benbulben. Whether you are hiking the trail to the top of Benbulben or gazing upon it from a grass field, it is a breathtaking sight not to be missed during your road trip in Ireland.

Try Handmade Chocolates by the Benedictine Nuns at Kylemore Abbey

Do you love chocolate and castles? If yes, you are going to be in heaven at Kylemore Abbey. The Kylemore Castle and Estate is one of the most iconic destinations in Ireland and the perfect place for a pit stop. The estate is 13,000 acres, so you will be able to stretch your legs and explore some beautiful places. Kylemore Abbey includes a Victorian Wall Garden, a neo-Gothic church, an Old Mausoleum and of course the castle itself. Furthermore, there is a chocolate kitchen where you can take a sneak peek inside the process of the Benedictine Nuns making Irish chocolate truffles and bars. Then head to the Craft & Design Gift Shop to take home some of the most delicious chocolates.

Enjoy a Luxurious Afternoon Tea at Ashford Castle

Check off the most luxurious item on your bucket list , afternoon tea at an Irish castle. More specifically at Ashford Castle, a five-star castle known to be one of the best hotels in the entire world. We have never experienced such luxury than at Ashford Castle and highly recommend this experience for your 7 days in Ireland itinerary. For only $50, you can enjoy unlimited tea from around the world, delicious pastries, scrumptious finger sandwiches, and fresh scones. Yes, I will say it again – everything in the afternoon tea experience is unlimited! Moreover, only guests of Ashford Castle can visit the estate. Whether they are staying at the hotel, dining for dinner, booked an activity, or having afternoon tea, only guests are able to pass through the gates. Trust me, you will want to be a guest to explore the castle grounds.

Sing and Drink the Night Away at Traditional Pubs in Galway

People visit Ireland for many reasons and a few include singing, dancing, and drinking in traditional pubs. One of the cities well known for all of those activities is the one and only, Galway, Ireland. So grab a pint of Guinness and enjoy the Irish culture and lifestyle.

Just note, that you will want to find your pub before 7pm because each one gets packed very quickly. Our friends and I had a very hard time finding our perfect pub at 9pm. A few of the best pubs in Galway are Taaffes Bar, Tig Coili, The Quays, Murphy’s, O’Connell’s, and Naughtons.

Of course, there are plenty of other things to do in Galway , so if you have more time, I recommend booking a Galway tour or exploring the city on your own.

Total driving time: 5 hours and 15 minutes

Where to stay: Eyre Square Hotel in Galway

If you have more time:  Visit Clifden Castle, spend an extra day in Galway

Places you cannot miss: Kylemore Abbey, Ashford Castle

Day 3: Dance Away from Galway to Sleep like Royalty at Dromoland Castle

This is one of the shortest drives during the 7 days in Ireland itinerary, so take your time and enjoy each destination. Furthermore, a few of these can be great day trips from Galway if you have extra time during your trip.

Visit Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle is one of the most visually stunning castles in Ireland . In addition to marveling at the castle towering over the bay, visitors can also experience a medieval banquet dinner. Though we did not have the time to enjoy the medieval banquet dinner, we have heard nothing but great reviews. So if you have more time than 7 days in Ireland, you should definitely take a step back in time and enjoy this Irish experience.

Eat Chocolate at Hazel Mountain

Leave it to Our Sweet Adventures to find the best chocolate in Ireland. As a former pastry chef, I was more than impressed with the quality, creativity, and flavor of the chocolates by Hazel Mountain. It is perfectly located between Galway and the Cliffs of Moher to get your healthy dosage of chocolate.  Which is why I made sure to include Hazel Mountain in my 7 days in Ireland itinerary. Hazel Mountain is a boutique bean to bar chocolate factory and shop producing handmade chocolate truffles and bars. They only use the finest ingredients in Ireland including milk from local grass-fed cows, seaweed, honey, lavender and of course, whiskey. Be sure to make your own little truffle box featuring their special flavors of the week to enjoy at home.

Explore Ruins at Corcomroe Abbey

Corcomroe Abbey is a great little pitstop to explore more of Ireland’s beautiful ruined abbeys. It was built during the 13 th century and a lot of the structure remains intact. So you can get a real sense of the magnitude the abbey had during its time. It is truly a stunning and picturesque building inside and out. Inside Corcomoroe Abbey are high archways and some incredible carvings throughout the abbey. Just outside the building is a small graveyard with several different tombstones that have also been well preserved.   

Marvel the Cliffs of Moher

Of course, an Ireland itinerary is not complete without a visit to the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher is without a doubt, Ireland’s most popular attraction and beloved sight amongst locals and tourists. It is best to visit as early in the morning as possible to beat the crowds and to capture incredible photos with the morning light. However, with this itinerary, it is unlikely you will be able to visit before 9am. So as long as you visit on a weekday and outside of the months of July and August, you will be okay to visit in the afternoon. Another important tip to acknowledge is the weather and walking trail. We have never experienced such high and dangerous winds than at the Cliffs of Moher, so make sure you read the weather hazard signs. Furthermore, the trail along the Cliffs of Moher is outside the managed service area, so read their safety guidelines and walk with caution. There are NO RAILINGS between you and the ocean. Respect the beauty of mother nature and stay safe.

Learn Falconry and Go Clay Shooting at Dromoland Castle

One of the most exciting and fun activities you can enjoy in Ireland is falconry and clay shooting. Both activities are widely popular throughout the country, so a lot of hotels in the countryside offer them to their guests. One hotel that offers great falconry and clay shooting lessons is at Dromoland Castle. We had the BEST time going for a walk with our falcon. Our guide would place food on our glove and the falcon would come soaring down to grab it – truly a surreal experience. As for clay shooting, that was another thrilling adventure. We each got 30 bullets (3 rounds of 10) to practice our shot and hit the clay flying in the air. Furthermore, we also had the amazing opportunity to stay at Dromoland Castle and live like a King and Queen. I highly recommend everyone booking at least one night at Dromoland Castle to enjoy luxurious accommodations, fun activities, and delicious cuisine.

Total driving time:  2 hours and 40 minutes

Where to stay: Dromoland Castle

If you have more time:  Visit Burren National Park

Places you cannot miss:  Cliffs of Moher, Hazel Mountain Chocolate

Day 4: Drive Along the Dingle Peninsula to Killarney

On this day you will continue to drive along the Wild Atlantic Way and begin your scenic route on the Dingle Peninsula. Though this day might be a semi-long drive, it will be one of the most beautiful drives of your life. Moreover, a 7 day in Ireland itinerary is not complete without some Star Wars fandom. In addition to an amazing scenic route, this is also a great day for any Star Wars lovers because a lot of the Star Wars: The Last Jedi scenes were filmed along the Dingle Peninsula. So let the force be with you during your trip to Killarney.

Visit King John’s Castle

King John’s Castle is one of the more visitor-friendly castles in Ireland and is located in Limerick. The castle is not only fun to explore, but it also includes an engaging exhibit for all ages. The exhibit features touchscreen technology, 3D models, animated projections and an activity room for children. One of our favorite places in King John’s Castle was the top of a battlement which had an amazing 360° panorama view of the city.

Enjoy the Scenic Drive Along the Dingle Peninsula

We saw so many beautiful landscapes throughout Ireland, but none took our breath away like the Dingle Peninsula. We have even driven along the Amalfi Coast and the Dingle Peninsula is almost unmatched. For most of the route, you are driving along dramatic cliffs towering over on one side, while the other side has the endless ocean crashing into the shore. Be prepared to make frequent stops along the Dingle Peninsula for some short hikes up grassy hills to find spectacular views. Words will never be able to describe how stunning this drive is, so it is best you see it for yourself!

Take the Epic Picture at Dunquin Harbour

The best and most popular stop along the Dingle Peninsula is Dunquin Harbour. Why? It is one of the most “Instagrammable” destinations in Ireland. So get your camera ready to take one epic photo. Of course, travel is not about Instagram, so take in the precious moment enjoying one of the most beautiful spots in Ireland.

Visit the Most Western Point of Ireland

Dunmore Head is the most western point in Ireland and features two great places to visit, a beach and an awesome view at the top of the hill. We had the best time at Slea Head Beach, as did many other tourists, surfers, and dogs. Slea Head Beach is known as one of the best beaches in Ireland and we could see why. It is a very lively and safe beach to find hidden coves and watch the waves crash into the towering cliffs. At the top of Dunmore Head, you can see the Great Blasket Islands. More importantly, Dunmore Head is used as part of Ahch-To, a.k.a. the planet in Star Wars  known as the birthplace of the Jedi Order. If you look hard enough along Dunmore Head’s coastline, you might be able to find Luke Skywalker’s X-wing hidden just beneath the water.

Visit the Famous Star Wars Beehives Huts

You do not have to travel to Skellig Michael to find the famous Star Wars beehive huts. The beehive huts can be found driving along Ireland’s scenic Slea Head Drive . You do have to pay 3 euros to visit the beehive huts, but for 3 euros they are definitely worth it. The beehive huts, more formerly known as Ceann Sibéal, existed long before Star Wars . They date back to the prehistoric times, around 2,000 B.C., which is quite incredible. So either take out your lightsaber and feel the force or enjoy some remarkable architecture from the prehistoric times.

Have a Scoop of Ice Cream at Murphy’s

You cannot visit Ireland without enjoying a scoop of ice cream or sorbet from Murphy’s. Murphy’s ice cream has become a little empire in Ireland that started it Dingle and has grown to 5 more locations throughout the country. What makes Murphy’s special is its quality of ingredients. They receive their milk from the Kerry cows, (some of the best cows in the world), use free-range eggs, organic sugar, sea salt from the Dingle sea water and distill Dingle rain to make their sorbets. Murphy’s ice cream is the true definition of sourcing from local resources and farmers. Their dedication truly shows in every lick and bite of ice cream and/or sorbet you enjoy. Furthermore, everyone welcomes you with warm hospitality and their flavor combinations are genius!

Total driving time:  4 hours and 57 minutes

Where to stay:  Cahernane House Hotel

If you have more time:  Visit Inch beach, Skellig Michael and spend an extra day in Dingle

Places you cannot miss:  Dunquin Harbour, driving along the Dingle Peninsula, ice cream at Murphy’s

Day 5: Drive Along the Ring of Kerry to Cork

As you continue your 7 days in Ireland itinerary, you will be driving along another amazing and scenic route, the Ring of Kerry . This drive is more about the beautiful Irish countryside than the Dingle Peninsula. You will also explore several different destinations within Killarney National Park and finish your day with a glass of Jameson.

Visit Ross Castle

Ross Castle is known as one of the strongest and more fortified castles in Ireland because of its defensive wall on the edge of Lake Lough Leane. It was built during the 15th century and still stands tall today. Visitors can explore the castle grounds within the fortified wall on their own or take a guided tour inside the castle.

Hike in Killarney National Park to Torc Waterfall

One of the best places to go hiking in Ireland is in Killarney National Park. Moreover, whether you are an avid hiker or do not hike at all, “hiking” to Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park is a must. I recommend you do this first thing in the morning as it is the most popular destination in Killarney National Park and can get very crowded. In addition, parking is very limited – we had to drive in circles for 30 minutes to find a parking spot just to “hike” five minutes to Torc Waterfall. With that said, everything is worth it when you walk through the beautiful green, mossy forest and come across the water cascading down some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscape.

Visit Muckross House and Gardens

Another fantastic place to visit within Killarney National Park is Muckross House and Gardens. Even if you do not take the guided tour inside Muckross House, just walking around the grounds of the estate to see architectural beauty is enough to make this a destination on your 7 days in Ireland itinerary. Furthermore, walking along Muckross Lake has some breathtaking views and is a great way to spend a nice day in Ireland.

Getting Lost at Muckross Abbey

Visiting Muckross Abbey was one of our favorite experiences in Ireland because it was exactly what we imagined Ireland to be – exploring ruins on our own and getting lost along the way. Muckross Abbey looks just like all of the other ruins in Ireland from the outside, but in the inside, it escapes you into another world. I remember following Adam into a corridor of Muckross Abbey and one minute later not being able to find him for another twenty minutes.

There are several grand opening areas that connect with little nooks that you can travel through until you find another huge room to explore. Then you come across the most beautiful tree in the middle of a courtyard surrounded by stone walls. Needless to say, Muckross Abbey will surprise you with its hidden beauty and you will feel like you have been transported back in time.

Scenic Drive on the Ring of Kerry

Every road trip in Ireland needs to include the Ring of Kerry. This driving route is famous for a very good reason – it is truly breathtaking and one of the most beautiful roads in the world that you will ever encounter in your life.

Two of the most photographic landscapes along the Ring of Kerry are Moll’s Gap and Gap of Dunloe. Both are very close to Killarney National Park which makes day-5 the perfect time to visit for your 7 days in Ireland itinerary. Just make sure you drive slow to not only take in every moment but to also find little parking spots to jump out and take photos.

Kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle

If you plan to visit any castle in Ireland, you must include Blarney Castle during your 7 days in Ireland. It is one of the most famous castles in the world due to the legendary Blarney Stone. Visitors travel near and far to wait in line just to place their lips upon the cold, wet Blarney Stone and receive the gift of eloquence.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! In addition to the Blarney Stone, this was our favorite castle because it was so much fun to explore. Like Muckross Abbey, there are so many levels with little nooks and crannies that you can easily get lost and feel transported back in time.

Drink Liquid Gold at the Jameson Distillery

Regardless if you drink whiskey, visiting the Jameson Distillery is a must for any trip to Ireland. I do not like any whiskey and even I had a great time. Of course, Jameson is Adam’s favorite whiskey, so he had the BEST time! The guided tour takes visitors throughout the distillery to learn about Jameson’s history, the entire process of making Irish whiskey and what makes Jameson special. The tour lasts around 75 minutes and finishes with a complimentary glass of Jameson.

Total driving time:  3 hours

Where to stay:  Hotel Isaacs Cork in Cork or if you prefer a country house outside of the city, try Ballymaloe Country House Hotel

If you have more time: Visit a cheese factory in West Cork , the English Market, Blackrock Castle Observatory, and the city of Cobh.

Places you cannot miss:  Torc Waterfall, Muckross Abbey, driving the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, and Jameson Distillery

Day 6: Finish your 7 days in Ireland Itinerary in Dublin

After 6 days of driving, it is time to relax, drink, eat and explore in the capital of Ireland – Dublin. I cannot think of a better city to finish an epic trip throughout the country than Dublin. The city is vibrant in culture, tradition, and charm.

Explore Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel is the most stunning fortress you will ever see. It sits on top of a hill towering over the city of Cashel. The fortress has several different elements to it that were all built during different periods of time. It has a complete 11th century round tower, a 12th-century Romanesque chapel, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, a 15th century Hall of the Vicars Chora and a dramatic Gothic graveyard with beautiful Celtic high crosses.

You will find yourself mesmerized by the sheer magnitude of the fortress when you are exploring within the ruins. Furthermore, you can also drive down to Hore Abbey to wander through more ruins that are similar to the ones found at Rock of Cashel.

Visit Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle is one of the very few castles in Ireland that truly let visitors see countless rooms. One of the more well-known rooms is the picture gallery wing with several beautiful portraits hanging on a vibrant red wall.

Another great feature of Kilkenny Castle is the ability to take a guided tour of the castle or a self-guided tour using an informational pamphlet. Overall, it is an amazing castle inside and out that should not be missed.

Explore the Heart of Ireland in Dublin

Exploring the streets of Dublin is the perfect way to finish your 7 days in Ireland itinerary. Simply because it is extremely difficult to drive within the city. Better yet, enjoy one of the best walking tours in Dublin . This is a great way to explore the city.

If you venture out on your own – a few Dublin attractions you should not miss are the Guinness Storehouse, The Brazen Head and The Temple Bar. Some other  things to do in Dublin  that do not involve alcohol are Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ha’penny Bridge, St. Stephen’s Green, Kilmainham Goal, and Trinity College Library, the  most Instagrammable place in Dublin .

Traditional Irish Dance and Craic

There is no better way to spend your last night in Ireland than with traditional Irish food , dancing, music, and craic. So, visit Johnnie Fox’s Pub to experience one of the best nights of your life. Johnnie Fox’s Pub is not only the highest pub in Dublin but also one of the best pubs in Ireland .  

With that said, it is not easy to get to, so I highly recommend booking their shuttle bus. Furthermore, the pub has a wide variety of traditional Irish cuisine and nightly live music, but the real treat is their Hooley Show. Our night at Johnnie Fox’s Pub was one of our favorite experiences of our entire 7 days in Ireland.

The entire show was outstanding! The band played Irish music we had never heard before and then some favorites like Galway Girl and Whiskey in a Jar. In between songs they would tell stories and crack jokes (craic) and then towards the end of the show the Irish dancers came on stage. I honestly cannot put words onto paper (online) to give this show justice so you will have to trust me when I say, go to Johnnie Fox’s Pub Hooley Night!

Total driving time:  3 hours and 33 minutes

Where to stay:  Cliff Townhouse

If you have more time:  Spend an extra day in Dublin and take a day trip to Bray and the Wicklow Mountains

Places you cannot miss:  Rock of Cashel, Trinity College Library, Temple Bar and the Hooley Show at Johnnie Fox’s Pub

Day 7: Fly Home

Unfortunately, all great things must come to an end. On your last day in Ireland, enjoy more of Dublin. Visit any destinations you might have missed the day before or just take a leisurely walk with a cup of coffee and reminisce all the great memories you created over the last 6 days.

Before you know it, you will be back on a plane going home wishing you had one more pint of Guinness or glass of Jameson at a local pub in the land of the Irish.

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Nicci Strickland

Saturday 30th of March 2024

This post has been so helpful planning our trip! We’re doing a 31 day trip to London, Scotland, and Ireland. With 8/9 days in Ireland!

I love all the things you have set to do but am curious if you felt like it was slightly too rushed? Did you get time to still enjoy everything?

Trying to finalize our trip for September.

oursweetadventures

Monday 1st of April 2024

Hi Nicci, I’m so happy to hear that! Sounds like an epic trip! It was definitely slightly rushed but with 8/9 days you should be fine. I think if we don’t have one night at Dromoland Castle, then we could have spent one extra day in Galway or Dublin. That said, if we had an extra day and bigger budget, we would have actually done two nights at Dromoland Castle to relax and enjoy the activities on site. Hope that helps :)

Thursday 29th of February 2024

WOW!! what a list - we have it all plotted on our google maps. Heading to Ireland March 4th 2024

Monday 4th of March 2024

That's awesome! I hope y'all have a wonderful trip!

Monday 5th of February 2024

Hi! we are planning our trip from your itinerary! We will have one extra day- where would you recommend adding this day?

Wednesday 7th of February 2024

Hi Hailey, I love hearing that! I would definitely spend an extra day around the Dingle Peninsula. Or if you are staying at a castle hotel, I would spend time relaxing and enjoying activities. I hope you have a great trip! Let me know if you have any further questions.

Julie Gilbert

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

I am interested in this exact 7 days in Ireland. Do you tours for small groups?

Tony Terrell

Sunday 31st of December 2023

@oursweetadventures,

Great itinerary. We are using it as a template to create our own. A couple of questions I had was…we are going at the beginning of Oct 2024 do you know of anything in your itinerary that is closed during this time? Also how far in advance did you get tickets for the different things you visited? Again thank you for a very well thought out vacation.

On a side note have you visited France? We are looking to either move to Ireland or France.

Monday 25th of December 2023

Hi, thats awesome to hear! Unfortunately, I do not organize tours. We did this by renting a car.

Sunday 18th of June 2023

Very helpful information, certainly we will use it for our 7 days trip. One questions, have you visit Slieve League? Is that too far for 2nd day schedule? thank you.

Saturday 24th of June 2023

Hi, I’m so happy to hear my guide has been helpful for your trip. I do think it’s too far away. We wanted to explore more of Northwest Ireland but didn’t have time for it.

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The Perfect 7-Day Ireland Itinerary

Ireland is a country filled with vast expanses of nature, alongside busy cities and festivals filled with friendly people, a rich and complex history, and some of the world’s best stout and whiskey. It’s an easy international travel destination that a lot of would be travelers are interested in based on their heritage or fascination with castles and rolling hills of green.

If you’re considering a trip to Ireland, we are sure you’re going to love it. Below we are going to share our favorite 7-day Ireland itinerary, packed with all the places and things we like to do when we spend time in this beautiful country.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Ireland, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding things to do. That’s why we recommend putting together a clear itinerary before you go.

It’s a small country, but the distances to get from one side to another are still quite far, so you will spend a bit of time traveling. For that reason, it’s best to plan out all the other bits.

More on Ireland

13 Amazing Ireland Road Trips You’ll Love

10 Great Things to Do In Killarney, Ireland

Best Day Trips from Dublin in Ireland’s Ancient East

Essential Travel Guide to Dublin [Infographic]

Table of Contents

Planning Your Week In Ireland

Most travelers spend about a week in Ireland. If you have more than 7 days to spend, you’ll be rewarded with the ability to spend more time in each destination, so the route will feel more relaxed, and you’ll have time for more activities. I always recommend sticking with this itinerary of places to visit, but lengthen the number of days you stay in each.

If you’re planning to go alone, be sure to check out this guide to solo travel in Ireland to make sure you’re fully prepared.

There is no question that Ireland’s countryside is best enjoyed from one of the many castles or bed & breakfasts. For each stop below, we’ve tried to suggest a castle hotel that you can stay at, if available. Take a look at these 10 best castles in Ireland if you’d like to plan your trip around it.

Be sure to rent a car far enough in advance and procure the proper insurance. Ireland has mostly stick shift cars, so if you need an automatic you’ll have to book in advance! I recommend booking through DiscoverCars.com to get the best rate.

You might also want to consider hooking up a VPN (virtual private network) or your trip. You might be wondering what is a virtual private network . I use one whenever I travel. Getting a VPN for traveling abroad is essential especially if you’re using untrusted free public wi-fi. Even if you’re using a malicious hotspot, the hacker behind it won’t be able to monitor your activity.

Check out this travel guide before you go.

Most of the year, Ireland is chilly and drizzly. That’s the type of weather to expect. However, there are some periods of time when you’ll maybe see more blue sky and the temperature is slightly higher.

It’s generally quite mild. The temperature stays within a range of between 50-70° F. Summer months (July and August) enjoy long days when it doesn’t get dark until after 11pm.

April-May or September-October are shoulder seasons with decent weather, so that’s when I would go. Just make sure you take layers so you’ll be prepared for whatever change in weather occurs, and be prepared for lots of overcast skies. Also keep in mind that some tourist activities might not be open on the shoulder months.

How Much Does It Cost To Travel in Ireland

The cost of traveling in Ireland can vary depending on the time of year, mode of transportation, and level of accommodation. Generally speaking, Ireland is more expensive to visit during the peak tourist season from June to August. Prices for accommodation, food, and attractions tend to be higher during this time, and it is important to book in advance to secure the best deals.

Budget travelers can opt for hostels, B&Bs, and self-catering accommodations, which can be found at more reasonable prices.

Planning ahead, researching options for accommodation and transportation, and being mindful of spending can help keep costs down while still allowing for a memorable and enjoyable trip.

How to Get Around

You’re going to need a rental car to do this busy Ireland itinerary. The driving distance is 1000 kilometers (620 miles). There are ways to see some of the things on the itinerary without a car. For instance, there are tour companies going to Moher, Galway, and the Ring of Kerry from Dublin. These are each day trips. See below for our recommendations.

Tours to Consider

• Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin
• Blarney Castle Day Tour from Dublin Including Rock of Cashel & Cork City
• Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant’s Causeway from Dublin
• 5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin

A few things to remember about driving in Ireland are that you drive on the left, most rental cars are stick shift manuals, and you will need extra insurance. Unlike many other countries, you have to purchase Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance. If you’re relying on your credit card insurance, it won’t cover CDW insurance in Ireland.

The best way to rent a car in Ireland is to reserve the car you want online before arriving through your favorite car rental company. We use Hertz most often. Reserve an automatic if you must (remember that it will cost more!), and check your credit cards to see what insurance they will cover. Get your car at the Dublin airport so you can just head out from there on your first leg of the trip.

Tips For Traveling in Ireland

• Be prepared for the weather: Ireland is known for its rain and unpredictable weather, so make sure to pack accordingly with waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Plan ahead: Ireland is a popular tourist destination, so it’s important to book accommodations, tours, and attractions in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Explore beyond the major cities: While Dublin and other major cities are popular destinations, there are many charming small towns and scenic locations worth visiting throughout the country.
• Embrace the local culture: Ireland is known for its friendly people, traditional music, and pubs. Take the time to interact with locals, attend cultural events, and try traditional foods and drinks.
• Be respectful of local customs and etiquette: Irish culture has its own customs and etiquette, such as saying “hello” and “goodbye” when entering or leaving a shop, pub, or restaurant. It’s important to be mindful the local customs and show respect.
• Take your time: Ireland is a country meant to be savored and enjoyed. Take your time to explore, relax, and soak up the beauty and culture of the country.

7-Day Ireland Itinerary

This 7-day Ireland itinerary has you driving roughly 1,000 kilometers, round trip from Dublin, which is where most travelers fly into. If you have the option of flying into Shannon or Galway, you can start there and cut off the drive from Dublin to Ring of Kerry, but I don’t recommend that because then you’ll have to do a one-way car rental, which can be quite expensive.

Stops on the way:

• Start in Dublin
• Ring of Kerry
• Dingle Peninsula
• Killarney National Park
• End in Dublin

Since many people get into Ireland via Dublin, it’s fairly common to start a few days in Ireland with the capital city. However, we personally feel that Dublin is a location best suited to end your trip with a bang. Instead, we recommend beginning your Irish experience with the Ring of Kerry. However, you can do it either way – whatever suits you.

Map of Ireland Itinerary

Day 1: The Ring Of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a scenic route that stretches for 179 kilometers (111 miles) in a loop. If you’re driving yourself and are able to choose your own stops, we recommend:

• Gap of Dunloe – A narrow mountain pass that was formed by glaciers. The walk takes about 5 hours. It’s not advised to drive your own car along the route as it’s quite narrow.
• Staigue Fort – A ruined stone ringfort three miles west of Sneem, on the Iveragh peninsula. It’s still standing despite not being held together in any way.
• Skellig Islands – The Skelligs, a group of rocky islands that jut out of the Atlantic just off the coast of Co. Kerry, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kenmare – A colorful town called the Jewel of the Ring of Kerry that is known for its great pubs, and also the coastal village of Portmagee , which is just as colorful.

Day 2: Killarney National Park/Ballybunion

Killarney National Park is, in a word, stunning. It’s free to visit, and it’s close enough to the town of Killarney that you can cycle or hike from your accommodation. Take a tour by horseback through the park to enjoy the rugged mountain view.

• Torc Waterfall – 66-foot-high, 360-foot-long waterfall in Killarney National Park
• Ross Castle – Built by O’Donoghue Mór in the 15th century, the castle is perched on the edge of Lough Leane, in Killarney National Park.
• Muckross House and Gardens – This late-19th century mansion is the focal point of Killarney National Park. You can take a walk through the house to see the furnishings and artifacts of the period, and the gardens, no reservation needed.
• Cycling, Hiking, and Walking – One of the most popular ways to experience the park is by embarking on one of these activities. You can rent bikes at a few places in Killarney. There are many trails ranging from easy to difficult. One to start with is the Knockreer Circular Walk that takes about 2 hours and leaves from the Killarney House and Gardens.

If you’d like to return to Killarney for the night, Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant is a great place to enjoy good food and unwind after a busy day of exploring.

Where to Stay in Killarney

The town center of Killarney is very cute and walkable. We recommend staying just on the outskirts of the center at beautiful The Killarney Park .

• The Killarney Park — Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay

Day 3: The Dingle Peninsula

About a 2-hour drive from the Ring of Kerry, in the same county, is the Dingle Peninsula, which makes for an amazing day of sightseeing. 

Because of its location, you get an incredible view of the sea and the awesome cliffs, but there are also wild beaches and expansive fields to explore. 

• Slea Head Drive – We personally recommend doing the Slea Head Drive – a 30-kilometer loop that is a wonderful drive with stunning scenery. Slea Head is a headland on the westernmost part of the Dingle Peninsula and an iconic part of the Wild Atlantic Way. 
• Dingle Peninsula – The Dingle Peninsula also provides its fair share of Irish history, with the Gallarus Oratory which has been standing for over a thousand years! You’ll be able to learn all about this fascinating structure from the short film that now plays there for visitors. 
• Dingle Town – And of course, you can’t visit the Dingle Peninsula without stopping in Dingle Town! From the fishing port to the local whiskey and gin distillery , you’ll be captivated by the charm of this small town, with its rugged scenery, great array of trails and sandy beaches. 

If you’re lucky, you might even spot Fungi the Dingle dolphin , who has been known to interact with humans around the port.

Day 4: Moher

Ireland’s second biggest tourist attraction, after the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, is the Cliffs of Moher. These dramatic and stunning cliffs attract somewhere around 1.5 million visitors a year – and not just because they are featured in The Princess Bride (1987). 

Because of the masses of crowds, the parking lot and visitor center are almost always packed. You’ll want to plan your trip to avoid the height of it, which is from 11am to 4pm. Also, prepare for any type of weather. While it’s amazing to see the cliffs in the sun, it’s pretty possible you’ll get fog or even rain.

Tickets for adults cost $10 at peak times and $7 at off-peak times. Buy them online before you go for the best price. The ticket includes access to the cliffs, a cafe, restrooms, and a downloadable audio guide (be sure to bring headphones!).

• O’Brien’s Tower – A 10-min walk from the visitor center is O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835, where you can climb to the top for an even better view of the Aran Islands, the Twelve Bens of Connemara, and Galway Bay.
• Cliffs of Moher to Hag’s Head – I’d also suggest the coastal walk from the Cliffs of Moher to Hag’s Head, which takes about 2 hours round trip, with amazing views.

Tours To Book

If you don’t want to drive yourself to the cliffs, you can get a tour from Dublin. These tours are great because you can experience other exciting attractions in the area, such as Dunguaire Castle (which has been part of Ireland for more than 500 years) or the Kilfenora Celtic Crosses.

Here are the two tours I recommend:

• Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Galway Bay Rail Tour from Dublin

Another small village near the Cliffs of Moher that you may want to visit if you have time is Doolin. From there, you can also visit the Aran Islands, where you can book a pony-drawn carriage ride for an extra-special sight-seeing experience.

Day 5: Galway

It wouldn’t be a week in Ireland without spending time in Galway. Galway is extremely popular with tourists because of how picturesque and culturally vibrant it is. If you love art and music, Galway is likely to be one of your favorite stops on this Ireland itinerary. 

You’ll want to start out exploring the Latin Quarter and Quay Street, which are some of the busiest parts of Galway, with charming streets, pubs, and shops all mixed in together. Be sure to see the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square as you soak up the festive ambiance and maybe pop into a pub for a pint along the way.

I personally love walking along the promenade overlooking Galway Bay at Salthill. The promenade stretches all the way into Galway city and it takes about 30 minutes to walk.

The famous Quay Street Kitchen is one of the most highly reviewed restaurants in Galway. I suggest giving their creamy seafood chowder a try. Maybe grab a couple of pints at the iconic O’Connells Bar on Eyre Square, which is where Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl video was filmed.

If you have more time to spend in Galway, spend it at Connemara National Park. This park is free to enter and you can spend hours exploring the different trails, which provide many different kinds of views within just a few miles, ranging from areas of coastline to mountains and forests. 

» Try this tour: Galway Food Tours

Where to Stay in Galway

You might want to stay overnight in Ballynahinch Castle , which is one of Ireland’s best castle hotels and provides a secluded, magical experience within 700 acres of countryside, including rivers and woodland areas. 

Alternatively, there are plenty of other more budget-friendly accommodations available in Galway. The Clayton Hotel is a lovely, cozy environment

Stay in the center of the city to be easy walking distance from all of the charm it offers. Park House or the The Galmont are in good locations and have secure, covered parking.

• Park House — Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• The Galmont Hotel & Spa — Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay

Days 6 And 7: Dublin

Now it’s time to explore the country’s capital city: Dublin. As you might already have anticipated, there’s a lot to do in Dublin, so we recommend allocating 2 full days to exploring this city.

On your first day, you may want to get your bearings with a walking tour . This 90-minute walking tour will introduce you to the city, it’s history, and sights, including the Grand Post Office, Trinity College, Temple Bar, Christ Church Cathedral and more.

After the tour is a great time to visit the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Whiskey distillery. Even if you’re not a beer/whiskey drinker, these are fun and informative tours. You can get skip the line tickets for both here. It’s a good idea to reserve your tour in advance because this is one of Dublin’s most popular tourist activities. In addition to touring the storehouse, you’ll have the opportunity to pour your own pint of Guinness. 

Top Sights in Dublin

There are so many great things to do in Dublin that you’ll have to pick and choose what interests you most, since you can’t get around to everything. Here are some of the major highlights:

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral – the largest church in Ireland
• Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells – Ireland’s oldest university and home to the Book of Kells since 1661
• Christ Church Cathedral – Stunning architecture and it has a 12th-century crypt
• Dublin Castle – Probably not the grand castle you might be expecting, it was built in the early 13th century and has a lot of stories to tell.
• Ha’Penny Bridge – This historic bridge over the River Liffey was built back in 1816.
• Kilmainham Gaol- A former prison opened in 1796 that is now a museum.
• Walk through Temple Bar – A maze of narrow streets full of pubs and live music. Just avoid eating here as it’s very tourist and not great food. 
• St. Stephen’s Green – If you need a moment to relax and reset before heading back out into the fray, St. Stephen’s Green park has a pond and plenty of benches.

More Walking Tours

If you’re in the mood for another walking tour, here are some really fun ones:

• Delicious Dublin Food Tour – On this tour you’ll try local cheeses and chocolates, drop by bakeries and food halls, and learn about Dublin’s culinary history along the way.
• The Dark Dublin Walking Tour provides a different perspective of Ireland, exploring some of the more chilling aspects of Irish folklore, including a history of Samhain and legends relating to some of Dublin’s most famous buildings.

Where to Eat in Dublin

You might not think you’re going to find amazing food in Dublin, as Ireland is known as a meat and potatoes type place, but there has been a major culinary resurgence in Ireland in the last 10 years, bringing with it some great new trends and flavors.

One thing I would suggest is to avoid tourist hot spots when choosing your meals. There are lots of big restaurants, in Temple Bar for instance, that will pull you in, but you won’t get a good meal there and the price will be high. Instead, opt for places that are a little off the main streets.

I’ll suggest an unforgettable meal at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud . This fine dining restaurant has been at the heart of Dublin’s food industry for 40 years and specializes in French cuisine. Vegetarian options are available as well as an 8-course tasting menu.

• For Irish food – Clanbrassil House
• For Pizza – Dublin Pizza Company
• For Burgers – Bunsen
• For a great dining experience: Allta Wine Bar

Where to Stay in Dublin

Make sure to book your accommodation in advance because hotels in Dublin tend to get booked up ahead of time. We recommend Drury Court Hotel or the Westin Hotel , which are both in prime locations in the Temple Bar area, for walking around to the top sights. Another hotel I’ve enjoyed is the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel , which is just a little bit further outside of the main area, but still very walkable.

When staying in Dublin, it’s best to based the Temple Bar neighborhood. All of the attractions in town can be reached on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, so you’ll want a hotel close to a stop or two, and Temple Bar has the best concentration of restaurants, bars and shopping.

• Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin — Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• The Morrison, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel — Read reviews on  Trip Advisor
• The Croke Park — Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay

Where To Find The Best Castle Hotels

Everyone wants to stay in a castle! You’ll have the chance to do just that in Ireland. In fact, you could stay in a different castle every night or your trip and never run out of possibilities.

The most fairytale like hotel castle in Ireland is  Ashford Castle . It’s 800 years old and was once owned by the Guinness family. It’s now a 5-star luxury hotel.  Kilronan Castle  is another good, less expensive castle stay.

Kilkea Castle is just an hour away from Dublin and dates back tot he 12th century. There are 11 bedrooms within the castle itself, as well as a number of carriage rooms in the courtyard. The resort estate also has a spa, tennis courts, conference center, clubhouse, bar, and two restaurants.

Want the whole castle to yourself? Lismore Castle is available for exclusive hires only, meaning you and a party of between eight and 27 people can ‘move in’ to the castle for your stay. The experience is completely tailored to you and your special occasion, making it even more magical.  

» See more fairy tale castles in Ireland .

Extra Stops (Optional)

If you find yourself with more time to spare than you anticipated, or if you end up loving Ireland so much that you decide to extend your stay, here are a few additional activities to bulk up your itinerary: 

• Rock of Cashel  – It may not seem like it but parking is right up the narrow road right at the base of the hill.  It’s an automated parking system where you pay the machine when you’re leaving.  This parking costs 4.50 EUR.  To save money you could look at parking in town and walking up which isn’t too far either.
• Blarney Castle  – Be ready for lines up to kiss the Blarney Stone.  If you’re not in a rush, I recommend doing the other parts of the garden, waiting for the line to subside and then doing the castle itself.

Where to stay in Cork

• The River Lee  — Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay
• Hayfield Manor Hotel  — Read reviews on  Trip Advisor  |  Book a stay

• Kilkenny Castle – An absolute must-see in the heart of the city dating back to the 12th century.
• Kilkenny Design Shop – Located opposite the Kilkenny Castle. A treasure trove of  Irish arts , crafts and  Irish clothing .
• Smithwicks Experience – Ireland’s favourite ale is over 300 years old and very popular. A chance to sample Ireland’s second most famous export after Guinness!
• St Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower – a place of  Christian worship since the 6th century. A 100 foot round tower dating back to the 9th century stands beside the cathedral which can still be climbed to the top commanding stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Kytlers Inn – The oldest inn in Kilkenny with an intriguing history. Perfect for great Guinness, great food and some toe-tapping traditional Irish music.

Final Thoughts

Whilst this 7-day itinerary doesn’t cover all the incredible experiences you can have in Ireland (you’d need to stay for weeks!), we hope you can use it as a guide to plan a fun and fulfilling stay. 

Be sure to book accommodation and activities in Dublin ahead of time to beat the crowds.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

21 Most Charming Small Towns & Cities in Europe

18 Best Wine Regions in Europe for Wine Lovers

12 Best Places to Visit in Ireland [Updated 2024]

Ultimate Summer Europe Packing Guide

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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Best 7 Day Ireland Itinerary: How To Plan an Ireland Trip

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Planning a 7 Day Ireland Itinerary can feel like a humungous task – but we can assure you that it doesn’t have to be. While there is a lot that goes into planning an Ireland trip, we are sharing our top tips that will help you plan the absolute best 7 Day Ireland Itinerary!

A few things travelers to Ireland need to determine is where to go, what to see and how long to stay in each destination. Plus, there are important details, like choosing when to go to Ireland, deciding whether or not to rent a car and when to start booking accommodations. In our week-long Ireland Itinerary, we cover the top trip planning essentials, plus our insider advice.

How To Plan a Trip to Ireland: Itinerary Tips

Ireland boasts a buzzing capital city, an astounding coastline and quaint villages. We think the best way to plan a trip to Ireland – especially for first timers – is to experience a little bit of everything.

That said, how you plan an Ireland trip will come down to your overall interests, allowable time, travel budget and comfort levels.

We feel that our itinerary is the best way to see Ireland…but it may not be for everyone. Travelers looking to create their best Ireland vacation itinerary can use our outline as it’s written or as a starting point for their trip plan.

Planning the Best Ireland Itinerary 7 Days from Abroad

Our itinerary of Ireland that we outline below offers detailed information about visiting the Emerald Isle. However, visitors traveling to Ireland from overseas should check out the additional tips that we share in our How To Plan a European Vacation article.

Organizing Your Ireland Trip Ideas

As you plan your week trip to Ireland, organization is key! To stay on top of all the important details of your itinerary for touring Ireland, we recommend using our Printable Travel Planner . It includes 26 pages of vacation organization!

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days FAQs

Before we dive into our Best Ireland Trip Itinerary, we want to cover a few of the basics and most frequently asked questions. Covering these need-to-know details now will help you plan your 1 Week in Ireland Itinerary later.

What Is the Best Way to See Ireland?

The first – and probably most important – question that comes up when planning a One Week Ireland Itinerary is, What is the best way to tour Ireland? Travelers can opt to join an organized multiday tour or plan the trip on their own.

One of the benefits of joining a tour of Ireland is that all the trip details are planned for you – all you need to do is show up on time! Plus, you get to meet other travelers and have a driver and/or tour guide that share information and insight. Organized multiday Ireland tours – like this one – get rave reviews.

The downside of joining a tour, however, is that you are committed to that Ireland 1 Week Itinerary. You have to go where they take you and leave when they say so. Plus, it can be expensive – especially for travelers visiting Ireland on a budget. Generally speaking, we like having flexibility in our travels and we typically plan trips on our own.

How To Tour Ireland on Your Own?

If you opt to plan a trip to Ireland on your own, the next questions is, Should I travel Ireland by car or use public transport? It is often touted that you need a car for an Ireland tour itinerary, but we disagree. In fact, there are a few really good reasons not to drive in Ireland.

First and foremost, they drive on the left in Ireland, which can be trying (or downright dangerous) for visitors accustomed to driving on the right side of the road. Second, rental cars (plus gasoline and required insurance) can be outrageously expensive. Third, driving while on vacation can be a really stressful, and no one wants that on their holiday!

On the flip side, driving a car allows for much more freedom and flexibility. Travelers who want to rent a car should read our Tips for Getting the Best Car Rental Prices before reserving one.

Our outlined 7-day tour of Ireland can be completed with or without a car. To help travelers using public transit, we share details on how to get between each destination using trains and buses.

How Do I Plan a Self-Drive Tour of Ireland?

Planning a Self-Drive Ireland Itinerary can be straightforward. On an Ireland road trip, you choose where you want to go and you can opt to take any detours along the way.

In addition to deciding which destinations to include for your itinerary in Ireland, you will also need to research driving directions, calculate driving times and find out where you can park in cities, towns and accommodations. 

Perhaps more importantly, travelers driving in Ireland need to know the rules and laws. Visitors may need to obtain an International Drivers License (although it is optional for EU, Canadian and US citizens) and proof of third-party insurance is required. Travelers renting a car for a 7 day trip to Ireland can use these Ireland driving tips .

How To Tour Ireland Without a Car?

Creating a 1 Week Ireland Itinerary with no car is not difficult, per se, but it does require travelers to do some research and keep track of a few more details (which is why a Travel Planner is so important!).

Obviously, the destinations that you choose for your Ireland Itinerary Without A Car need to be connected via public transportation. Furthermore, you need to check transit schedules, understand fares (and how they are paid) and figure out how to get to the top sights.

While figuring out how to see Ireland without a car might seem like a daunting task, we’re here to help make it simple. In the outline that we share for a ‘7-Day Itinerary Ireland No Car’, we include important details and useful links.

Is the Outlined Trip Plan an Ireland by Train Itinerary?

Yes and no. The trip plan that we outline is an Ireland Itinerary by Train and Bus. So, we like to think of it as an Ireland By Public Transport Itinerary.

While there is a decent train network in Ireland, the bus system is much more robust. Direct trains are slightly faster than buses, but they are also much more expensive. Additionally, Irish Rail trains don’t service many destinations at all.

Therefore, rather than just creating an Ireland by Rail Itinerary, we recommend using a combination of both trains and buses.

How Many Days to Spend in Ireland?

For many travelers, how long to travel around Ireland is one of the biggest questions when creating a trip plan. Is an Ireland One Week Itinerary enough time? Is 2 Weeks in Ireland too long?

How long to stay in Ireland boils down to your specific interests, your overall allotted time for the trip and your budget. That said, it would be impossible to ‘see it all’ on a single trip – unless you plan on touring Ireland for months on end!

We think a Ireland 7 Day Itinerary is optimal for most travelers. Our proposed One Week Ireland Itinerary allows enough time to see the highlights at a reasonable pace.

However, to help fellow travelers with different times frames, we have created additional sample itineraries for Ireland. Whether you are planning a quick 5-day trip or intend on creating an Ireland 10 Days Itinerary, we’ve got it covered. We also share tips for combining a week in Ireland Itinerary with other nearby destinations – like Scotland, England and France.

When Should I Travel to Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland is when it is dry and sunny…which is pretty tough to predict in a country where it rains year-round. The best chance for the best weather in Ireland, however, is in late spring and summer.

The temperatures in Ireland are mild throughout the year – meaning it doesn’t get too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer. And, while precipitation is often predicted, it doesn’t always rain or it’s just a passing shower.

In order to plan the best trips to Ireland, we recommend anticipating rain, wind and cloudy skies. Dress in layers (even in the summertime), bring a raincoat and always explore with a travel umbrella tucked into your day pack . In the summer, also pack sunscreen , as the sun can be deceptively strong even when the air is cool.

We share more tips of what to pack for your trip to Ireland at the end of the article.

This is the Best Itinerary for Ireland for Who?

Our sample Ireland Itinerary 7 Days can be used by anyone! It’s a great First Trip to Ireland Itinerary because it covers the top-rated sights. It can be used as a Backpacking Ireland itinerary and is great for budget travelers. Most of the recommendations are kid-friendly, so it can be used as a family trip to Ireland Itinerary, too!

What Are the Best Places to See in Ireland in 7 Days?

Labeling any attractions in any country as the ‘best places to see’ is, obviously, subjective. For our sample itinerary for Ireland, we include the places that we think are the best for a 7-day trip.

The destinations that we include in our 7 Days in Ireland Itinerary are Dublin , Limerick, Doolin  (to see Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands ) and Galway .

Those exploring Ireland over a longer period of time can also include Cork (along with the Ring of Kerry and Killarney) and/or Belfast, Northern Ireland and Giants Causeway. We include specifics of how to work these sights into your trip plan later.

7 DAY IRELAND ITINERARY

Now that we’ve answered the basics about planning a trip to Ireland, it’s time to dive into the day-by-day specifics of our Best Ireland Itinerary! We include everything you need to plan each day’s adventure, plus we share a helpful Ireland Map of the route.

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Ireland Travel Blog to plan – and during – your trip!

DAY 1: Discover Dublin Highlights

Kick off your 7 Days Ireland Itinerary in the capital of Dublin. The city has a long history and is home to many of the top attractions in Ireland.

After getting settled into your accommodations ( recommendation : Temple Bar Inn ), start your discovery of Dublin by getting your bearings on an Organized  or Self Guided Dublin Walking Tour . The city is incredibly walkable and the best Dublin sights are easy to reach on foot.

In the afternoon, plan to see one (or more) of Dublin’s top attractions. The Guinness Storehouse , the Book of Kells at Trinity College and the Jameson Distillery are top picks. As these are the most popular sights in Dublin, it is best to book tickets in advance.

Use should also consult our complete Dublin Itinerary for more tips and details of what to see and do in the city.

In the evening, sip a pint of Guinness at one of the Best Pubs in Dublin . We recommend enjoying music and imbibing in the always entertaining Temple Bar District.

Public Transit Options for Day 1

It’s fairly easy to get around Dublin on foot, however, there is also an extensive public transit system that includes buses, trams and trains. Use the TFI website for routes and fare info. Alternatively, you can use the Hop On Hop Off Bus to conveniently get to top Dublin tourist attractions.

DAY 2: Explore More of Dublin and the Irish Coast

On the second day of your Ireland in 7 Days Itinerary, explore more of Dublin in the morning and then set off for a short excursion to one of the best coastal towns.

Dublin is teeming with sights and attractions – so pick one or two to see in the morning. There are a copious number of museums in the city and, when the weather cooperates, the outdoor spaces are nothing short of spectacular.

We loved the Little Museum of Dublin (especially the U2 exhibit), but the National Gallery of Ireland is a good choice, as well (plus it offers free admission, making it one of the best free things to do in Dublin !).

Visitors who would rather spend the morning outdoors will find ample green spaces in Dublin. Our favorite spot is Phoenix Park, where deer roam the meadows, but the National Botanic Garden is a lovely place to explore as well.

Take a short trip in the afternoon to one of the picture-perfect towns on along the coast – like Howth, Bray or Malahide.

On a trip to Howth , gorge on fresh seafood and then stretch your legs on the stunning coastal walk. Alternately, travel south to the seaside resort town of Bray , where you can put your feet in the sand and then hike to the top of the hill for phenomenal panoramas. The highlight of a trip to Malahide is the impressive and mighty Malahide Castle but leave enough time for a stroll through the picturesque town, too!

End the second day of your travel itinerary for Ireland at the oldest bar in Dublin, The Brazen Head , where they serve exceptional Irish stew and pour a very tasty pint of Guinness.

Public Transit Options for Day 2

All three coastal towns are easy to get to by the DART public transit train line. Tickets are inexpensive and fares can be paid with a Leap Card or purchased at kiosks located at most stops. Find more information on the DART website . 

DAY 3: Spend a Day in Limerick

On Day 3 of your One Week in Ireland Itinerary, travel west from Dublin to the city of Limerick, which is a great place to stop to break up the journey across the country. Limerick, which sits on the banks of the River Shannon, is steeped in history and has a handful of sights that are well-worth seeing.

Once you get checked into your hotel ( recommended : Pery’s Hotel ), set off to see the two best and historic Limerick attractions: St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John’s Castle.

The Cathedral was founded in the year 1168 and features exquisite stained-glass windows, ancient artifacts and a small cemetery.

Next, step inside the landmark King John’s Castle, which marks the heart of the city’s Medieval quarter. The interactive museum features exciting displays that showcase the interesting history and the great importance of the 800-year-old castle.

If time allows, cross over the bridge to the opposite side of the river. There you will find the Treaty Stone (where the 1691 Treaty of Limerick was signed) and fabulous views of the castle and church.

Stop at Treaty City Brewery for a locally crafted brew (they make excellent IPAs…or you can sample them all with a flight). Then, for dinner, go to The Locke Bar. Eat al fresco at one of the riverside picnic tables, but duck back inside for the live music after your meal. Just don’t stay out too late, as tomorrow is a big day!

Public Transit Options for Day 3

Visitors can travel to Limerick from Dublin via bus or train.

The Dublin Coach Bus 300 M7 Express Service from Dublin City Burgh Quay departs multiple times daily. To allow plenty of time for sightseeing in Limerick, we recommend being on one of the morning departures. Find timetables and info here .

The first direct train from Dublin Heuston to Limerick Colbert Station departs at 3:30pm, which is too late to enter the sights in Limerick, but a good option for travelers who’d prefer to spend a few more hours sightseeing in Dublin. There are earlier trains, but they require a switch at Limerick Junction. See the timetable and find fare info here .

DAY 4: Travel to Doolin and Walk to the Cliffs of Moher

Get an early start on Day 4 of your 7 Day Itinerary Ireland and travel to the dramatic Irish West Coast and the charming Village of Doolin.

Inquire if early check in is available at your hotel ( recommended: Hotel Doolin or Oar Rooms ) – or at the very least if you can store your luggage. Once you have that sorted, immediately set off on an absolutely epic coastal walk to the famous Cliffs of Moher.

The well-marked Doolin to Cliffs of Moher Trail follows the coastline, passing by grazing cows and horses. Hikers can walk all the way to O’Brien’s Tower, the Visitor’s Center and beyond (although the best views of the Cliffs of Moher are during the hike, not from the top). While not technically difficult, the round-trip walk is about 10 miles in length and will take about 5 hours to complete.

When you finish the hike, have dinner, drinks and enjoy the craic in Doolin at one of the town’s best bars: McGann’s Pub, Fitzpatrick’s Bar or McDermott’s Pub.

Top Tip: Use our guide of the Top Things To Do in Doolin  for more tips and details about the hike, sights, restaurants and bars.

Public Transit Options for Day 4

To get from Limerick to Doolin, we recommend using a combination of train and bus. There is no direct route between the two locations.

From Limerick, take the train to Ennis; purchase tickets at a kiosk or ticket window in the station. Be on the 9:20 train in order to catch the 10:30 Route 350 Bus to Doolin (the train and bus stations are connected). Fares for the bus to Doolin are paid via a Leap Card, cash or online ticket.

DAY 5: Take a Day Trip to the Aran Islands

On Day 5 of your 7 Day Itinerary for Ireland embark on memorable day trip to the rustic and fascinating Aran Islands. The three islands sit just offshore and boast centuries of history and tradition.

Take the morning ferry from Doolin to Inis Oirr – the closest, smallest and in our opinion the best Aran Island to visit on a day excursion.

Once on the island, rent a bicycle for the day and pedal your way to the top sights. The best things to see on Inis Oirr are the Plessey Shipwreck, the sunken church, the sandy beach and the lighthouse.

Return to Doolin in the late afternoon and hop on the Cliffs of Moher Scenic Tour Boat ( book both boat trips together and save a bit of money). The boat ride features stunning views of the cliffs from sea level – which offers quite a different perspective from hiking on top of them!

When you return to Doolin Village, stop at the famed Gus O’Connor Tavern for a beverage, a bite to eat and the nightly music session.

Public Transit Options for Day 5

The only way to get to the islands is by public ferry. The ferries do fill up, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance .

There is no bus service to get around Doolin. Travelers without a car will need to walk from their accommodations to the ferry dock, which is about 1 mile from the heart of the village.

DAY 6: Go to Galway via the Wild Atlantic Way

The next stop on your Ireland Travel Itinerary is Galway…but getting there is half the fun! The route from Doolin to Galway is along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the most iconic coastal routes in the world.

After a leisurely breakfast, depart Doolin and navigate through the rocky terrain of The Burren. Continue through the countryside and small villages to the Dunguaire Castle, where you can spend a couple hours touring the castle and eating lunch in the village of Kinvara.

The charming castle sits right on Galway Bay and is open to visitors for a small fee. For lunch, indulge in a steamy bowl of creamy seafood chowder at The Pier Head or one of the fun pubs on Main Street.

After the stop in Kinvara, continue your journey to Galway City – the final destination on your Itinerary for Ireland. Check into your accommodations ( recommended : Thirteen on the Green or Skeffington Arms Hotel ), then enjoy a leisurely evening of Galway sightseeing.

Walk through Eyre Square and follow Williamsgate Street into the tangle of pedestrian-only Medieval lanes in the Galway Latin Quarter. Listen to buskers, pop into shops and simply enjoy the jubilant atmosphere!

For dinner, get a woodfired pizza from The Dough Bros (ranked one of the best pizzas in Europe) or feast on a classic meal of fish and chips at the family-run McDonagh’s. End the day at one of Galway’s best taverns – like Tigh Choili or Tigh Neachtain – where you can catch a live Irish Traditional Music Session.

Public Transit Options for Day 6

Doolin is connected to Galway via Bus #350 (the same route used to get to Doolin from Ennis) and there are several departures throughout the day. Fares are paid in cash or with a Leap Card and can also be purchased online.

Travelers who want to make the stop at the Dunguaire Castle can take the 8:30 or 11:30 Route 350 bus and stop at Kinvara. Just keep in mind that the castle does not open until 10am and is about a 15-minute walk from the bus stop.

Keep an eye on the time throughout the afternoon and either catch the 14:57 or 16:57 bus to Galway. The ride to Galway City from Kinvara takes about 40 minutes.

DAY 7: Enjoy Galway Sights

On the last day of your One Week in Ireland Itinerary, spend a full day sightseeing in Galway. Use our guide of Things To Do in Galway  to plan your day’s adventure.

Start the day in the Latin Quarter checking off the sights that you didn’t see the day before, like the Spanish Arch, Lynch’s Castle and the St. Nicholas Church. Stop by the excellent (and free) Galway City Museum and then walk along the riverside path north to the Galway Cathedral. If time allows, wander through the University of Galway campus.

In the afternoon, either walk the seaside promenade to Salthill – a fun entertainment district and home of the National Aquarium of Ireland – or take a leisurely river cruise on the Corrib Princess boat.

End the day in Galway’s Westend, where there are ample trendy cafes, hip restaurants and fun pubs. Enjoy one last pint of Guinness at Monroe’s, where there will almost certainly be live music and a fun crowd to wrap up your 1 Week Vacation in Ireland!

Public Transit Options for Day 7

No public transit is needed for Day 7 of our Ireland sample itinerary – everything can be reached on foot!

Ireland Itinerary Map

Use this link to Google Maps for an online version of our Ireland Travel Itinerary 7 Days.

More Ireland Itineraries

Our suggested itinerary for Ireland covers what to see in the country in 7 days. However, we have a few more tips for travelers with more – or less – time for their visit. We are sharing Ireland trip planner tips for 5 Days, 10 Days and 14 Days.

Ireland Itinerary 5 Days

Spending just 5 days in Ireland is not a lot of time, but travelers can still see the highlights! The trip will be a short, fast-paced journey. Our sample Ireland itinerary for 5 Days includes stops in Dublin (1 night), Limerick (1 night), Doolin (2 nights) and Galway (1 night).

5 Day Ireland Itinerary

On Day 1, arrive in Dublin and see the highlights (follow Day 1 of our 1 Week Itinerary Ireland).

For Day 2, see sights in Dublin in the morning, but depart by mid-day for Limerick. In Limerick, see the sights (if they are still open) and eat dinner on the riverside.

Get an early morning start on Day 3 and travel from Limerick to Doolin to hike to the Cliffs of Moher (following the advice for Day 4 in our One Week Ireland Trip Itinerary).

Spend Day 4 on a day trip to the Aran Islands and take the Cliffs of Moher Scenic Boat Trip in the late afternoon. Enjoy the evening in Doolin at one of the fun pubs.

Start Day 5 early and depart Doolin via the Wild Atlantic Way toward Galway. (Use the tips from Day 6 in our Ireland in One Week Itinerary.) Once in Galway, explore the sights in the Medieval Latin Quarter.

Another way to plan an Ireland 5-Day Itinerary is to fly to Dublin and spend time exploring on your own, then join a 3-Day Organized Tour . 

Ireland Itinerary 10 Days

With 10 days in Ireland, you can build a perfect itinerary that features one more destination. We recommend adding Cork (and the Ring of Kerry) to your trip Ireland trip plan or venture up to Northern Ireland to visit Belfast (and the Giants Causeway).  

Using our Best One Week Ireland Itinerary above, visitors spending 10 days in Ireland need to only make a few adjustments.

10 Day Ireland and Northern Ireland Itinerary

To add Northern Ireland sights to your trip plan – including the City of Belfast and the incredible Giants Causeway – use our recommended Ireland Itinerary for 7 Days as a basic outline. However, instead of traveling from Dublin to Limerick, travel from Dublin to Belfast.

Spend 3 days in Belfast – including the day of travel, a day trip to Giants Causeway (and Rede Rope Bridge) and a full day exploring Belfast City Center. Use our Belfast Things To Do  for tips on how to plan your time in Northern Ireland.

On Day 6, travel from Belfast to Limerick via Dublin – and follow the remainder of our itinerary from Day 3. To travel from Belfast to Limerick, visitors can use buses or trains, but all routes will include a switch in Dublin.

If using trains, bear in mind that the trains from Belfast terminate at the Dublin Connolly Station and trains from Dublin to Limerick depart from Heuston Station. The two stations are connected via the LUAS Tram (Red Line) or a quick Uber/FreeNow taxi ride.

If traveling by bus, the Coachstar X1 and X2 buses from Belfast to Dublin terminate at the Busaras Station, which is just a short walk from the Dublin City Burgh Quay bus stop, where the Dublin Coach Bus 300 M7 Express Service departs from about every half hour throughout the day.

10 Day Ireland Itinerary with Cork

Travelers can also create an Ireland 10 Day Itinerary that includes Cork and the fabulous Ring of Kerry.

To create a perfect 10 Days Ireland Itinerary, use our outline for one week, but instead of traveling from Limerick to Doolin on Day 4, detour to the south and spend 3 days in Cork. We recommend using the Expressway 51 Bus . 

On the day of arrival, see the sights in Cork City Centre (like The English Market, St. Patrick’s Street, Elizabeth Fort and Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral). On the next day (Day 5 of your Ireland 10-Day Trip), join one of the organized tours from Cork to the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park. Then, on the final day in Cork (Day 6), travel by public bus to Blarney to see the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone.

On Day 7, take the 7:25 Expressway 51 Bus to Ennis – which, with little time to spare, should get you to Ennis in time to catch the 10:30 Route 350 bus to Doolin. From there, follow our above Ireland in a Week Itinerary for the remainder of your trip starting from Day 4.

Ireland Itinerary 14 Days

With a full 2 Weeks in Ireland Itinerary, travelers have time to see many of the top sights! Using our above Ireland vacation ideas, visitors can easily create an ideal 2-Week Ireland Itinerary.

We would plan a 14-Day Ireland Itinerary like this:

• Dublin – 2 Days
• Belfast – 3 Days
• Limerick – 2 Days
• Cork – 3 Days
• Doolin – 2 Days
• Galway – 2 Days

Scotland and Ireland Itinerary

Due to their close proximity, many travelers plan an itinerary for Scotland and Ireland. In fact, it’s how we organized our trip, too!

There are many different ways to plan an Ireland and Scotland Itinerary. Travelers without a car, however, will likely want to base themselves in Edinburgh. From there, visitors can plan their own day trips to the exciting city of Glasgow and the coastal town of Dunbar . There are numerous day trips from Edinburgh and multiday trips  that go north into the highlands.

Travelers planning an Ireland – Scotland Itinerary can use our tips for Things To Do in Edinburgh and our guide of What and Where to Eat in Edinburgh .

Ireland Scotland England Itinerary

With enough time, it is possible to plan an England, Ireland, Scotland Itinerary. Travelers can use the tips in our London 3 Day Itinerary  for tips on what to see and do in London.

Ireland London Paris Itinerary

Another great trip combination is Ireland, London and Paris. We recommend following the tips in our Ireland Itinerary One Week Trip above – and then spending a few days in London before traveling to Paris for a week .

Travel Tips for your One Week Ireland Itinerary

We have outlined the Perfect Ireland Itinerary, but we have a few more Ireland travel tips to help you make the absolute most of your trip!

How To Get To Ireland

In our Ireland suggested itinerary, we start in Dublin on the east side of the country and end in Galway on the west side. Therefore, you could book flights into Dublin (DUB) and out of Shannon (SNN). That said, it only takes about 2 hours to get back to the Dublin Airport from Galway.

For your 7-Day Ireland Itinerary from Dublin, we recommend searching for the best fares and flight times from both cities – Dublin and Shannon – to see which one offers the best prices and schedules.

Using a airline booking tool, like Skyscanner , can help you narrow down the best flight options. We share more tips in our article about Finding the Best Flights for Cheap . 

Tips for Ireland Accommodations

Throughout our 7 Nights in Ireland Itinerary, we shared our top picks for where to stay in each destination. Most of the recommendations are well-priced and near the center of town. However, we have a few more tips to share about finding places to stay in Ireland.

Hotels in Ireland are expensive – especially in Dublin. Expect rates for average hotels to be priced close to $200 USD per night. Be sure to use our Tips for Finding Cheap Hotels before booking!

The best value hotels get booked early, so we recommend starting your search for accommodations early in your Ireland trip planning process.

Typically, we enjoy staying in Airbnb apartments when we travel. However, with a quick moving vacation – like our Seven Days in Ireland Itinerary – we think hotels are a better option. Hotels typically have a more lenient check-in/check-out policy and are likely to have luggage storage, if need be.

What To Pack for a 7 Day Ireland Tour

Our final advice is about what to pack in your suitcase . You can find all of our packing hacks on our Travel Packing Tips page. You can also get our free, printable packing checklist !

Walking Shoes for your Ireland 7 Day Trip

It is oh-so-important to have the right shoes for your trip! We advise wearing lightweight, versatile and comfortable shoes – like everyday sneakers or these trail shoes . You can find more specifics in our tips for The Best Travel Shoes .

Weather Gear for a 7 Day Trip to Ireland Itinerary

We already mentioned that the weather in Ireland can be quite wild, so it’s essential to pack accordingly! Layers are ideal – even in the summertime. Wet weather gear – like a rain jacket and travel umbrella – are a must. And don’t forget the sunscreen – as the summer sun is still intense when it does make an appearance!

Best Camera for your Tour of Ireland Itinerary

The landscapes in Ireland are unbelievably beautiful! For your trip to Ireland, we highly recommend upgrading to a DSLR Camera .

There are many great (and some very expensive) cameras, but we suggest starting with a Canon Rebel . It’s what we use on our travels (with a 18-135mm lens ). We think it’s a great camera for budget travelers because it’s well-priced, takes quality photos and comes with many super accessories.

Good Day Pack for your Week Trip in Ireland

With long days of sightseeing, you will want to make sure you carry everything you need with you in a travel day bag. There are numerous styles – like the backpacks we use to cross-body bags to hip packs. We detail many of the top options in our post on the Best Day Packs for Travelers .

Travel Insurance for your Seven Day Ireland Itinerary

Regardless of how well you plan your Ireland 7 Day Itinerary, things can go wrong. Flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage and illness abroad are just a few of the unexpected things that can happen while traveling. A trip insurance policy might help cover the costs. Check the affordable rates and coverages at World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Ireland ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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Ireland Itinerary: How to Experience Ireland in 7 Nights

• July 9, 2023
• in Lifestyle / Travel / Travel Lists

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Stay & Play

7 enchanting nights in ireland, travel guide.

Enchanting Ireland beckons with lush landscapes, ancient castles and captivating folklore. Here you’ll be captivated by rolling hills and picturesque villages that look as if they’ve come straight out of a fairy tale. Explore majestic cliffs along the rugged coastline where crashing waves meet dramatic precipices. Discover the mystical allure of Ireland’s ancient heritage, where legends of leprechauns and fairies dance with rich Celtic mythology.

Arrival and Exploration in Dublin

• Arrive in Dublin and check into a luxurious hotel like The Merrion or The Shelbourne .

• Explore the city’s historic sites. Tour the library of Trinity College (pictured above), Dublin Castle , and/or St. Patrick’s Cathedral .

• Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets of Temple Bar and visit a vibrant pub.

• Indulge in a luxurious dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant like Chapter One or Pichet .

Wicklow Mountains and Powerscourt Gardens

•Take a private chauffeur-guided tour to the scenic Wicklow Mountains .

•Visit Powerscourt Estate and explore beautiful gardens, waterfalls, and the historic Powerscourt House.

•Enjoy a spa treatment at the Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa .

•Return to Dublin for a gourmet dinner at a place like two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud.

Galway and the Wild Atlantic Way

•Travel to Galway and check into a luxury hotel like Glenlo Abbey Hotel .

•Take a guided tour along the Wild Atlantic Way and take in the views of the countryside while visiting the Cliffs of Moher and the charming village of Doolin .

•Indulge in a seafood feast at Moran’s Oyster Cottage .

•Explore the vibrant streets of Galway for a lively atmosphere, boutique shops, and traditional Irish music.

Connemara and Ashford Castle

•Visit the Connemara region and enjoy views of rugged landscapes and stunning coastline.

•Visit Kylemore Abbey , a picturesque castle set amidst beautiful gardens and tranquil lakes.

•Arrive at Ashford Castle , a luxurious 800-year-old castle hotel, for a memorable stay.

•Plan for dinner at Ashford Castle at The George V Dining Room .

Killarney and the Ring of Kerry

•Arrive in Killarney and check into a hotel like The Europe Hotel & Resort or Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa .

•Take a private tour of the beautiful Ring of Kerry and enjoy coastal views, charming villages, and historic sites.

•Embark on a boat trip to the picturesque Skellig Islands (weather permitting) or explore the stunning Killarney National Park .

Cork and Kinsale

•Journey to Cork and check into a luxury hotel like Hayfield Manor .

•Explore the city of Cork and visit attractions like the English Market and the Cork City Gaol .

•Take a short drive to the coastal town of Kinsale .

•Savor delightful cuisine at a renowned restaurant like The Good Day Deli or Bastion .

Waterford and Departure

•Travel to Waterford and tour the crystal factory at the House of Waterford Crystal .

•Enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine at the Cliff House Hotel while overlooking panoramic views of Ardmore Bay.

Spend your last night in Dublin in preparation for your departure.

Land of Enchantment

When choosing what to wear to Ireland, your packing list should contain items that match your itinerary and the weather. No matter the season that you plan to visit, consider bringing a waterproof jacket , a warm sweater or jacket , and comfortable walking shoes .

Ireland is a lovely place. Old-world castles and beautiful scenic views lend an understated adventurous yet luxurious feeling to this beautiful location; and we love to dress accordingly. Patterns are fun and we especially love cozy-chic items like this turtleneck sweater for an Ireland vacation. And don’t forget to bring a comfortable pair of shoes for shopping and exploring; then plan to change into something fancy for dinner .

Check out some of our Ireland-approved items below for your Ireland vacation.

For seasonally styled guides, check out our 10-piece capsule wardrobes for Ireland in the winter, spring, summer and fall found here .

Ireland Travel Guide Packing Inspiration

Final thoughts on ireland.

We hope you have enjoyed our Ireland Travel Guide . This enchanting country is a beautiful place to experience ancient culture and scenic views. It is a place steeped in centuries of world history and it’s just begging to be explored. Lively and historic, add this European destination to your bucket-list and get going!

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Travel Tips , Itineraries , Road Trips

How to spend 7 days in ireland: a complete itinerary for the emerald isle.

When booking a trip to Ireland, one of the biggest questions people have is how long should they go for. While any time spent there is amazing, I think 7 days in Ireland is ideal for most visitors so you can see a good portion of the country during your vacation.

I usually spend a minimum of seven days in Ireland each time I take a trip there. The journey always starts in Dublin, but then I expand either to the north section and visit Donegal or go southwest to explore new cities. You really can’t go wrong, no matter which route you decide to take when you’re planning your trip there.

This article will give you some travel tips to consider before you go, list what to see in Ireland in 7 days, and offer suggested accommodations, so you don’t have to do any of the research.

Table of Contents

Tips for Spending 7 Days in Ireland

Here are some questions to help you with your 7 day Ireland itinerary.

How many days should you spend in Ireland?

While I know everyone has different amounts of time available for a vacation, I think seeing Ireland in 7 days is the perfect amount of time. You’re able to settle in, get over jet lag a bit, and then hit the road and start exploring most of the major cities.

Can you visit all of Ireland in a week?

Yes, I’ve done this trip many times and have easily seen a good portion of the country on a 7 day Ireland road trip. Some people choose just to see the big cities such as Dublin, Galway, and Belfast, while others might choose to spend their days in smaller towns.

Do I need a car when seeing Ireland in 7 days?

I highly recommend renting a car so you can go to all of the recommendations in this article as well as add anything you might see on the way. If you’re nervous about driving, my tips for driving in Ireland article should help you out with any questions you may have.

It’s not as hard as it seems (and that’s coming from someone who is self-taught!). However, if you’re still uncomfortable, you can see how to get around Ireland without a car .

What should you bring on a 7 day trip to Ireland?

I have a complete packing list for Ireland , but here are a few essentials for your 7 days in Ireland:

• A raincoat is essential any time of the year because even the summer tends to get quick bursts of rain.
• Surprisingly, sunglasses are also crucial because it can get really bright out once the rain passes, especially the glare on the road.
• I always use a travel backpack when I’m on the road because it helps me organize my gear.

Itinerary for Ireland in 7 Days

Feel free to pick and choose what you want to see on your Ireland travel itinerary for 7 days, but these are my recommended cities and attractions.

Day 1: Dublin

Dublin is the perfect starting point for your Ireland trip — its airport is close to all amenities, attractions, and sights. After all, this is the nation’s capital city, so you can expect a lot of activity here.

While I don’t recommend spending a ton of time here, I always love to start my trips in Dublin exploring the restaurants, pubs, and shops before moving on. You will want to read how to go from the Dublin Airport to the Dublin city center in advance to save you time.

Home to the Guinness stout, you can’t beat Dublin’s best pubs for a good or a “pint of gat,” as it’s affectionately known by the Irish. Dublin has much more to offer than its smooth drinks. The friendly city is also the country’s financial hub and cultural center, with plenty of recreational activities and attractions for tourists and locals.

Note: Use this City Sightseeing Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour to get around, and you’ll be able to get to each of the top attractions without having to worry about transport.

Let’s take a look at some exciting things to do in Dublin in one day :

Dublin Castle

Famous for hosting presidential inaugurations and state events, Dublin Castle is overflowing with history and plenty of fun facts about Dublin . King John of England built it in the 13th century, and this castle hosted the English Administration that ruled over Ireland for 700 years. On this guided tour , you’ll be enriched with the castle’s history and the times long gone.

Dublin Castle is worth putting on your 7 day Ireland itinerary and is easily accessible on foot, though you can travel here by other means.

As a visitor, you’ll be able to access various places, such as its state apartments and chapel royal, which offer you a unique perspective on Irish leadership and history, as well as religious and gothic imagery, respectively.

Save up to 50% off attractions with the Go City Pass ! It’s a great way to save money if you plan on visiting multiple sights in Dublin.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

If you’re looking for a little divine inspiration or wish to soak up its history and stunning architecture, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one place that’s sure to fill your cup with peace and love.

That cathedral, which is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, is also famous for its accomplished choir. It hosts several events performed by its choir, such as Christmas Eve (which is one of the best Christmas events in Dublin ) and Day Eucharists, as well as performances by various artists throughout the year.

Apart from being a place of worship and a host of various events, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is also where people come to learn and connect with others, and you’ll discover this when you pay a visit.

Don’t have as much time? I also have an itinerary for 6 days in Ireland .

Guinness Storehouse

In my opinion, one of the best things to see in Ireland in 7 days is the Guinness Storehouse. I did this the first time I came to the country and loved it, as I always enjoy learning facts about Ireland .

Enjoy the quality brew of Guinness stout (you’ll get to make a pint of your own!) after touring the factory and learning about the brand and its rich history. As you cross the seven floors of the legendary building, you’ll discover all there is to Guinness’s brand story.

Guinness Storehouse also has several experiences to partake in. Their Taste Experience on the second floor offers stout tasting and a feast for your senses with all the flavors that make up their stout. This is also the perfect winter activity in Ireland that keeps you dry.

On the other hand, the Guinness Academy is where you’ll learn how to pour the perfect pint of stout, counting 119.5 seconds as you watch the glorious surge of the foam and its eventual settling in the glass. 

These are just two iconic experiences that Guinness Storehouse offers you, and you won’t find them elsewhere, so make sure to put them on your Ireland itinerary for 7 days. This is also part of the Go City pass , which will save you money on multiple attractions.

Feeling like getting in your steps? Check out these Dublin hiking trails nearby.

Resources for Day 1

I have a comprehensive guide to where to stay in Dublin , but here’s a quick look at a few fantastic properties:

• Ashling Hotel Dublin is close to Heuston Station and the Luas tram, so staying here is convenient as it makes it easy for you to get around. Rates start at $188/night.
• Riu Plaza The Gresham is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Dublin’s City Center, making it an excellent location. Plus, it’s just 6.21 miles (10km) from Dublin International Airport. Rates start at $167/night.
• The Address Connoly is an excellent choice for those who appreciate modern comforts, such as a fully equipped gym with power showers and a sauna wherein you can relieve muscle tension afterward. Rates start at $170/night.

Remember to book your hotel before arriving in Dublin, so you won’t have to scramble for a place to stay.

Make sure to book your car rental in advance! I love using Discover Cars when I travel.

Day 2: Galway

Located in western Ireland, Galway is famous for its celebrated festivals, vibrant atmosphere, and breathtaking scenery. This, plus its rich history with many buildings dating back to medieval times, makes it a popular tourist destination, and many people spend one day in Galway on their trip.

The city also offers many activities during your Ireland road trip for 7 days, such as walking tours, enlightening museums, concerts, and fun festivals. Galway is only a two-hour drive from Dublin’s city center. But, once you arrive, ditch the car because the best way to get around Galway is on foot or by bicycle. 

Tip: Book this highly-rated Cliffs of Moher Tour that includes the Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin. 

Visit Galway Racecourse

Also known as the Galway Races, the Galway Racecourse is just ten minutes away (via car) from the hotel and hosts the country’s largest and most popular racing festival. The horse racing venue was established in 1864 and has been the home of Irish National Hunt racing.

Galway Races is the ideal location for a day at the races with friends. The open-air environment, crowds in suspense, and everyone dressed to the nines make for an exciting day out.

Tip: Ensure you arrive early as it gets packed relatively quickly, and there can be long queues for meals and drinks. 

Explore Eyre Square on Foot

From stall to stall, you can hop from one coffee spot to the next and try out delicious food from Ireland  from the vendors. Plus, it doubles as a park, making it ideal for an afternoon stroll while window shopping.

The Quays Restaurant is your best bet if you’re looking for great food and excellent service from the waitstaff. Its vibrant atmosphere with equally impressive live performances over hearty meals will keep you coming back for more.

Other notable spots include Rooster’s Café & Farmshop serves up excellent meals made from locally sourced produce with freshly brewed coffee on the side. You’ll also have plenty of pubs in Galway to choose from for a pint or two.

Enrich Yourself at Galway City Museum

You can take an eight-minute drive or a fourteen-minute stroll to the museum from the Galmont Hotel & Spa. With free admission and a café on the ground floor, why wouldn’t you take the opportunity to view the exhibitions here and gain insight into Irish history?

Tip: Sign up for this Galway City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. Your 48-hour ticket gives you enough time to explore Eyre Square and Galway City Museum on foot and catch a cab or Uber to Galway Races afterward.

Resources for Day 2

There are plenty of charming bed and breakfasts in Galway as well as hotels in Galway , but here are some additional options:

• Galmont Hotel & Spa is a hotel that should be on anyone’s list for Galway accommodation. This eco-friendly hotel overlooks Galway Bay and offers you peace and quiet while still being close to the city center. Rates start at $204/night.
• Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway is a warmly decorated hotel conveniently located near the city center but away from its hustle and bustle. Enjoy fun activities, such as horse riding and fishing in the area. Rates start at $117/night.
• Ash Grove House is a delightfully quaint hotel in a quiet suburban area. Parking is about 10 minutes from the city center, making it the perfect little spot to stay. Rates start at $95/night.

Day 3: Clare

Located some 45 miles (73.3km) from Galway, Clare County inhabits an area of about 575 square miles (1,489 square kilometers) and features significant geographical features like Lough Derg’s stunning shoreline and Shannon Estuary, Ireland’s longest river.

Clare County’s natural beauty will mesmerize and enchant you, along with its serene stillness. The “banner county” is also home to stunning natural attractions worth stopping to appreciate while on an Ireland road trip .

Visit the Cliffs of Moher

Take in the rugged splendor of the Cliffs of Moher , arguably the most well-known landmark in the county. Situated on the west coast of Ireland, these jagged cliffs reach 702ft (214m) at their highest point, stretching for 5 miles (8km) along the coast. No wonder this geological wonder was named one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 2011.

You can also take a tour to learn more about the area if you don’t want to do a self-guided tour during your 7 day driving tour of Ireland. While I know this is a tourist site, I do recommend going at least once if you’ve ever been. It was inspiring to see the massive cliffs in person during my first visit.

Explore Bunratty Castle

Noted as Ireland’s most complete castle, this legendary fortress was home to lords and ladies. From the security of Bunratty Castle’s fortress, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Clare’s countryside.

Tour Doolin Cave

With over 350 million years in the making, Doolin Cave is 200 ft (60.96m) underground. Once you’ve made your way down intricate passages and pathways, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Great Stalactite, which reflects captivating colors and details when it catches the light that stretches beneath the surface.

Among its breathtaking scenery and rolling countryside, Clare County has some unique and impressive hotels, one of which is the 5-star Dromoland Castle . But we’ll focus on 

Resources for Day 3

• Treacys Oakwood Hotel is an impressive hotel that allows you to explore the Wild Atlantic Way from its premises easily. With contemporary-styled rooms and equally inspired Sophie’s Bar, you’ll have unlimited access to relaxing spots to unwind in this hotel. Rates start at $191/night.
• Killaloe Hotel & Spa is a scenic Ireland hotel on sprawling green lawns that appear straight out of a fairytale. Unlike a fairytale, you won’t have to imagine being treated at their spa. Rates start at $117/night.
• Doolin Inn is a laidback 3-star hotel located in Doolin, Ireland, which is known for being at the start of the Cliffs of Moher walk. Rates start at $187/night.

Note: If you’re here to splurge, look at the best castle hotels in Ireland — you can spend the night in a few of them.

Day 4: Killarney

Known as one of Ireland’s most scenic cities, Killarney is located in the southwest region of Ireland (in Kerry) and is surrounded by statuesque mountains. Killarney has lots to offer you as a tourist during your 7 days in Ireland. 

From Killarney National Park’s Muckross Abbey to its Ross Castle, the city’s national park boasts several popular sites for locals and visitors alike. With all Killarney has to offer you, it makes sense to spend your first day in County Kerry exploring Killarney National Park.

Visit Muckross Abbey

Formerly the Franciscan friary of Irrelagh, Muckross Abbey features a church, square tower, and graveyard in surrounding grounds. It’s a unique place to visit and learn about religion and visit the burial ground of accomplished Gaelic poets.

There are three parts, so to speak, of Muckross Abbey. Firstly is its Abbey itself, which is rather compact. Close by, you’ll notice a dormitory wherein the friars slept with partial wall paintings depicting religious artwork. You’ll also come across the chancel, which is finely preserved and embodies an atmosphere of peace and serenity. 

Muckross Abbey’s graveyard is the third and final part of the attraction. Although graveyards are typically thought of as somber, the grounds here contain a sort of eerie tranquility you won’t find elsewhere.

Learning about the impressive Muckross Abbey is fascinating, and it’s also free. The site is open 24/7 all year round for pedestrians, but vehicles can only enter from 8.15 am to 6 pm.

Explore Ross Castle

Steeped in Irish lore, this well-preserved castle is open to the public during summertime ( August is a great time to visit) and has an extensive history dating back to the 15th century. It is believed that O’Donoghue Mór, an Irish chieftain, an Irish chieftain who ruled his clan in Loch Lein, built the historic Castle.

As you step into the castle, you’ll notice that its interior strikes a unique balance of being bare yet homely. Neatly yet naturally arranged pieces of 16th- and 17th-century furniture in its quaint rooms. 

Ross Castle ’s exterior is also nothing short of magnificent. It is right on the edge of a picturesque lake, offering gorgeous mountain views.

Interestingly, there’s a myth that if you catch a glimpse of O’Donoghue’s ghost, the person who built the castle, you’d have good fortune for the rest of your days. Why not visit Ross Castle and see it (or him) for yourself?

Take In the Beauty of Torc Waterfall

The beautiful Torc Waterfall is the perfect location for those who wish to immerse themselves in County Kerry’s staggering beauty and hear the sounds of water running down the stream. The height of the waterfall is about 70ft (20m), and it is a beautiful site to witness flowing down the natural boulders along its slopes.

As if this natural beauty is not enough, taking a short hike of about 650ft (200m) will give you news of the waterfall from the viewing platform. Continue walking along the mossy path, and you’ll arrive at the second platform. This platform offers you breathtaking views of Muckross Lake.

Resources for Day 4

Since I’ve recommended many locations to visit in a tour of Killarney National Park , why not stay close to the action?

• Killarney Avenue Hotel is one place where you should not let the price deceive you. The natural light that shines through its large windows further enhances the warm and inviting atmosphere it welcomes you with. The tastefully decorated hotel is close to Killarney National Park and is under a 5-minutes walk away. Rates start at $127/night.
• Killarney Oaks Hotel is a charming 4-star hotel that’s a stone’s throw away from Killarney National Park, which makes it incredibly convenient for a visitor. Known for its uber-comfortable and spacious beds, Killarney Oaks Hotel is the perfect play to rest in. Rates start at $248/night.
• The Ross is an effortlessly chic boutique hotel with stunning modern finishes while surrounded by Ireland’s lush greenery. Rates start at $192/night.

Tip: Remember to book any of these hotels in Killarney for 2 nights, as you’ll spend 2 days in County Kerry if you follow this itinerary.

Day 5: Kerry

This fairytale-like landscape is filled with rolling hills and lush green pastures dotted with adorable sheep and cattle. Its landscape is reminiscent of “old Ireland”—a rural Ireland that captivates you with its charm and beauty.

In Kerry, you can find plenty of beaches for surfing, swimming, fishing, and other water sports; mountains for hiking; and lakes for fishing or sailing on a boat. There are also several attractions for you to explore, including Dingle Castle, which dates back to the 15th century. There are also many things to do in Dingle while you’re there (just make sure to book your Dingle accommodations before you go).

Drive Along the Ring of Kerry

Go on one of Ireland’s most scenic drives during your 7 days in Ireland, about 120 miles (193.12km). You can complete this as a round trip or an out-and-back trip from Killarney. Beginning at Kenmare and going around the Iveragh Peninsula, the drive passes through small Irish towns, taking you through rolling hills with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and islands.

This is one of my favorite drives in the country, and my only regret was not taking enough pictures when I was here because I was constantly staring out the window in awe instead.

Visit Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm

Step into this 200-year-old cottage and take a step back in time as you savor traditionally baked scones or apple crumble and tea. Plus, you’ll discover how rural Ireland lived before electricity and the modern advancements we enjoy.

Visit Skellig Michael

Take a boat out to this picturesque island and trek up this historic site. Off the coast of County Kerry, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the earliest Christian monasteries in Europe.

Resources for Day 5

If you opt to spend just one night in Killarney, you can spend your second day in County Kerry in Kenmare, which is about 45 minutes away.

• Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort is a refreshingly laid-back hotel with friendly and helpful staff. Don’t let its affordable pricing fool you—this hotel boasts all the amenities you could hope for a pleasant stay. Rates start at $94/night.
• Sheen Falls Lodge is a stunning 5-star hotel in an equally scenic location. This hotel is the epitome of luxury as it sits on a sprawling 300 acres property with lush greenery and beautifully still, blue waters. Rates start at $254/night.
• Lansdowne Kenmare is a charming 3-star hotel that offers you warm service thanks to its professional yet friendly staff. You’ll also enjoy the stylish décor amidst the relaxing atmosphere at this hotel. Rates start at $165/night.

Day 6: Cork

County Cork is famous for its rich agricultural production, which includes dairy, beef, and cereal crops. The county is also home to many small family-owned farms. Cork is also known as Ireland’s Foodie capital, and people flock to their English Market for culinary delights.

Visit Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park is a 100-acre wildlife park on the upscale Fota Island. Their tour options allow you to interact with and learn more about their animal residents. From Asiatic lions to pretty flamingos, you’ll find them all here.

The renowned wildlife park, which opened in 1983, is home to around 30 animal species as well as 50 different varieties of birds. With the aim of establishing a center for conservation and education, Fota Wildlife Park is a fun and entertaining place to spend your time in Ireland.

Explore Blarney Castle & Gardens

Blarney Castle is a medieval castle located in the village of Blarney in County Cork. Apart from its well-preserved stone castle, you’ll notice that the grounds here are equally impressive, with some of the largest specimen trees you’ll witness in Ireland.

The castle was originally built as a stronghold for feudal lords who controlled much of northwestern Ireland, so you’ll want to visit it during your 7 days in Ireland.

Resources for Day 6

• Fota Island Hotel and Spa is for those who appreciate ultimate luxury and appreciate staying at 5-star hotels. You’ll enjoy the effortless elegance and stylishly decorated hotel and its furnishings. Additionally, its comfortable rooms offer you breathtaking countryside views and upscale bathrooms. Located close to Fota Wildlife Park, you’ll enjoy exploring the diverse wildlife nearby. Rates start at $201/night.
• Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is a tranquil hotel that offers spectacular views of the surroundings. Having been twice named a leading spa resort in Ireland, it’s the ideal hotel for those looking for rest and reprieve after a busy itinerary. Rates start at $244/night.
• Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City is ideally situated in the city center, making it close to other worthwhile attractions. You’ll also enjoy going on a taste adventure with international cuisine served in their Grain & Grill Restaurant in the evenings. Rates start at $155/night.
• I also have an in-depth article on the best places to stay in Cork for alternative options.

Day 7: Back to Dublin (and Back Home)

Once you’ve rounded up your glorious week in Ireland, the last journey of your itinerary is to pack your bags and make your way to Dublin International Airport. If you want to go about it in a roundabout way, you can catch a connecting flight to Dublin via London at Cork Airport, which is around 5 miles (8km) near Cork’s City Center. This option will take you 5 hours (there are no direct flights from Cork to Dublin).

You can always use your rental car to take a scenic three-hour drive back to Dublin if you’re not fond of flying back. Plus, you’ll get to squeeze in extra places to visit along the way.

Take In The Titanic Experience Cobh

While the Titanic was built in Belfast, you can visit the Titanic Experience Cobh in Cork (before your flight) and learn what it was like aboard the iconic ship. Many of the interactive displays here will make you feel like you are aboard the actual ship—even if it is just for an hour.

It was at the White Star Line Building that the last passengers of the ill-fated voyage departed. You’ll learn about the different Irish families, such as Margaret Rice and her young children who embarked on the Titanic but sadly passed away.

Visit the Rock of Cashel

This is about halfway between Cork and Dublin, so a great pitstop to stretch your legs and explore a bit more of the Emerald Isle. 

The Rock of Cashel is a large, ancient stone stronghold that’s over 1000 years old and is the last stop on this linked tour. The historic fortress is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why—the views from the summit are stunning, offering you views of Tipperary’s lush, green landscape.

Prior to the Norman invasion, the Rock of Cashel had been the customary seat of the Kings of Munster for hundreds of years. It provides you with a unique insight into Irish history you won’t find anywhere else.

If you want to extend this trip, you can go on a road trip around Northern Ireland as well. Either way, you’ll love your 7 days in Ireland exploring this beautiful country!

Marissa became obsessed with Ireland when she first visited in 2015, and has been back numerous times since to explore more of the Emerald Isle. She started this site to help others plan their trip to Ireland based off her experiences.

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• NORTHERN IRELAND
• TRAVEL TIPS

7-day Ireland Itinerary: Exactly How to Spend a Week in Ireland

Want to spend a week in Ireland and looking for the best Ireland 7-day itinerary? You came to the right place!

Ireland is such a beautiful place. It’s home to fantastic natural landmarks and lively cities. The Irish are friendly people and they are always so nice and helpful.

If there is one thing you can be sure of, it’s that you will have heaps of fun in Ireland!

In this article, you will discover exactly how to spend one week in Ireland.

Please note that this itinerary is jam-packed! This means that it’s fully optimised and you will get to see loads of things! However, it won’t quite be relaxing.

If this is too much for you, we’d recommend skipping Northern Ireland and just spend more time in Dublin and the rest of Ireland.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

🔎 Table of Contents

Planning your trip to Ireland

Before diving into the itinerary for your week in Ireland, let’s talk a a bit about planning your trip.

Important things to know about Ireland

Before we get started, it’s important to note a few things.

Firstly, there is a difference between the Island of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The island of Ireland is home to not one but two countries: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland is located in the southern part of the island. Its capital is Dublin and the currency in use is the euro. That’s where you will be spending the most time. As a general thing, most people refer to the Republic of Ireland as “Ireland”.

Northern Ireland is located in the northern part of the country. It’s a smaller country and is part of the United-Kingdom. The currency in use is the British pounds and its capital is Belfast.

In this itinerary, we mainly focused on the Republic of Ireland however, we will give you an alternative on day 2 so you can go to Northern Ireland if you want to. They both have loads to offer so there is no wrong choice here but you need to be aware of the fact that you will need two currencies if you choose to visit both countries.

Pro tip: To save money on currency exchange, create a Transferwise account. They offer fantastic rates as well as a debit card and mobile app. You can see my full review here for more information.

How to get to Ireland

Ireland is an island which means there are two ways to get there: by plane or boat.

If you travelling from England, Wales or Scotland, you can take a ferry to either Dublin or Belfast. It’s a bit long but it will allow you to take your car over and that will come in very handy.

If you are travelling from anywhere else in the world, you will need to fly to Ireland. Thankfully, there are a lot of cheap flights to Dublin, Belfast, Shannon and Cork.

Ireland is one of the best places to fly to because there are many flights to Europe and Northern America and you can score some amazing deals.

To get the best prices, check the prices on Skyscanner. You can add the country instead of the city and will give you more options.

• Click here to see the prices for Ireland
• Click here to see the prices for Northern Ireland.

How to get around Ireland

To get around Ireland, you have 3 options: tours, hiring a car or take public transport. 

Train and buses are pretty good when you are in a city however, it’s not the best way to discover Ireland. Going on a tour or renting a car will be a way better option if you want to follow this Ireland itinerary.

Tours in Ireland

If you don’t want to opt for a self-drive itinerary and want everything to be sorted for you, you should opt for a guided tour. There are great options and good value for money. With only one week in Ireland, you won’t have time to waste and choosing to go on a tour is an excellent way to make the best of your time.

Here are some recommendations: 

• Rabbies 7-day tour “Southern Ireland Discovery”: Rabbies is a very famous tour company from Scotland and they also offer amazing tours of Ireland. Their 7-day tour is very similar to the itinerary below and is ideal to discover the best sites in Ireland. Click here to see the prices.
• 6-Day Tour of Southern Ireland from Dublin: This one is a 6-day tour so you can spend a day in Dublin on your own and then enjoy the rest of the trip with this tour company. The guides are amazing and have so much knowledge! Click here to see the latest prices.
• Best of Ireland 6-Day Backpackers Economy Tour:  This tour is perfect for backpackers or travellers on a budget. It’s the same provider as the previous one, just a more affordable version. Click here to see the latest prices.

Renting a car in Ireland

Hiring a car is the most flexible and best way to get around Ireland. You can go at your own pace and really take time to discover the beautiful places there are!

Renting a car is pretty straightforward. You will need a driving license (international license preferably) and a credit card to book it. That’s it!

That said, don’t forget that the stirring wheel is on the right side in Ireland and that you drive on the left. Driving on the left is not particularly hard but it can be a bit daunting for some people.

To get the best prices, use a comparison tool such as Skyscanner for car rentals.

Trains and buses in Ireland

The last option is to take public transport (train and buses). This is preferable as long as you are in a city. For example, you should never rent a car to visit Dublin. You should use public transport. It’s way better.

It’s also good to go from one city to another. For example Dublin to Galway or Belfast.

However, you will be limited if you have to rely on public transport for the whole week.

Accommodation in Ireland

You will find below recommendations of places to stay in Ireland. This includes a carefully picked selection of hotels and Airbnbs.

Overview of your 7-Day Ireland Itinerary

Map of the 7-day ireland itinerary.

The Ultimate Ireland 7-Day Itinerary

Dublin is home to the largest airport in Ireland however, the airport itself is not as big as you may think. Walk to the exit where you will find the bus transfers and taxis.

The best way to get to the city centre is to take the Airlink bus. It’s very cheap and super quick (less than 20 minutes). You can buy your ticket online and keep it on your phone. See prices here.

Otherwise, you can buy it at the airport, just make sure to have cash.

Ireland Itinerary Day 1: Dublin

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and such a beautiful and lively city! There is a lot you can do there and here is exactly how to spend your first couple of days in Dublin. 

Morning: Walking tour of Dublin

The best way to start exploring Dublin is by going on a walking tour. This is a valid piece of advice for any city. Walking tours are great value for money and will help you learning more about the history of the place as well as seeing the main sights. 

Dublin city centre is actually fairly small. It’s easy to explore on foot. Taking a walking tour will also save your time eventually as it will help your sense of direction.

There are many different walking tours in Dublin but as a first-time visitor, you should opt for the classic one. It covers the main attractions and facts about Dublin and Ireland . It’s also very affordable!

Ideally, book the one at 9:30AM in the morning. It lasts 90 minutes so you will be done by lunchtime and will get to explore Dublin before it gets too busy.

Click here to see the prices and availability.

Lunch: The Temple Bar Pub

Address: 47-48, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N725, Ireland

For lunch, head to the famous The Temple Bar Pub. This 19th-century restaurant is well-known for being home to almost 500 of the rarest whiskies in the world. While it becomes the busiest place at night, it’s a bit calmer during the day.

The menu is extremely extensive when it comes to food options, especially sandwiches. Seriously, even the pickiest of eaters could find something on the menu. The sandwiches are also quite large and can be pricey, so you can split with a friend or loved one you’re travelling with. It’s worth visiting just for the atmosphere!

Afternoon: Guinness Storehouse

Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland

The Guinness Storehouse was founded in the 18th century and is where the famous Guinness is brewed. Visitors can explore the inside of the storehouse with ticket prices at about €20. J

ust make sure you book your tickets well in advance because they come with a timed entry. If you miss your time, then you can’t enter! Click here to book your ticket.

The inside of the storehouse will bring you through the Guinness brewing experience from beginning to end. When you finally reach the top floor of the museum, you’ll be given a free Guinness located in a panoramic bar!

It’s very interesting and very well done. You will find both interesting and fun things to do.

You will even learn how to pour your own Guinness! 

If you like taking photos, you will be in for a treat because there are many photo opportunities.

You may hear different opinions about the Guinness Storehouse. Loads of people consider it as a bit overrated but for having been to Dublin many times, I can tell you one thing: it’s worth it! It’s so much fun!

Even if you don’t like drinking Guinness.

Click here to see the latest prices or book your ticket.

Evening: Pub Crawl

Dublin is known for its pubs. They are absolutely everywhere and so much fun! In the evening, they have live music on. Going from pub to pub is one of the best things to do in Dublin and it’s a great way to experience the Irish culture.

People are so nice and you can be sure to have a great time!

Temple bar is known as the best place to go out. While it is a good option, make sure to not only go to Temple Bar itself but also try some more local pubs. Most tourists stay in Temple Bar and although it is good, it’s more international than it is Irish.

Another option would be to opt for an organised pub crawl . You will be with a local guide who will bring you to the best spots. There are also a few drinks included (whiskey, beer and G&T) which makes it great value for money.

Click here to see the latest prices.

Where to stay in Dublin (2 nights)

The best place to stay in Dublin is the city centre. Although the centre is quite small, the whole city of Dublin is very big and spread out. If you book too much out of town, you may pay less for accommodation but you will end up spending an insane amount of time on public transport. It’s just not worth it.

Here are the best neighbourhoods:

• The Docklands
• O’Connell Street

In terms of accommodation, here are some recommendations: 

• Luxury: Opt for the Hard Rock Hotel Dublin .  This is the ultimate luxury hotel in Dublin. It’s ideally located between Temple Bar and the Docklands. The rooms are stunning and the services amazing. Click here to see the latest prices.
• Mid-budget:  The Fleet Hotel is an excellent hotel located near Temple Bar and the O’Connell bridge. It’s a lot of bang for the buck! Click here to see the latest prices.
• Budget: Temple Bar Lane is a hotel in Temple Bar. They have very affordable rooms and are a great option for travellers on a budget. If you are a couple or 2 friends, it will work out cheaper than a hostel ! Click here to see the prices.

Make sure to book 2 nights as you will be staying in Dublin on day 2 as well (no matter what option you choose).

Ireland Itinerary Day 2: Dublin

Morning: trinity college.

Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

Start your day in Dublin by heading to Trinity College to view The Book of Kells. Be sure to purchase tickets online in advance. An adult ticket costs €16, but it can range in price depending on what time of day you purchase tickets for.

The Book of Kells is a 9th century illuminated manuscript. It’s most well known for being one of the most detailed of its kind globally, and it includes the four gospels. You probably won’t spend more than an hour maximum exploring the exhibition.

After visiting the Book of Kells at Trinity College, be sure to explore the rest of the area. Some top spots to at least walk around before lunch include St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street!

Afternoon: Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour

Address: Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 N9VH, Ireland

Dublin (and Ireland as a whole) is known for its whiskey. If you want to learn more about it and try some, head to Jameson Whiskey Distillery. It’s the most famous distillery in the Irish capital and has loads to offer! You will discover exactly how whiskey is made. It’s very interesting.

The entrance ticket includes a guided tour, a tasting and a Jameson cocktail. 

Click here to see the latest prices and buy a ticket.

Dinner: Brother Hubbard

Address: 153 Capel St, North City, Dublin, D01 V9V0, Ireland

For dinner, make your way to Brother Hubbard. There are two in the city, one on each side of the Liffey River, but try to visit the one in the north if you can because it’s a lot closer to the Guinness Storehouse!

This restaurant serves up a wide variety of dishes and has quickly become one of the best restaurants in the city. A lot of the food stems from the Middle East. If you’d rather eat elsewhere, don’t fret! Dublin is filled with tons of other restaurants.

Evening: River Liffey

Finish your second of 7 days in Ireland by going for a lovely walk along the River Liffey. You’ll be able to see all of the pubs and shops lit up, which only adds to the allure of this part of the city. Be sure to also cross the famous Ha’Penny Bridge at night for a great view!

Alternative Ireland Itinerary Day 2: Belfast, Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones

If you don’t want to spend the day in Dublin and really want to fit in as many activities as possible, you may want to consider going on a day trip to Northern Ireland.

You can rent a car and explore yourself but it will be a fair bit of driving. In this instance, it’s preferable to book a day tour . It’s a way better use of your time and money.

You will hopping on a bus in Dublin and head to the Giants Causeway, Game of Thrones filming locations and Belfast.

Opting for a day tour will allow you to do more during that day. The guides know exactly where to go and park, you don’t have to worry about anything.

You will need to get up and early as the tour leaves at 6:45AM but it will be worth it. Here are the sites you will discover:

• The Dark Hedges (Game of Thrones filming location)
• Dunluce Castle
• Giant’s Causeway
• Ballintoy Harbour (cute town and filming location)

Click here to see the latest prices and availability.

Ireland Itinerary Day 3: Galway & Cliffs of Moher

Next on your 7 day trip to Ireland, it’s time to head to the famous Cliffs of Moher. While you may think that it would take a long time to get here from Dublin since it’s on the complete opposite coast, it’s a scenic three-hour drive.

Morning: Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher is the most famous spot to visit in all of Ireland. They’re incredibly scenic and offer breathtaking views of the coast, and they are one of the country’s natural wonders.

Prices range throughout the day, so if you get there before 11 a.m., tickets are just €7. If you miss that time cutoff, the price increases to €10. That’s why it’s best to get there right in the morning if you can!

Spend the morning walking the pathways along the cliffs. Be careful not to get too close to the edge and stay on the main path because unfortunately, people have lost their lives here just trying to get a photo on the cliffs’ edge for Instagram. It’s not worth it!

Lunch: Joseph McHughs

For lunch, stop by a bar called Joseph McHughs. It’s right near the Cliffs of Moher and is an unassuming pub restaurant with affordable prices. It’s one of the closest restaurants to the cliffs, so you won’t have to go too far!

Afternoon: Explore Galway

After lunch, it’s time to head to Galway. Yes, this is the place famously mentioned in Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl! It takes about an hour and a half to get to Galway from the Cliffs of Moher, but it’s a scenic route along the coast.

While in Galway, there are a few attractions that you should try to see. First of all, make sure to stop by Eyre Square. This is the central plaza in the city and has lots of shops and restaurants surrounding it.

The Galway Cathedral is also worth stopping inside of if you have time. It was built in the 20th century, so it’s not as historic as other churches in the country, but it’s impressive and beautiful! Sometimes, there’s even a quaint food market held in front of the church.

Last but not least, visit the famous Galway Harbor. This is one of the most picturesque places in the city and can be a great spot to relax if you have some free time!

Dinner: McDonagh’s

Address:  22 Quay St, Galway, H91 N902, Ireland

Galway’s best dinner spot is McDonagh’s, a 1902 fish and chips shop with budget-friendly prices. There are two parts to the restaurant. On one side, you can walk up and take your order to go.

On the other, you can sit down and enjoy your meal at the restaurant. It’s up to you which you choose because both sides have the best fish in Galway!

Evening: O’Connell’s Bar

Address: 8 Eyre Square, Galway, H91 FT22, Ireland

Finish the evening by heading to O’Connell’s Bar. Pubs are the best place to visit in Ireland at night, and this one is no exception. It was built in the 19th century and has a lively atmosphere in the evening.

Where to stay in Galway (1 night)

Eyre Square is the best area to stay in Galway overall. The O’Connell’s bar is also located in this part of town so it will be the perfect spot for you. Here are some recommendations: 

• Luxury: The Galmont Hotel & Spa is one of the best hotels in Galway. Spa, large rooms, pool… it has it all! Click here to see prices here.
• Mid-range: Skeffington Arms Hotel is an authentic hotel in the heart of Galway. See prices here.
• Budget: Savoy Hostel Galway City Centre is the perfect choice for backpackers. It’s very clean, well located and cheap as chips! See prices here.

Ireland Itinerary Day 4: Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head Drive

When you’re seeing Ireland in a week, you absolutely can’t miss the Dingle Peninsula. This is one of the most scenic parts of the country, and it’s luckily what you’ll be seeing today!

Morning: Inch Beach

Start the morning off by driving to Inch Beach. It’s a bit of a long drive, so try to wake up early.

This beach is incredibly long, and it’s a lot longer than an inch!

No matter what time you get to the beach, you’ll be able to find a spot just for yourself.

You can dip your toes in, go swimming, or watch surfers catch some waves.

Once you’re done exploring, it’s time to make your way to Dingle Town.

Lunch: Dingle Diner

Address: Holyground, Dingle Town Centre, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland

It takes about 20 minutes to drive to Dingle from Inch Beach, and this seaside town is filled with great restaurants. The Dingle Diner is arguably the best!

It’s a bit of a mish-mash sort of place that feels like an American diner but serves up dishes with an Irish twist.

On the menu, you’ll find milkshakes, Irish burgers, and more.

Afternoon: Slea Head Drive

Next on your Ireland 7-day itinerary, it’s time to make one of the most scenic drives.

While you may not have time to go along all of the Slea Head Drive, pick and choose a few of the top sights to visit below that you feel are most worth seeing.

Some of the best places along the Slea Head Drive include the 1,000-year-old Beehive Huts, Dunbeg Fort, Slea Head, Dunquin Pier, Cashel Murphy, and the scenic Three Sisters.

Dinner: Doyle’s Seafood Restaurant

Address: 4 John St, Dingle, Co. Kerry, V92 K039, Ireland

For dinner, make your way back to Dingle and head to Doyle’s Seafood Restaurant. This is the best seafood spot in Dingle, which is known for its fish and chips. There is no better place to try it than here!

Where to stay in Dingle (1 night)

Dingle is a small town therefore, you won’t find the diversity of accommodation range that you have in Dublin. That said, you’ll find beautiful and authentic places to say. B&B, Airbnbs, cottages… it’s super cute and you will love it! Here are some recommendations.

• Dingle Harbour Lodge B&B  is located in the town centre. That’s the best bed and breakfast in town. It’s very well located (closed to the Marina), has free parking and breakfast is included. Click here to see the latest prices.
• Historic charm  is a beautiful Airbnb flat situated a couple of minutes walk from the town centre. It’s so well decorated, you will love it! There is free on-street parking for your car. It’s great value for money. Click here to see the latest prices.
• The Park Apartment  is a stunning apartment in town. It will be the ideal base to explore Dingle. The host is very friendly and helpful as well. Click here to see the latest prices.

Ireland Itinerary Day 5: Killarney

The next stop on your Ireland road trip in 7 days is Killarney, another scenic destination in the country. The drive takes approximately one hour from Dingle.

Morning: Torc Waterfall

Start the morning off well by hiking up to Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park.

This hike is pretty straightforward and won’t take longer than twenty minutes for you to get to the viewpoint.

The forest that it’s located in is probably one of the greenest you’ll ever see!

After hiking, make your way into town and grab lunch at any restaurant downtown.

There are tons of options, so pick whatever one stands out to you!

Afternoon: Muckross House

For the afternoon, you’ll be exploring Muckross House, one of the best things to do in Ireland in 7 days.

It’s a 19th century estate on expansive grounds that feels like it belongs in the Downtown Abbey era! Tickets cost €9.25 per person, but you can spend as long as you want here.

Be sure to go on a tour of the mansion too; it’s completely worth it!

Dinner: Bricin Restaurant and Boxty House

Address: 26 High Street, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 EE61, Ireland

The best spot to grab dinner after exploring Muckross House is the Bricin Restaurant and Boxty House.

Here, you can try Ireland’s traditional dish, boxty!

It’s essentially Ireland’s version of the potato pancake, and this is the best place in the country to try it.

Where to stay in Killarney (1 night)

• Luxury: The Killarney Park is a 5-star hotel in the town centre. It’s perfect for people who want to stay in a luxurious hotel. Click here to see the latest prices.
• Mid-range:  Nine and Three Quarters is a stunning loft in the town centre. It was beautifully decorated and can sleep up to 2 guests. Click here to see the latest prices.
• Budget: Neptune’s Hostel is one of the best places to stay for travellers on a tight budget. It’s in a central location and good value for money. See prices here.

Ireland Itinerary Day 6: Ring of Kerry

This one week in Ireland itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a day driving the Ring of Kerry. This is another scenic drive in Ireland, similar but different to Slea Head Drive! The great thing is you can base yourself in Killarney for it.

Morning: Killarney National Park

From Killarney, it’s time to explore some of Killarney National Park. You can either drive around it aimlessly if you want to stumble upon hidden gems, or you can be on the lookout for some of the top attractions.

In particular, Moll’s Gap and Ladies View are two viewpoints you absolutely can’t miss!

While exploring Killarney National Park, stop for a quick lunch at the scenic Avoca Cafe. You can grab and go with your food here too if you’d rather.

Afternoon: Continue Along the Ring of Kerry

For the afternoon, continue exploring the Ring of Kerry. It’s genuinely one of the best places to see in Ireland in 7 days.

Similar to the morning, you can just start following the route, or you can be on the lookout for specific attractions.

Some of the most popular and famous spots along the drive are Derrynane Bay, the Kerry Cliffs (a must-see!), and the pretty town of Portmagee.

Dinner: The Moorings Guesthouse & Seafood Restaurant

Address: Main Street, Portmagee, Co. Kerry, V23 RX05, Ireland

Grab dinner in Portmagee at The Moorings Guesthouse & Seafood Restaurant. It’s located right on the waterfront and serves up some of Co. Kerry’s best seafood dishes! This restaurant also doubles as a bar, so feel free to stay a bit later and mingle with the locals before your last day in Ireland.

Where to stay in Portmagee (1 night)

• Mid-range: The Moorings Guesthouse & Seafood Restaurant is one of the best places to stay in Portmagee and it’s very well priced. If you decide to eat there in the evening, it will be convenient to stay there as well. Click here to see the latest prices.
• Budget: The Ferry Boat is a great guest house with very reasonable prices, perfectly suitable for budget travellers. See prices here.
• Best Airbnb in Portmagee: Boss’s Farmhouse on the skellig’s ring is a stunning cottage near Portmagee and excellent value for money. See prices here.

Ireland Itinerary Day 7: Cork

Oh no, it’s time for your last day in Ireland! From Portmagee, make the two and a half-hour drive to the city of Cork, Ireland’s second-most populous city behind Dublin.

Morning: Blarney Castle & Gardens

When you go online and search what to see in Ireland in 7 days, one of the first things to pop up is probably the 17th century Blarney Castle & Gardens.

That’s the perfect spot to start your day in Cork! Tickets for an adult are €16 and can be purchased right at the castle entrance.

The grounds are extensive, so make sure you grab a map when you enter. While you’re here, be sure to kiss the Blarney Stone and check out the Poison Gardens!

Lunch: The English Market

Travel back to Cork town centre for lunch and head to the English Market.

This huge food market was built in the 18th century and is a spot where locals sell tons of treats, meals, and more.

All of the food sold here is also produced locally, so it’s a great way to support those who live in the area!

Afternoon: Explore Cork

Spend your last afternoon in Ireland exploring Cork. If you don’t have a lot of energy left, you can just explore aimlessly if you’d like, because Cork is filled with hidden gem attractions just waiting to be discovered by you.

An excellent spot for shopping (especially for souvenirs) is Saint Patrick’s Street. It’s a bit similar to Grafton Street in Dublin.

Another interesting and historic place to spend the afternoon is the 19th century Cork City Gaol. It’s a prison turned museum filled with history.

Dinner: Market Lane

There’s no better spot to have your last Irish meal than at Market Lane.

This Irish restaurant is mid-range with its prices and has won countless awards. Everything on the menu is made with ingredients from The English Market!

From salads to fish, this restaurant has it all.

Market Lane also doubles as a cocktail bar, so when you’re done with your meal, consider sticking around a little bit longer to mingle with other locals and tourists before saying goodbye to the beautiful Emerald Isle.

The next day, consider flying home from Cork or Shannon Airport instead of Dublin Airport because it’s way closer!

Cork and Shannon are respectively the second and third biggest airports in Ireland so you will find loads of flights. You can see the best deals on Skyscanner .

Where to stay in Cork (1 night)

• Luxury: The River Lee Hotel is a stunning 4-star hotel in Cork. Bar, pool, garden… it has it all! Click here to see the latest prices.
• Mid-range:  The Metropole Hotel Cork is perfect for mid-range accommodation in Cork. It’s well located and has everything you may need. See prices here.
• Budget:  Sheilas Tourist Hostel is a super cheap hostel in Cork. It’s well located and the amenities are great for backpackers. See prices here.
• Best holiday rental in Cork: This Victorian townhouse is perfect for people who want to stay in a unique Airbnb while still enjoying the perks of being near the city. See prices here.

You may also be interested in:

18 Incredible facts about Dublin that will blow your mind

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30 Interesting and Fun Facts about Ireland that will blow your mind!

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Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

The Perfect 7 Days in Ireland Itinerary With Northern Ireland

Planning a trip to Ireland, the land of intrigue and beauty? If you are looking for a taste of all that the Emerald Isle has to offer, then this is the perfect 7 day Ireland itinerary for you.

To see as many things as possible, it’s best to see the country in a one week Irish road trip . Our Ireland vacation Itinerary has natural wonders, exciting cities, heavenly countrysides and more, all packed into 7 days.

Movies set in Ireland showcase the spectacular landscape and exude that Irish charm. Throw in the cool accent and some fun pubs and it makes for an awesome trip.

This is the perfect Ireland itinerary if you love a fast paced, fun trip and wait until you see what’s on tap for the last few days in Northern Ireland !

This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure  here .

Table of Contents

Best Time to Travel to Ireland

The best time to travel to Ireland is the spring and fall . It will allow you to skip the busy summer crowds. It’s the perfect time to take advantage of the best romanic getaways and weekend breaks in Ireland .

Thankfully the crowds in Ireland are not as heavy as other mainland European destinations. But places like the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher are filled with tour busses during the summer.

Also, if you are planning a self-drive Ireland itinerary, which we highly recommend, and are unfamiliar with driving on the wrong side (hehe) of very skinny roads, you won’t want to be dealing with the busses either.

Ideally May, June, September and October are the best months to visit Ireland . You will have decent weather and a chance to take in all the fun activities Ireland has to offer.

Weather in Ireland

• Spring – Temperatures range from 46 – 60F gaining most of the warmth in the latter half of May. Spring sees lots of sunny days and flowers are in bloom.
• Summer – The warmest (60-70F) and driest months are July and August with up to 18 hours of daylight. Expect plenty of sunny moments but know that you will also have lots of cloudy days too. Don’t forget to pack a jacket.
• Fall – Autumn colors abound and the temperatures drop slightly (50-65F) with more rainy days.
• Winter – Definitely the chilliest (39-42F) and rainiest time to visit. The wind picks up and the fog rolls in. Snow can happen but is unusual. Warm up the way the locals do in Irish pubs.

Is 7 Days in Ireland Enough?

You could easily spend a few weeks in Ireland but the reality is that most people have a limited amount of time. The country is small enough that you can cover a lot of ground in just one week in Ireland , on a self-drive road trip. 

So let’s buckle up and get moving through the cities and countryside towns of the Emerald Isle. This 7 day Ireland itinerary will give you the must see places to visit in Ireland for the first time.

We had to make some choices, like missing Cork and the Blarney Stone but we added in Northern Ireland and the Antrim Coast which was unparalled. I think you’ll make the same choice when you see the pictures below!

Getting to West Coast Ireland to Start Your One Week Ireland Trip

From Dublin Airport , you can take a train (4 hours) or drive (2.5 hours) to get to the West Coast of Ireland.

We flew directly into Shannon airport , because it was easy to get flights. Another bonus for flying into Shannon is that the airport is much smaller and less crowded than Dublin airport. 

If you plan to spend time in the area, before heading off on your Irish road trip, check out nearby  Bunratty Castle .

We landed at 6am and it wasn’t open yet but it is supposed to be a step back in time, a folk park in a real medieval castle. 

Shannon is also minutes away from the city of  Limerick . We spent the morning in Limerick, starting with breakfast at  Hook and Ladder , the most delicious cafe and bakery.

Limerick is somewhat small and accessible on foot. We walked around to see some sights, including King John’s Castle , a 13th-century riverside fortress.

With 1 week in Ireland, we didn’t plan to spend time in Limerick, however, if you are interested in sticking around, here are 23 fun things to do in Limerick .

READ NEXT: 25 BEST WEEKEND GETAWAYS IN IRELAND

7 Days in Ireland Itinerary

• Day 1 : Killarney National Park, Muckross House, Ross Castle
• Day 2 : Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head Drive
• Day 3 : Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Dunguaire Castle
• Day 4 : Galway, Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey
• Day 5 : Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt Estate
• Day 6 : Dublin, Trinity College, Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse
• Day 7 : Giant’s Causeway, Antrim Coast, Belfast

7 Day Ireland Itinerary – West Coast

Start your one week Irish road trip in County Kerry and plan to stay 2 days. If you are planning a 10 to 14 day Ireland itinerary, you should plan 3 days in this area.

Where to Stay in Killarney

• We stayed at the  Great Southern Killarney , in the town of Killarney. It’s a nice hotel and centrally located. The rooms were both spacious and spotless, and the staff was great.
• The Killarney Park Hotel was more noteworthy but unfortunately fully booked. Downtown Killarney is a lively tourist town that has pubs, music and shops.

Day 1: Killarney National Park

First up on this Ireland 7 day itinerary is a visit to  Killarney National Park . It’s a place where magical panoramas of mountains, lakes, and woodlands leave you wondering if you’ve somehow stumbled into a fairy tale.

As you wander through the moss-laden paths, prepare to be serenaded by birds and greeted by the noble red deer, Killarney’s resident celebrities.

Oh, and if you feel a gentle caress of mist on your face, fear not, for it’s the famed Irish weather just ensuring you don’t forget where you are.

MUCKROSS HOUSE & GARDENS

Muckross House , shown above, is the crown jewel of Killarney National Park. Stepping onto the grounds of this magnificent 17th-century estate feels like a delightful journey back in time.

The exquisite house was completed in 1843. Take a one-hour guided tour through the splendor of the estate, adorned in resplendent Elizabethan style.

But the pièce de résistance lies in the Muckross Gardens , a horticultural masterpiece crafted to impress none other than Queen Victoria herself in 1861.

Admire the exotic trees standing tall, the whimsical Rock Garden, the enchanting Water Garden, and the mysterious Sunken Garden – all curated to create a marvel worthy of royalty.

Once you’ve soaked in the history and elegance, make haste to the charming cafe tucked amidst the gardens, where a scrumptious bite awaits to satiate all whims and fancies.

ROSS CASTLE

Ross Castle was built in the 15th century and amazingly still stands today. Nestled on the edge of the enchanting Lough Leane, Ross Castle stands as a majestic testament to the O’Donoghue clan.

From March to November, you can tour this ancestral home’s many nooks and crannies. The tour explains the set up of a castle and how life worked there.

As you venture through the well-preserved rooms, you’ll learn the stories and legends that are a veritable feast for the imagination.

TORC WATERFALL

Torc Waterfall is an easy hike through a pristine area of Killarney National Park . As you get higher, there is a gorgeous view of the valley below.

Just 2.5 km from the enchanting Muckross House, the beautiful Torc Waterfall awaits your adventurous spirit. This 66 ft high and 360 ft long wonder is the result of the Owengarriff River draining from the aptly named Devil’s Punchbowl lake.

Your journey there might trigger a game of musical chairs with your fellow adventurers, thanks to the infamous parking situation.

Our advice? Carpe diem with an early bird visit or embrace your inner Lance Armstrong by renting a bike in town, letting those wheels guide you through the wonders of Killarney National Park.

To see the breathtaking views of the valley below, embark on the 1.5 hour Cardiac Hill walk or scale the heights of the awe-inspiring Torc Mountain Walk .

Day 2: Dingle Peninsula

We decided against the Ring of Kerry tour because that’s where all the tour buses were going. Instead, we headed out to the Dingle Peninsula for a different view of the Wild Atlantic Way and I’m so glad we decided to drive ourselves.

It was about an hour’s drive, on Irish roads (just like the ones you see in the movies). Driving in Ireland, on the other side of the road, is not that disconcerting,

I got way more comfortable after a few hours and I was so glad because it is definitely one of the best ways to see Ireland for the first time. 

The size of the road is the only thing that’s a little stressful. Imagine driving at a fast speed on a road that’s the width of 2 parking spaces shared by you and oncoming traffic.

Slea Head Drive is a 26 mile loop that has striking views of the coast. You can drive in about an hour or make a day of it and rent bikes at Foxy John’s hardware store on Main Street.

Dingle is a cute little sleepy town. If you have always wanted Dingle Ice Cream, this is the place to get it!

Humor abounds in Dingle. It’s also a great place to do a pub crawl at night and hear some Irish folk music.

Day 3: County Clare With a Stop at The Cliffs of Moher

With 7 days in Ireland, we planned a transportation day filled with sightseeing the majestic sites of County Clare.

The drive time is 4.5 hours from Killarney to Galway but you will never be in the car for more than an hour at a time today.

Those that are planning a 10 day Ireland road trip itinerary might want to stay overnight in Doolin to spend more time visiting the Cliffs of Moher, the coastal trail and the Burren. You can also add a day trip to the Aran Islands.

CLIFFS OF MOHER

The Cliffs of Moher is one of the iconic views in Ireland. Carved originally by ice, they are 700 feet tall at the tallest point and run for more than 8 miles. There is a coastal trail you can walk that links the villages of Liscannor and Doolin.

Surely, you can partake in the age-old tourist tradition: drive up, snap a photo, and leave in under an hour. But, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes, and embarking on one of the delightful walks the cliffs have to offer.

Take a two-hour round trip saunter to a romantic location like Hag’s Head, with its archaic watchtower and jaw-dropping views. Or drink in the coastal wonders on a 2 hour journey on foot to the charming village of Doolin.

For those who yearn for a different vantage point, you can do a boat tour that flaunts the cliffs from below.

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The mystical wilds of Ireland, where one can find the unparalleled beauty of the Burren, is one of the treats of exploring the Emerald Isle. Wait until you see the views!

Since its inception as a national park in 1991 and subsequent establishment as a UNESCO Global Geopark (the Burren & Cliffs of Moher), this Irish gem has attracted adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Stepping onto the terrain of the Burren feels as though you’re traversing an otherworldly landscape, with its seemingly extraterrestrial geology and eerie crevices. It’s so much cooler than we expected!

The area has tons to offer, like the ancient and wondrous Doolin Cave. And for those who prefer a more adrenaline-fueled experience, the Burren has you covered.

With Geopark heritage trails to walk, kayaking voyages to embark upon, surf-fueled sessions to be had, and cycling adventures to undertake, the Burren is sure to titillate both your mind and spirit!

DUNGUAIRE CASTLE

After visiting the Burren, stop at Dunguaire Castle, 35 minutes before you end your day in Galway.

Do you have a dream board? I had a photo of Dunguaire Castle on mine forever. This charming relic of Irish history, stands proudly on the shores of Galway Bay.

Its picturesque beauty has earned it the rumored title of the most photographed fortresses in Ireland. No wonder it was on my dream board – and I might add that seeing it in person was completely worth it.

Constructed in 1520 by the industrious O’Hynes clan, this restored tower house has not only withstood the test of time but was a meeting place of Ireland’s literary revivalists including George Bernard Shaw and William Butler Yeats.

A mere 30-45 minutes is all it takes to tour this architectural gem, yet its magic manages to leave a lingering impression.

And for those seeking a more enchanting experience, attend one of the medieval banquets held from April to October. You will be served a scrumptious four-course dinner with fine wines and entertainment.

Day 4: County Galway

The city of Galway is at the innermost point of Galway Bay. Along the coast of Galway you will find everything from castles to white sand beaches to small villages.

The city of Galway is the largest in the west of Ireland. It is a 2 hour drive from Dublin and a very lively and friendly place. Galway was very different and much bigger than I expected.

Start with a walking tour of this charming Irish city. Meandering down the 18th Century streets is so much fun with all the shops, art galleries, and restaurants galore.

As you jaunt through the cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter, you’ll pass jovial pubs filled with music to get your foot tapping and more than enough Guinness to go around.

Galway is one of the best places to visit in September for its famous International Oyster Festival.

Other things to do include visiting the Galway City Museum, the Galway Cathedral, or a walk on the Salthill Promenade as the fresh sea breeze tussles your hair, with sweeping views of Galway Bay by your side.

CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK & KYLEMORE ABBEY

An hour and a half drive from Galway, you’ll find picturesque  Connemara National Park , a haven of Irish wilderness and home to the bewitching Kylemore Abbey .

Take a self-guided tour through the Abbey, then venture outside to the Victorian walled garden, and let the lush 6-acres of formal flower heaven beguile your senses.

Embrace your inner explorer for a hike through the ancient native woodland and enchanting Celtic Rainforest.

Opt for something as short as the 1 km Dawros River Walk, or the equally short Flora, Fauna, and Folklore trail. Last but certainly not least, the Sruffaunduff Waterfall is also a great choice for a fitting finale to your sojourn.

If you’re trying to get the most of Ireland in 7 days, this is a must see and great day trip from Galway.

If you don’t have a car, take this Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Full-Day Guided Tour. This specific tour spends the most time at Kylemore Abbey. You’ll also stop along the way for many photo opportunities of Connemara countryside.

Optional Day Trip – Aran Islands

A day trip to the Aran Islands highlighting Ireland’s rugged charms is highly recommended in a Rick Steves Ireland itinerary. We didn’t have time to witness the wild beauty of this archipelago, located off the western coast of Galway.

It is definitely something to consider in this area if you are planning a longer than 7 day Ireland road trip.

Departing from Doolin, the ferry takes 1 hour 15 minutes. Cars aren’t allowed on the ferry but parking is easy at the pier and bikes available to rent once you arrive on Inishmore.

You can also catch a ferry in Rossaveal on the way to Connemara National Park.

The west coast of Ireland is heavenly. We spent a total of 4 days there and really could have extended to a whole week. Next up is the East Coast part of our trip.

7 Day Ireland Itinerary – East Coast

“May the road rise up to meet you” conjures an image of an Irish road with sheep blocking car traffic and an Irish folk music soundtrack.

That’s the Ireland shown in countless movies and the one that made me want to see the real thing for myself. That perfect Ireland picturesque scenario is alive and well on the West Coast.

Now, we move to the East Coast of Ireland, visiting Dublin, Enniskerry, and Northern Ireland, with a completely different feel.

Day 5: County Wicklow

Start your tour of Ireland’s east coast in the Wicklow mountains. County Wicklow is a breathtaking Irish paradise where varying lush shades of green stretch as far as the eye can see.

We recommend staying at the 5-star  Powerscourt Hotel . It was our favorite hotel in Ireland, that was completely worth the splurge. You’ll quickly fall in love with the spacious, beautifully appointed rooms and delectable cuisine.

A slew of amenities and activities await you in the charming town of Enniskerry . Take a swing at golf or set off on one of those enjoyable hikes or running paths exclusively available to hotel guests.

Don’t miss the nearby Powerscourt House – a grand 67-room Palladian mansion nestled among 47 acres of gardens that are so incredible. National Geographic ranked them third in their list of the World’s Top 10 Gardens.

You can tour the mansion and wander around the ornamental lakes, garden pavilions, terraces and walled gardens – just be careful not to spook the horses!

And if that’s not enough for you, a short 3-mile jaunt away from the estate lies Powerscourt Waterfall , Ireland’s tallest waterfall. So go on, pack your bags and prepare to be swept off your feet by the unmatched beauty of County Wicklow.

The photo above on the right just shows the lower portion but it gives you a sense of the lush surroundings and parkland. The park is quite large and perfect for a picnic. The Wicklow Mountains is one of 10 Great Day Trips from Dublin .

Day 6: Dublin

Dublin is the buzzing, effervescent jewel in Ireland’s emerald crown. You need at least 48-72 hours to explore this lively capital for a whirlwind adventure.

As the cobbled streets sing beneath your feet with a history-laden melody, you’ll unearth three key elements of the Irish persona: their love for literature, their skilled craft of conversation, and of course, their unwavering devotion to the bracing pint of black gold – Guinness.

Dublin is one of those places you visit and think ‘I could totally live here.’ The food is terrific, the vibe is energetic and overall it has a fantastic historic city/modern city feel.

Best Places to Stay in Dublin:

• We stayed at the  Radisson Blu Royal Hotel . It is well located in the city center therefore everything is within walking distance. The rooms are modern design and very comfortable.
• If you are backpacking Ireland or just looking for more affordable Dublin accommodations, try Jacobs Inn Hostel . They have private and bunk rooms, great decor and a terrific location.

TRINITY COLLEGE

Your worn-out cobblestone strolls deserve a pause at the illustrious Trinity College , where Dubliners’ adoration for words can be found cascading through the long room of the Old Library.

Trinity College Library houses the  Book of Kells , an Irish national treasure created around 800 AD. It should be high up on your list of what to see in Ireland in 7 days.

The Long Room of the old library, also included in the ticket price, contains 200,000 of the library’s oldest books, huge leather-bound volumes in two stories. It is really a sight to see. Get there early so you don’t have to wait in line.

Pro Tip: We wasted an hour in line at the Book of Kells which meant we didn’t have time to tour Dublin Castle. In hindsight, I would have taken this Fast-Track Book of Kells Ticket & Dublin Castle Tour .

When you are trying to see Ireland in one week, you really need to make the most of your time and waiting in line was just poor planning on our part.

GRAFTON STREET

Very close to Trinity College is Grafton Street , Dublin’s bustling epicenter of retail therapy, where shopaholics and tourists flock for their fix of the finest Irish goods.

This lively pedestrian thoroughfare is also filled with colorful characters, talented buskers, and restaurants. Need a break from all the sightseeing? Visit the lush haven of St. Stephen’s Green right nearby.

Amidst the placid ponds and impeccably manicured gardens of this 1880s park, one can witness Dubliners basking in their fair city’s rare sunny days.

The vibrant symphony of sights, sounds and experiences on Grafton Street offers something for everyone from a fashionista to a music aficionado or a leisurely stroller.

A restaurant that we LOVED was  The Rustic Stone,  a farm to table steakhouse with absolutely delicious food including numerous choices for vegans as well. It’s a 5 minute walk from Grafton Street.

As with all big cities, when you are in a heavily touristy area like Grafton Street or the train station, use an anti-theft travel bag to protect your belongings.

Ah, Temple Bar  – that venerable Irish institution nestled along the south bank of the River Liffey, where spirits run high and the melodies never cease.

What better way to experience the authenticity of Temple Bar than to saunter through its doors and be swept up by the enchanting sounds of traditional Irish music?

With roots stretching back to 1840, this iconic Dublin watering hole has retained its lively charm for nearly two centuries, much like a fine whiskey that only gets better with age.

A pint in hand, you’ll be transported back in time, perfectly encapsulating that magic only found in Dublin’s fair city. With a bunch of bars in close proximity, you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the whole Temple Bar area.

Dublin is one of the best places to visit in March for St. Patrick’s Day and the Temple Bar area is a reveler’s dream!

GUINNESS STOREHOUSE & JAMESON DISTILLERY

A big attraction in Dublin is the  Guinness Storehouse . I love a good factory tour but was disappointed that Guinness does not make beer there so there’s not any interesting equipment or actual production.

It is a large, multi-story building with a long self-guided tour that is still interesting. And a free pint of Guinness is included with your ticket.

The best parts of the Guinness Storehouse were the city views at the very top and behind the bar training to pour a Guinness like a pro. You can see I took the job very seriously!

Buy tickets for the Guinness Storehouse tour in advance. It’s a VERY popular Dublin attraction.

The  Jameson Distillery , on the other hand, is an outstanding tour of the actual factory. Jameson Distillery is further away so it’s more of a time commitment to take this tour.

It’s good to do both tours if you have time but if you have to choose and you like an authentic factory tour, skip Guinness and go to Jameson, unless you love Guinness beer.

With our trip to the area being somewhat short, we had to choose between some typical tourist stops.

We did a walking tour of Dublin starting at Ha’penny Bridge , then walked around the exterior of Dublin Castle and  St. Patrick’s Cathedral  on our way to Christ Church Cathedral.

It actually turned out to be a great walk and good overview of Dublin.

If you are choosing between churches, St. Patrick’s is deemed the most beautiful inside and Christ Church, pictured above, is the most visited – you should definitely fit at least one into your 7-day Ireland Itinerary.

Day 7: Northern Ireland

There are so many great things to do in Northern Ireland, that one day is just enough to whet your appetite.

However if you only have a one week trip to Ireland and are a Game of Thrones fan or just want to enjoy some breathtaking scenery, County Antrim is the land where ancient history and modern pop culture collide in captivating harmony.

Getting to Northern Ireland from Dublin

When we planned our Ireland itinerary, we decided to fly into Shannon and out of Belfast.

Since a car is not necessary in Dublin, we turned it in and took a Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour to get to Northern Ireland. They let us store our luggage in the bus and get off at the last stop in Belfast.

I’m generally not a fan of bus tours but it was a great way to squeeze in some of the top Northern Ireland sights into a 7-day driving tour of Ireland once we no longer had a car.

We learned a ton about Northern Ireland on the drive, we saw every sight we wanted to see and it ended up being a very economical way to transport from Dublin to Belfast.

It just so happened that we were making this trip on July 12, a major holiday in Northern Ireland called  The Twelfth  that celebrates the Battle of the Boyne.

The celebration includes bonfires, a huge parade in Belfast and consequently most places (except pubs) were closed.

READ NEXT: 12 BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND

THE DARK HEDGES

Picture yourself strolling down the now-iconic Dark Hedges, a mesmerizing avenue of serpentine beech trees, all the while feeling as though you’ve been transported into the mystical realm of Westeros from Game of Thrones Season 2.

As you meander beneath their twisted branches, perhaps you’ll imagine yourself encountering the cunning Arya Stark or the brooding Jon Snow on their perilous journeys.

Just remember, despite the enchanting allure of these cinematic surroundings, you remain in County Antrim, so there’s no need to fear the White Walkers, no promises about the tour groups though.

All kidding aside, you can easily spend time visiting the Dark Hedges without hundreds of people if you just wait a few minutes for the time between busses.

Another must-see on the  Antrim Coast  is Giant’s Causeway, which is why we made the trek to Northern Ireland.

GIANT’S CAUSEWAY

Giant’s Causeway  is a geological wonder, a mythical battleground, and an Instagrammer’s paradise all rolled into one.

The result of volcanic activity from more than 50 million years ago, this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a baffling array of roughly 40,000 polygonal basalt columns, sculpted by Mother Nature herself.

The Causeway Coast is a visual feast for the eyes, especially in the early morning when the haze gently kisses the water, or at sunset when the golden light transforms the scene into something magical.

For those keen on reaching this awe-inspiring location, the aptly named “blue trail” will have you traipsing along an asphalt path for a mere 10-15 minutes before feasting your eyes upon this one-of-a-kind scenery.

For the more adventurous, hiking the trail along the causeway coastline trail rewards you with a birds-eye-view that puts even the most skilled aerial photographers to shame.

If possible, try to visit at sunset for the best photos. This is definitely an Ireland Vacation highlight!

A 15-minute drive will take you to another stunning stretch of coastline with the  Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge . Cross the bridge suspended 100 ft. above the sea and explore the land on the other side.

You will find a scenic coastal walk and a chance to see a view of the Scottish Islands. The day we were there was crystal clear. The bridge attendant joked that summer is her favorite day of the year. 🤣

The water here is a gorgeous shade of turquoise and there are a number of beaches in Northern Ireland that are worth a visit if you have time.

A bit further along the coast is Fair Head, a hidden gem in the UK and another filming location for the Game of Thrones.

In Belfast, our final stop in Northern Ireland, we went to a parade and thankfully found an open pub for dinner. It was fun to see everyone out and about enjoying the holiday.

Unfortunately everything was closed that day but there are so many great things to do in Belfast . You should definitely take a trip on the Belfast Wheel to get a bird’s eye view of the city from the top of the giant ferris wheel.

We stayed at the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast (8.5). It was very modern, comfortable and walking distance to everything. We put together a list of the best boutique hotels in Belfast so you have plenty of choices.

7 Day Itinerary Ireland: Planning Tips

• FLIGHTS : You don’t have to fly in and out of the same airport, which allows you more flexibility. The major international airports are Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Belfast.
• Being able to squeeze in Northern Ireland is possible by booking your trip in and out of different airports. We started in Shannon, returned our car in Dublin and left from Belfast Airport.
• HOTELS ; Book Hotels ASAP. The good ones get reserved quickly.
• BUDGET : You can easily find affordable hotels and then pick at least one night to stay in a hotel or castle that’s fabulous. I would count that as an attraction as much as anything else. Ashford Castle and the Powerscourt Hotel are world-class choices!
• CAR RENTAL : Renting a car for  self-drive tours  is easy and expands your possibilities.

Getting Around for This Ireland 7 Day Itinerary

You can take a train to all the major stops but it really limits you from seeing things in between. Cars are easy to rent and affordable.

We use Discover Cars for car rentals in Europe because they have great rates and it’s always an easy pick up/drop off.

We picked up our car at Shannon airport. While I was initially nervous to drive in Ireland on the other side of the road, I got the hang of it pretty quickly and was so thankful we opted for the car.

Pro Tip : Most car rentals in Ireland are manual transmission. Make sure you book an automatic if you can’t drive a stick shift.

Leaving Ireland and on to Iceland

Our 7 day Ireland vacation was part of a multi-country trip. From Ireland, we headed straight to Iceland, which was a short 2-hour flight.

If you want to extend your trip, consider adding on an Iceland Ring Road Trip .

Other Great Summer Trip Ideas:

• ITALY: 22 Best Weekend Breaks in Italy
• SPAIN: The 22 Most Beautiful Cities to Visit in Spain
• CROATIA: Island Hopping Adventure
• PORTUGAL: The Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in Lisbon

Like the Best 7 Day Ireland Itinerary for later? Pin it!

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29 comments, karan lathia.

Wonderful guide, thanks for sharing

Love your trip so much, all the photos here looks so stunning

This is such amazing itinerary, thanks alot for sharing. Ireland been in my bucket list for a long time, wish I can make it someday and take a visit. your trip inspiring me alot!

Terry Westcott

When is the best time of year to visit Ireland?

The best time is April to June, September and October when the crowds are lighter but the weather is still nice. I will update the post to include more information about the best time to travel. Thank you for your question.

Cheryl Kennedy

Great article! I fell in love with Ireland on our trip there a couple years ago. I wouldn’t skip Kinsale, it was my favorite. 🥰

We didn’t make it to County Cork so now we obviously need to go back 😉 Thanks for sharing about Kinsale. I’ll add it to our list.

What I love about Ireland are all those castles. The countryside is so beautiful and I can immediately feel the fresh air because that nature is so beautiful. It reminds me a little of Braveheart (I know it played in Scotland) but it looks very similar.

It does look really similar to the Scotland landscape. It’s such a pretty countryside.

I don’t see much travel tips of Ireland which I’m glad that I see one here in your blog. Those colourful houses and the castle with a reflection in the water are a must to visit.

Well I’m glad you found mine helpful! Ireland is such a beautiful place and great to visit. Thanks for reading!

So magic place!! I hope you had a nice experience! Have a great day! xx

La ilusión de Nina

Thank you Nina! It was a great trip.

MP Allegaert

Such a fun and informative post. I have been lucky enough to visit Ireland twice, but there’s still so much more to see!

Thank you. I want to go back again too. There’s so much to see and it’s a great jumping off point for other travel.

This is so helpful! I’m hoping to visit Ireland within the next few years with my family and I’ll be using this as a guide. All of the places you mentioned look beautiful! This is making me even more excited to hopefully go.

Ireland is so beautiful and it’s such a fun place to explore. I hope you get to go soon!

I have been to Ireland before, but it was for only two days and it was over eight years ago. Time to probably go back and explore very well. Thank you for the guide. Very helpful!

I have a feeling it’s a great place to keep revisiting. There are so many wonderful places to see. Hope you get a chance to do a longer Ireland trip soon.

Ireland looks so beautiful and it also looks so peaceful ! I love countryside landscapes. Xx Margot

If you love countryside landscapes, Ireland is the place for you. One of the things I loved most was all of the different shades of green. It’s truly stunning.

Ireland looks amazing and thank you so much for all these wonderful tips!

xoxo Lovely

SundayDahlias

I’ve never been, but so many of the places look like they came straight out of a movie!! It looks like an amazing place to visit. Your post was super helpful and well written too!

Thank you! Ireland is absolutely picturesque, it’s such a great place to visit! You have to go sometime!

WOW – Ireland looks absolutely stunning! Thanks so much for sharing your itinerary and tips!

-Emily | http://www.TheEmilyEdition.com

Thanks so much Emily!

I love how informative and inspiring are your posts! Also, the pictures are beautiful as always! I’ve been to Ireland once, but just in Dublin for a few days. I never saw these beautiful landscapes! My favorite is that Victorian mansion! So beautiful. Also reminded me of one movie (I don’t know if you saw it) – Lep Year. It’s such a girl movie, but really sweet! 🙂

Thank you so much! Ireland is one of my favorite places to travel to. I too have seen Leap Year and its so cool to go to locations you’ve seen in movies! I love it. Thanks for reading!

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Planning a Trip to Ireland in 2024: 8 Essential Details

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: February 16, 2024

STOP – let’s get this out of the way from the start – why should you trust my planning a trip to Ireland guide?

• Reason one : I’ve lived in Ireland for 35 years
• Reason two : I’ve spent the last 10 helping thousands of people plan a trip to Ireland
• Reason three : We recently published the world’s largest Ireland itinerary library
• Reason four : We use a tried and tested 8-step approach so you plan your visit in a logical manner

I am  very  confident that, if you follow the steps laid out in the Ireland trip planner below, you’ll remove the bulk of the stress involved in planning your visit! Cheers!

Table of Contents

The steps for planning a trip to Ireland in 2024

Click to enlarge

The graphic above will give you an overview of how to plan a trip to Ireland – these are the steps we’ll take you through below.

We’ve refined this over the years and it’s now our go-to process . Take a few minutes to look through it – it’ll save you  time, hassle and money in the long run.

Step 1: Identifying your Ireland road trip uncontrollables

The first step in planning a trip to Ireland is to build a solid foundation.

This means understanding the things that you have no control over  from the beginning . For most people, the ‘uncontrollables’ are:

• Visa requirements
• Entry points to the country (e.g. ferry terminals or airports in Ireland )
• How long they can visit for
• Their budget (see our guide to the cost of a trip to Ireland )

Getting a sense of these elements from the very beginning will set you up for success . This tends to be the boring part when planning an Ireland vacation, but it pays dividends in the long run (I promise).

Step 2: Understand the lay of the land

The second step of how to plan a trip to Ireland is to get a good lay-of-the-land . This will help you understand what is and isn’t possible when it comes to your Ireland itinerary .

Now, if you’ve been to Ireland before and you know the layout of the country, you can ignore this. However, this is a very useful step for first-timers.

We have three goals for this step:

• Goal 1 : To help you understand where the attractions in Ireland that  you want to see are located
• Goal 2 : To identify clusters of attractions (these will help you map our your route)
• Goal 3 : To rule places in or out (the clusters will help you do this)

Here’s what to do:

• Step 1 : Open a Google ‘My Map’ and create a new map
• Step 2 : Plot everywhere you want to see on the map
• Step 3 : Look for clusters of attractions (i.e. areas where you have a build up of attractions)

Step 3: Understand your options for getting around Ireland

The next step in how to plan a trip to Ireland will have a massive effect on both your experience and the cost of your trip.

Deciding how to get around Ireland can be a sticking point for many people when planning a trip to Ireland.

If you’re sticking to main towns and cities ( check your map from step 2 !) there’ll be good public transport options, and you likely won’t need a car .

If you want to step off-the-beaten-path and like flexibility, a car is your best bet. Here are the pros and cons to both:

Option 1: Getting around by car

Renting a car in Ireland is a good choice if you want to step off-the-beaten-path and like flexibility.

• The advantages: You’ll have more freedom to explore and you can travel at your own pace
• The disadvantages: It can be very  expensive and, for some, driving in Ireland can be stressful.

Option 2: Getting around by public transport

Getting around Ireland without a car is possible. Yes, using public transport in Ireland is less flexible than using a car but it has its advantages.

• The advantages: It’s relatively affordable, it’ll be less stressful for some and it’s easy to combine it with day trips
• The disadvantages: You won’t be able to get to many rural attractions, some places have poor public transport and you have to stick to predetermined schedules

Step 4: Deciding when to visit Ireland

The next stage of our how to plan a trip to Ireland process involves picking the best time of year to visit Ireland .

Deciding when you’re going to visit at this stage puts you in a good position for the itinerary planning step (e.g. in the summer you’ll have  many  more hours of daylight to explore in).

Some factors worth thinking about at this point are:

• Your budget : Off peak ( Autum and Winter ) will be cheaper than peak ( Summer and Spring )
• The weather : Daylight hours and  likely  weather conditions (see the weather in Ireland by month )
• What’s on : Some people like to plan around the different festivals in Ireland
• Your availability : In an ideal world, you’d visit whenever you like, but you may have to plan around work, school etc

Step 5: Mapping out an itinerary

The next step in planning an Ireland vacation is to map out a rough Ireland itinerary .

Now, if you don’t want the hassle of this, we have  hundreds  of ready-made itineraries in our Road Trip Hub where you can pick a route based on:

• How you’re getting around (we have public transport and car itineraries)
• Your start point (e.g. Shannon, Dublin etc.)
• The speed you like to travel (fast or slow)
• Your fitness level (good or limited)

However, you can of course map our your own itinerary. Here are some things to consider if you’re planning a trip to Ireland yourself:

1. Be realistic

The biggest causer of stress amongst people planning a trip to Ireland is that they try and fit everything into one trip .

You need to be realistic about what you can and can’t do during your visit. Yes, this’ll mean not visiting some places but it’ll ensure that you enjoy the time that you’re here for.

2. Prioritise attractions

Go back to the map you made during step 2 . It’s time to priortise. If, for example the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher are absolute musts for you, leave them in.

If there’s somewhere you’re only half interested in, remove it. Whittling down to your ‘must-sees’ will help massively.

3. Look at your clusters

The next step is to look at the clusters on the map near your starting point. If you find a group of places that you want to see while touring Ireland, take note of the county in your spreadsheet.

This will help you build up a list of places that will form your various different bases. When you’ve run through the whole map, it’s time to bring it all together .

This stage in planning a trip to Ireland can be the most time consuming. Take your starting point and find the nearest cluster to it. That’ll be your first base.

Decide how long to stay there for and then move onto your second cluster, AKA base two. Keep following this process for planning your trip and you’ll eventually have an itinerary to follow.

Step 6: Picking your start point and booking your flight/ferry

The next step in our how to plan a trip to Ireland process is where things get real. At this point, you know where you’ll visit, when you’ll visit and you have a rough  overview of your itinerary.

It’s now time to lock in your start point and book your flights . Sometimes, your start point is decided for you based on where you’re travelling in from. If you have the flex to choose, you need to choose wisely!

Take a look at the map that you’ve used to plot down all of your ‘must-sees’ and plot the various different airports/ferry terminals that you have the option to fly into.

If all of your ‘must see’ places to visit in Ireland are in Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry, it makes sense to use Shannon as the starting point for your trip to Ireland. Then get those flights booked!

Step 7: Locking in the final route and booking accommodation

Photos via The Sandhouse on FB

We’re nearing the last step of planning an Ireland vacation. Now that the flights/ferry have been booked, it’s time to finalise your itinerary .

At this point, you should have a fair idea of the route you’re going to take. Now, it’s all about tightening it up and mapping it out .

Decide on a final itinerary and commit to it. Once you have your plans set, it’s time to get your accommodation booked .

If you’d like some suggestions on unique places to stay, drop into our hub on where to stay in Ireland .

It’s also at this point, if you’re renting a car in Ireland , that you should look at making a booking .

Step 8: Understanding etiquette and time/money savers

And finally we’re onto the last step of how to plan a trip to Ireland – things to know before you visit.

Below, I’ve popped in some handy Ireland travel tips that’ll hopefully save you time and money. It’s worth reading our guide on what not to do in Ireland at this point, too!

There’s plenty of different laws in Ireland that tourists need to be aware of.

Two that people tend to get caught with are the drinking age in Ireland and the fact that it’s illegal to smoke in doors.

2. Tipping in Ireland

Tipping in Ireland , for the most part, is optional – don’t be fooled into believing that you need to tip for everything.

It’s fairly standard to leave between 10 and 15% in places where you’ve had a meal.

3. Northern Ireland vs the Republic of Ireland

Some people are surprised to discover that there are differences between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland .

Yes, they’re separate countries on one island. There are 32 counties in Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland is made up 26 counties and Northern Ireland is made up of the remaining 6. The currency in Ireland is Euro and in NI it’s Pound Sterling.

4. Money savers

There’s plenty of ways to save money but you need to be aware of them while planning a trip to Ireland and not after. Some handy options are:

• The VAT refund : If you’re travelling to Ireland from outside the EU, you’re entitled to a refund on some purchases
• The Heritage Card : This is a handy way to save on admission to state-managed Heritage Sites like Kilmainham Gaol
• The Dublin Pass : This can give you solid savings when visiting the main attractions in Dublin

Wrapping up our planning an Ireland vacation guide

Photos via Dan and Molly’s on FB

The steps above will make planning an Ireland vacation very straightforward once you take the time to work through each of them in order.

One of the biggest mistakes we see people make is that they rush straight to what they want to see and then become overwhelmed when they realise that the attractions are dotted all around the island.

At The Irish Road Trip, we approach the topic of how to plan a trip to Ireland afresh every year and  constantly  refine our process.

The steps above to planning a trip to Ireland is the most up-to-date process that we use and it has helped us map our hundreds of trips.

Ireland trip planning FAQs

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘How do you go about planning a trip to Ireland for a large group?’ to ‘What Ireland trip planning tips are the most useful?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

How far in advance should I plan a trip to Ireland?

Start planning a trip to Ireland as early as you can. You don’t need to book anything, but it’s worth working out the route you’ll take as far in advance as possible as it’ll make everything else more straightforward.

How many days should you spend in Ireland?

The longer the better. If possible, try to allow at least a week in Ireland. Although this will only scratch the surface, it’ll give you a good period of time to explore a section of the island.

How do you go about planning an Ireland vacation?

In this guide, we take you through 8 steps that follow a logical manner. If you work through them, you’ll remove the stress that many encounter when planning a trip to Ireland.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Saturday 16th of July 2022

Thank you so much Keith for all the time and effort you put into this site! It's amazing!!

I hope you are still answering questions here. The latest post I saw was 2019 but I really need some help!. My husband and I Had an opportunity handed to us free of charge to go to Ireland over Christmas (23rd - 30th). Are airfare and lodging aren't costing us anything which is great and I am very appreciative but the cottage is in Tulla which I gather is remote. We will be staying there all 7 nights so we would need day trips returning each night to Tulla. We are also there over Christmas. I am having a hard time finding anything open on the 24th and 25th. I was hoping to book some bus tours but I can't find one open the entire time we are going to be there. It's probably just that I don't know where to look. I would really appreciate it if you could steer me in the right direction. Thanks!!!

Keith O'Hara

Hey Trish - You won't find any (to my knowledge) fee-paying attractions open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or, possible, Stephen's Day (26th). To be honest, I'd be surprised if any organised tours are operating during that times, as Ireland to an extent shuts down during the Christmas to New Years period. Are you renting a car?

Wednesday 29th of June 2022

Can you park your car at Glenmacnass‌ ‌Waterfall‌ ‌In‌ ‌Wicklow‌ Parking overnight? We are planning to go wild camping around there.

Thursday 30th of June 2022

Hi Alex - We camped at Lough Ouler a few years back and debated parking there or on the other side at Turlough Hill. We ended up bottling it as we'd heard reports about break-ins along the Sally Gap. Parking in the village nearby and got a taxi up. Not ideal, but was good for peace of mind!

Tuesday 22nd of March 2022

Thanks so much for getting us started with these basic facts. Looking forward to spending our 40th anniversary in your country.

Friday 11th of February 2022

Hi We are planning a trip based on your 11-Day Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary starting last week of May. Do you recommend on making hotel reservations in advance ?

Hey - yes, definitely book in advance! Otherwise you could end up either paying very high prices for a place to stay and/or having to stay outside the town/village/city that you want to stay in. Have a lovely trip and safe driving!

Monday 7th of February 2022

Brilliant suggestions. Thanks. Just starting to plan a trip…. I was born in cork and am looking forward to going back. I live in Wales. So it should be straightforward 👍👍 Having said that. After reading your suggestions…I am going to do a bit at a time … just so I don’t miss anything Thanks again

Thanks Kay. Have a lovely trip!

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Highly recommended.

We had a wonderful experience on our vacation in Ireland, thanks to the Irish Tourism Group. They planned our tour based on our interests, with the first week a rail tour and the second week a self gu Read more »

The best of Ireland by Rail 7 night tour is best accessed by Dublin airport. After spending some time checking out Dublin’s best visitor attractions including Trinity College and the Book of Kells exhibition, Kilmainham Gaol and Dublin’s National Museums to name but a few, you will travel by train to Killarney in County Kerry. Killarney is often regarded as the gateway to the Ring of Kerry and it’s from this town that you will begin your own Ring of Kerry exploration! This long established route around the Iveragh Peninsula has been drawing visitors for centuries and is a true testament to Ireland’s natural beauty. After ample time in Kerry you will travel by rail to Galway, Ireland’s festival capital and a city that has a continuous buzz of excitement surrounding it!  From Galway you will enjoy a spectacular journey to Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands. Protected from outside influence due to their remote location, the Aran Islands display the traditional Ireland that the rest of the country has largely left behind. 

What's included

• Meet & greet at Dublin Airport with private transfer to your first accommodation
• Train ticket from Dublin Heuston to Killarney
• Train ticket from Killarney to Galway 
• Train ticket from Galway to Dublin Heuston 
• 7 nights’ accommodation 
• Dublin Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Tour Tickets 
• Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets 
• Return Shuttle bus from Galway to the port of Rossaveal for Aran Islands Ferry 
• Return Ferry Ticket from Rossaveal to Inis Mór

Tour highlights

Aran islands, dublin castle, guinness storehouse, ring of kerry, national museum of ireland - collins barracks.

• Trinity College Dublin & Book of Kells
• Ross Castle

Overnights for this tour

• Dublin for 2 nights
• Killarney for 2 nights
• Galway for 2 nights
• Dublin for 1 night 

Accommodation options

• Superior & First Class Hotels 
• Quality 3-Star Hotels & Luxury 4-Star Hotels
• Any Combination of the above

Tour itinerary

Day 1 - dublin city.

Arrive at Dublin international airport and make your way to the city centre. After checking into your accommodation, use your Dublin sightseeing tickets to bus your way around Dublin city. The Dublin sightseeing ticket lasts for two days and includes stops close to all of Dublin’s main attractions including The National Museums, Trinity College and The Book of Kells, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral to name just a few places. On one night of your time in Dublin, we would certainly recommend that you visit Dublin’s busy Temple Bar to check out its famous traditional Irish music and vibrant nightlife!

Day 2 - Dublin City

Continue your sightseeing in Dublin today. Visit Dublin Castle which was built in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement and served as the headquarters of English administration in Ireland prior to Irish independence. Kilmainham Gaol is also a must.  One of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, it covers some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's history.

Also worth a visit are EPIC, the Irish emigration museum and the GPO (General Post Office) which houses the ‘GPO Witness History’ visitor attraction. This exhibition tells the story of the 1916 rising and the aftermath of this historic rebellion. Of course, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Guinness Storehouse before another evening of exploring Dublin's famed traditional pubs complete with great traditional music.

Day 3 - Dublin to Killarney by Train

Begin the next stage on your Irish rail tour with a scenic train journey from Dublin through the historic country of Tipperary and the rolling green pastureland that makes up Ireland’s ‘Golden Vale’ to Killarney in county Kerry. For your first day in Kerry we recommend that you take in Killarney and the surrounding attractions. You may decide to visit Muckross House and Gardens on the outskirts of the town or take a tour around Killarney national park by horse and carriage. One of the main attractions in Killarney is the town itself with its colourful shops, cute cafes and ample fine restaurants. There is always plenty of traditional Irish music on offer in Killarney in its many old style pubs! 

Day 4 - The Ring of Kerry

Today we have pre-booked a Ring of Kerry bus tour for you. On your tour discover landscapes of magnificent beauty alongside the backdrop of the grand MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, rivers and rolling countryside. Along the way, you will encounter larger bustling towns to the more traditional quaint Irish villages. Visit such places as Glenbeigh which holds the famous Kerry Bog Village, a cluster of reconstructed cottages dating back to the 1800’s, Cahersiveen,  the principal town of the peninsula and Sneem with its brightly painted buildings and quaint village green. Return to Killarney via Ladies View, a famous stopping point to view the three Lakes of Killarney in all of their splendour. 

Day 5 - Killarney to Galway by Rail

Set off early this morning and take a scenic train journey from Killarney to Galway. Galway is the principle city of the West of Ireland and a lively University City. In fact, Galway is often referred to as Ireland’s Festival capital due to the frequent festivals that the city holds. Due to its compact size, the city can be explored easily on foot and you will find many bars to quench your thirst as well as many great restaurants with an excellent food offering. We recommend that you take a stroll down Shop Street where on any given day you are sure to find a variety of buskers and other street performers. Shop Street contains Galway's best preserved ancient building, Lynch's Castle and numerous old brick buildings, bright storefronts and a great selection of excellent shops. 

Day 6 - Aran Islands

Depart early morning for your journey to Inis Mór, the largest of the three the Aran Islands. Protected from outside influence due to their remote location, the Aran Islands display the traditional Ireland that the rest of the country has largely left behind. Learn about the Aran Jumper and traditional crafts such Basket Weaving. On Inis Mór, you will still find the traditional horse and trap and hear the Gaelic language spoken as the first language.  There are more than 50 different monuments of pre-Christian importance on the islands, the most popular being the fort of Dun Aonghasa which stands dramatically against the cliff edge over the western part of the Island.  After a long day to explore the island at your leisure take the return ferry back to Rossaveal and the return shuttle back to Galway City. 

Day 7 - Return to Dublin by Rail

This morning check out of your hotel and travel by rail back to Dublin City, arriving in time to take in some of the attractions and locations that you may have missed on your first visit. If the weather is nice you might decide to talk a walk in Dublin’s famous ‘Stephen’s Green’ or check out the shops and cafes on Grafton Street, stopping like many people do to take a picture with Molly Malone, one of Dublin’s most famous statues.

You may feel like learning more about Ireland’s political history by taking a trip to Leinster House where the current parliament sits or Dublin Castle which was the seat of English rule from the 13th Century. Dublin Castle also houses the Chester Beatty Library which displays manuscripts, prints, miniature paintings and early printed books from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. The Chapel Royal with its fine plaster decoration and carved oaks and galleries can also be visited at Dublin Castle.

This evening, take another opportunity to check out Dublin’s traditional music and pub scene. The Cobblestone and the Auld Dubliner are famous venues and many of our past customers have enjoyed a drink or two in Kehoe’s Bar, one of last great heritage pubs of Dublin, this pub retains much of its Victorian trappings leaving the visitor feeling like they have stepped back in time!

Day 8 - End of Tour

This morning, check out of your hotel for the journey home.

Tour attractions

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands located at the mouth of Galway Bay, on the west coast of Ireland. The largest island is Inishmore the middle and second-largest is I...

Dublin is both the largest city and capital of Ireland. It is located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the centre of the Dublin ...

Dublin Castle fulfilled number of roles through history Originally built as a defensive fortification for Norman city it later evolved into a royal residence. Dublin Castle was f...

Gap of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe is a beautiful glacial valley in the Macgillacuddy Reeks mountain range, which dominate the skyline of Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. Here you can enjoy an ene...

Guinness Storehouse has attracted over 4 million visitors from all over the world, The Storehouse is laid out over seven floors surrounding a glass atrium taking the shape of a p...

This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains.Take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park ...

Admire breathtaking vistas of mountains, cliffs and beaches on Ireland’s most popular drive, the 100-mile Ring of Kerry.

Blasket Centre

The Great Blasket Centre on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula is an interpretative museum honouring the unique community who once lived on the now abandoned Blasket Islands.

Galway is the only city in the province of Connacht in Ireland. City also has a reputation for being associated with the Irish language, music and dancing. The city also bears th...

Collins Barracks  is a former military barracks in the Arbour Hill area of Dublin, Ireland. The buildings now house the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History. ...

Tour Prices

7 night best of ireland by rail.

• Please note prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
• Rail tickets included from Dublin Heuston to Killarney, Killarney to Galway and Galway to Dublin Heuston.
• Prices include Dublin Sightseeing Tour Tickets, Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets, Aran Islands Shuttle Bus and Ferry Tickets
• Meet & greet at Dublin Airport with private transfer to your first accommodation included
• The Combination package includes 4 Nights in 3 Star Hotels, 3 nights in 4 Star Hotels
• Children Sharing with 2 adults (aged 2-11) pay 40% of the Adult option.
• Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults

Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.

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"Just wanted to send you a big Thank You. We returned from our Ireland vacation yesterday afternoon and we had a wonderful time!"

John from Massachusetts

Other tours you might be interested in.

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8 Night Best of Ireland by Rail

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Southern loop (7 nights tour).

5.0 ⭐      14 customer reviews

T he Southern Loop tour is designed to show off the best of the South of Ireland and is one of our most popular  driving tours of Ireland . Beginning in the fair city of Dublin, you’ll journey through cities and towns such as Cork and Galway, exploring the enchanting culture and scenery of southern Ireland along the way. Take in sights like Kilmainham Gaol and The Burren before finishing up in the rolling green hills of the Midlands.

• Trinity College Dublin
• The Book of Kells

Guinness Storehouse

• Old Jameson Distillery
• National Museum of Ireland
• Christchurch Cathedral
• Kilmainham Gaol

• Blarney Castle
• Blarney Woolen Mills
• Cobh Heritage Centre
• Old Midleton Whiskey
• Cork Opera House
• Titanic Experience
• Cork City Gaol
• Blackrock Castle
• Spike Island
• English Market

• The Ring of Kerry
• Killarney National Park
• Muckross House & Gardens

Dingle Peninsula

• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Cliffs of Moher

• Poulnabrone Dolmen

Galway City

• Galway Crystal
• Kylemore abbey
• Connemara National Park
• Aughnanure Castle

• Belvedere House
• Kilbeggan Distillery
• Loughcrew Passage
• Hill of Tara
• Trim castle

The package comprises lodging, daily breakfast, a guidebook, a heritage island guide, an attraction guide, car rental with unlimited mileage, and insurance coverage.

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• Package Includes

Dublin City

Trinity college and book of kells, blarney castle and blarney stone, ring of kerry, dublin | 1 night, cork | 1 night, kerry | 2 nights, clare | 1 night, galway | 1 night, midlands | 1 night, car rental – includes theft protection, unlimited mileage, taxes and airport charges, accommodation – each night included, take your pick of b&bs, hotels and castles, food – a full irish breakfast will be provided each morning, itinerary – you’ll have full access to your trip itinerary 24/7, payment plan options – contact our team for more information on affordable payment plans, personal travel advisor – one of our team members will be assigned to you from beginning to end, offering expert advice and answering any queries you have.

Contact Us Today

Are you finally ready to bite the bullet and treat yourself to the vacation you sooo deserve? Then it’s time to get in touch with us! Contact us at Go Irish Tours where we will answer any questions or queries you may have. We’ll help you to build your Irish dream vacation from scratch and you’ll be assigned a travel guide who has a vast and in-depth knowledge of our Ireland trips. This guide will be with you from beginning to end, ready to help you with any problems. Click here to contact us, ask us a question or schedule a phone call to talk about our Ireland package deals. We will provide you with information on any and all of our Ireland trip packages, helping you get to grips with planning and deciding. We can’t wait to hear from you!

See what people are saying about this trip

Nathan bennett, july 12, 2019.

"A week of Irish wonders! A journey through the heart of Ireland's south, with highlights like Kylemore Abbey and the iconic Ring of Kerry. Can't wait to explore more!"

"Made the Southern Loop unforgettable! The picturesque Dingle Peninsula, the historical Bunratty Castle – every moment felt like a page from an Irish fairy tale."

Leo Rodriguez

August 05, 2021.

"A perfect blend of city life and nature! Took me through the lively streets of Cork City to the serene landscapes of Killarney National Park. Ireland at its finest!"

Katherine Reed

May 20, 2019.

"A week of surprises and delights! From the charming Cobh Heritage Centre to the ancient Newgrange, each day brought something new to discover."

Jack Cooper

July 23, 2023.

"A journey of a lifetime! Introduced to the warmth of Galway City, the majesty of the Cliffs of Moher, and the historical richness of Trim Castle. Simply amazing!"

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Our insider knowledge of Ireland is an essential part of building our tours and trips.The Travel Butler service is designed to ensure you get the best, truest Irish experience possible. The service is is personalised and tailored to each customer and their chosen tour. We have explored countless paths and services throughout the island which has given us an edge when it comes to rates, recommendations and VIP privileges.If you’re looking for a vacation company that can provide you with a legitimate, interesting and utterly authentic trip to Ireland, then look no further. Go Irish Tours is devoted to ensuring our customers get to witness the Emerald Isle in all its glory – hidden gems, day trips and perfect pints of Guinness included!

When you book with Go Irish Tours, the cost is upfront and clear. We won’t hit you with any hidden “extras” or other unpleasant surprises along the way. Your personalised itinerary will outline everything included on the tour, allowing you to plan your trip exactly to your tastes and specifications.

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7 Night Best of Ireland by Rail

Spend time in Dublin, Kerry and Galway on a 7 night rail tours of Ireland. Your time in Ireland will include Dublin city sightseeing where you will have the opportunity to visit the Book of Kells exhibition and Kilmainham Gaol to name but a few attractions. Discover Ireland’s Ring of Kerry and much much more!

Railway Viaduct in Ireland

Spend time in Dublin, Kerry and Galway on this 7 night Ireland by rail tour. Your time in Ireland will include Dublin city sightseeing where you will have the opportunity to visit the Book of Kells exhibition and Kilmainham Gaol to name but a few attractions. Discover Ireland’s Ring of Kerry and much much more! 

• Train ticket from Dublin Heuston to Killarney
• Train ticket from Killarney to Galway
• Train ticket from Galway to Dublin Heuston
• 7 nights’ accommodation
• Dublin Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Tour Tickets
• Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets
• Return Shuttle bus from Galway to the port of Rossaveal for Aran Islands Ferry
• Return Ferry Ticket from Rossaveal to Inis Mór
• Dublin for 2 nights
• Killarney for 2 nights
• Galway for 2 nights
• Dublin for 1 night 

Day 1 & 2: Dublin City

Arrive at Dublin international airport and make your way to the city centre. After checking into your accommodation, use your Dublin sightseeing tickets to bus your way around Dublin city. The Dublin sightseeing ticket lasts for two days and includes stops close to all of Dublin’s main attractions including The National Museums, Trinity College and The Book of Kells, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral to name just a few places. On one night of your time in Dublin, we would certainly recommend that you visit Dublin’s busy Temple Bar to check out its famous traditional Irish music and vibrant nightlife!

Day 2: Dublin to Killarney by Train

Begin the next stage on your Irish rail tour with a scenic train journey from Dublin through the historic country of Tipperary and the rolling green pastureland that makes up Ireland’s ‘Golden Vale’ to Killarney in county Kerry. For your first day in Kerry we recommend that you take in Killarney and the surrounding attractions. You may decide to visit Muckross House and Gardens on the outskirts of the town or take a tour around Killarney national park by horse and carriage. One of the main attractions in Killarney is the town itself with its colourful shops, cute cafes and ample fine restaurants. There is always plenty of traditional Irish music on offer in Killarney in its many old style pubs!

Day 4: The Ring of Kerry

Today we have pre-booked a Ring of Kerry bus tour for you. On your tour discover landscapes of magnificent beauty alongside the backdrop of the grand MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range, rivers and rolling countryside. Along the way, you will encounter larger bustling towns to the more traditional quaint Irish villages. Visit such places as Glenbeigh which holds the famous Kerry Bog Village, a cluster of reconstructed cottages dating back to the 1800’s, Cahersiveen,  the principal town of the peninsula and Sneem with its brightly painted buildings and quaint village green. Return to Killarney via Ladies View, a famous stopping point to view the three Lakes of Killarney in all of their splendour.

Day 5: Killarney to Galway by Rail

Set off early this morning and take a scenic train journey from Killarney to Galway. Galway is the principle city of the West of Ireland and a lively University City. In fact, Galway is often referred to as Ireland’s Festival capital due to the frequent festivals that the city holds. Due to its compact size, the city can be explored easily on foot and you will find many bars to quench your thirst as well as many great restaurants with an excellent food offering. We recommend that you take a stroll down Shop Street where on any given day you are sure to find a variety of buskers and other street performers. Shop Street contains Galway's best preserved ancient building, Lynch's Castle and numerous old brick buildings, bright storefronts and a great selection of excellent shops.

Day 6: Aran Islands

Depart early morning for your journey to Inis Mór, the largest of the three the Aran Islands. Protected from outside influence due to their remote location, the Aran Islands display the traditional Ireland that the rest of the country has largely left behind. Learn about the Aran Jumper and traditional crafts such Basket Weaving. On Inis Mór, you will still find the traditional horse and trap and hear the Gaelic language spoken as the first language.  There are more than 50 different monuments of pre-Christian importance on the islands, the most popular being the fort of Dun Aonghasa which stands dramatically against the cliff edge over the western part of the Island.  After a long day to explore the island at your leisure take the return ferry back to Rossaveal and the return shuttle back to Galway City.

Day 7: Return to Dublin by Rail

This morning check out of your hotel and travel by rail back to Dublin City, arriving in time to take in some of the attractions and locations that you may have missed on your first visit. If the weather is nice you might decide to talk a walk in Dublin’s famous ‘Stephen’s Green’ or check out the shops and cafes on Grafton Street, stopping like many people do to take a picture with Molly Malone, one of Dublin’s most famous statues. You may feel like learning more about Ireland’s political history by taking a trip to Leinster House where the current parliament sits or Dublin Castle which was the seat of English rule from the 13 th Century. Dublin Castle also houses the Chester Beatty Library which displays manuscripts, prints, miniature paintings and early printed books from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. The Chapel Royal with its fine plaster decoration and carved oaks and galleries can also be visited at Dublin Castle. This evening, take another opportunity to check out Dublin’s traditional music and pub scene. The Cobblestone and the Auld Dubliner are famous venues and many of our past customers have enjoyed a drink or two in Kehoe’s Bar, one of last great heritage pubs of Dublin, this pub retains much of its Victorian trappings leaving the visitor feeling like they have stepped back in time!

Day 8: End of Tour

This morning, check out of your hotel for the journey home. 

• Please note prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
• Rail tickets included from Dublin Heuston to Killarney, Killarney to Galway and Galway to Dublin Heuston. 
• Prices include Dublin Sightseeing Tour Tickets, Ring of Kerry Coach Tour Tickets, Aran Islands Shuttle Bus and Ferry Tickets
• The Combination package includes 3 Nights in 3 Star Hotels, 2 nights in 4 Star Hotels, & 2 Nights in our hand-picked B&B's.
• Children Sharing with 2 adults (aged 2-11) pay 40% of the Adult option.
• Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults
• Meet & greet at Dublin Airport with private transfer to your first accommodation included

Start planning your vacation... Enquire Now

"Thank you so much for planning such a wonderful trip! We enjoyed every aspect of it."

Janet from California

"Rest assured, when I visit Ireland again (and I will) you will be the first people I call."

Mak from California

"Just wanted to let you know we had the best time on our vacation to Ireland. Everything went smoothly. Does you company handle other destinations besides Ireland by chance?"

Debbie from Canada

"I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for arranging such a wonderful trip. You are just the best. When I show my pictures "everyone" wants to visit Ireland."

Carol from New York

"Our trip that you arranged was fabulous! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay."

Camille from Minnesota

"Just wanted to send you a big Thank You. We returned from our Ireland vacation yesterday afternoon and we had a wonderful time!"

John from Massachusetts

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The Ultimate One Week Road Trip Itinerary for Ireland

T he island of Ireland is split into two with the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Even with Brexit there is no passport control or immigration when traveling between the two regions of the island.

In this 7 or 8 days itinerary we drove a total of 1,100 miles (1,800km) and gas cost a total of 160 euros. With only one week in Ireland it is impossible to see everything, but gives you enough time to see the main attractions and highlights across the island. Several of the days were more driving focused than others to squeeze all of Ireland in one week.

While it took us 8 days in Ireland to drive around the island and enjoy the entire itinerary below it is possible to do it as a 7 day itinerary to Ireland, you just have to wake up and get ready first thing each morning, as there is no time to sleep in.

Renting a car in Dublin

How much does it cost to rent a car in ireland, do i need extra car insurance in ireland, what type of car should i rent in ireland, day 1: streets of dublin, day 2: cobh – cork – killarney, day 3: killarney – the dingle peninsula – limerick, day 4: limerick & cliffs of moher – galway, day 5: erris head – downpatrick head – sligo, day 6: castle classiebawn – sliabh liag – glenveagh castle, day 7: northern ireland: dunluce castle, giant’s causeway & belfast, day 8: last day dublin.

Before renting a car in Ireland it is important to know that in Ireland and Northern Ireland you drive on the left side of the road. Our rental car even had a reminder sticker right above the windshield, but it was not our first time driving on the left, so we had no issues. It does take an extra second to remember especially when making turns and driving on an empty road.

We recommend renting a car only for your time outside of Dublin, as within Dublin parking is limited and expensive. Honestly walking between attractions is often quicker. Overnight parking costs upwards of 15 euro near the city center and that is with a discounted rate through the hotel. It is simply not worth the hassle of having a rental car in Dublin, only rent it for when you are leaving the city.

Because we spent the first two nights in Dublin we rented a car from Europcar picking up and dropping off at the Dublin City Centre, Spencer Dock location.

Rental cars in Ireland are relatively cheap compared to other countries that we have rented cars. For a 6 day rental it cost about 180 euro for a Hybrid Toyota Corolla. Had we opted for a smaller vehicle it would have only cost 100 for the 6 day car rental.

The one note of caution for renting a car in Ireland is the required special insurance coverage information to use our credit card rental car insurance that specifically states there is coverage in the Republic of Ireland. It is a simple phone call to the credit card but you might need to explain specifically what you need to the customer support as it goes beyond the normal coverage documentation.

To drive to Northern Ireland is well there is an additional 30 euro fee as it is part of the United Kingdom, with no real explication for the fee other than the rental company would like more money. We only added the Northern Ireland fee in the middle of our road trip via because we did know if the weather would be good enough to warrant the additional driving.

Additional car insurance is required in Ireland and is expensive. We read that If booking through a third party online, the additional insurance they offer is not actually accepted in Ireland and you will need to get insurance coverage directly with the rental car company, which can cost 20-30 euros per day.

Even with full CDW coverage through our credit card we were required to put a 5,000 euro hold on the card in case of any damage. Make sure you have enough credit available on your credit card for the duration of the car rental until the hold is released after retiring the car.

There are several questions to think about when renting a car in Ireland. The first is what size car should you need to rent in Ireland. With narrow roads, tight historic city centers, and limited parking spots, it is best to opt for the smallest car that your group comfortably fits in.

With three people, one checked bag and two carry on bags we chose a Toyota Corolla and the trunk was absolutely full. If you are traveling with two people and less luggage an even smaller car, like the Volkswagen Polo is enough.

7 or 8 Day (one week) road trip itinerary to Ireland and Northern Ireland

Since we have two full days in Dublin split between the start and end of our Ireland road trip, our first day in Dublin was spent mostly strolling along the streets of Dublin along the River Liffey. After dropping our luggage of at our hotel we began exploring Dublin on foot.

We started out walking through the relaxing Saint Stephen’s green park to enjoy some of the bright orange and yellow autumn foliage that was at its peak during our visit. There is also a small memorial in the park dedicated to the peaceful defenders of human rights around the world which is interesting to experience and read.

Heading towards the center of town we passed The Umbrellas Dublin which are colorful umbrellas hanging across the road, effectively in an ally between a few bars and casinos. While it does make for a cute photo spot, it is not really worth visiting if you have to go too far out of the way.

We then made our way to the campus of Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College Dublin . While it is probably most famous for the Trinity College Library and see the Book of Kells, we opted to just walk through the grounds as it was several hours before the next available tour.

After that we walked into the Temple Bar neighborhood which is probably most famous for The Temple Bar Pub . We had stop inside to experience the bustling atmosphere, live Irish music, and of course get our first, and maybe most expensive, pint of Guinness in Ireland.

Tired from our overnight flight to Ireland we wandered back to our hotel trying to pass through as many beautiful and peaceful neighborhood streets as we could. We stayed at the historic Harcourt Hotel , which is situated an approximately 20 minute walk south of most of the top attractions in Dublin. We read complaints online of the adjacent nightclub being loud, but staying in the middle of the week we encountered no issues ourselves.

Waking up early in the morning I picked up our rental car from the Europcar Dublin City Centre, Spencer Dock location as soon as it opened at 7:30AM to get as much out our day as possible.

After packing up our luggage we began the 4 hour, 170 mile (270km) drive to Cobh . Traffic was relatively light during this drive, but being the first day driving in a new country, the drive did take a little longer as I was getting a feel for the flow of traffic.

Arriving in Cobh, we parked along Spy Hill road for the iconic view of the colorful “Deck of Cards” Houses with St. Colman’s Cathedral in the background. From this viewpoint it is mostly holding your camera above a stone wall to get a beautiful photograph. We then walked around the block to the small West View Park where you can get a similar view, but we do recommend both viewpoints as the park is at the same level as the Deck of Cards houses, so you can’t see the full cathedral.

We then made our way over to St. Colman’s Cathedral where we took a look inside this iconic church and enjoyed panoramic views across downtown Cobh and the entire port. On our way out of Cobh we drove down the main street and stopped for a few minutes to explore some shops before driving on to Cork.

On the way to Cork we stopped at the Blackrock Castle Observatory , which was unfortunately closed when we visited, but it still makes for a beautiful photo, from the edge of the parking lot and right along the water.

We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Downtown Cork on foot walking along Paul St, Drawbridge St, and along both sides of the River Lee on Merchant’s Quay and St Patrick’s Quay. We stopped for an early dinner at Gallagher’s Cork on MacCurtain Street where you will find a wide range of restaurant options.

Since it was already dark by this point and we still have much of Ireland to explore, we continued driving the 90 minutes west to Killarney, where we checked into The Heights Hotel Killarney to get some rest after a long day of driving.

We started off with an early morning hike in Killarney National Park to the Torc Waterfall . It is only a 200 meter walk along a paved path to the waterfall which makes it perfect for every type of visitor. There are additional walking paths through the wooded areas and along Muckross Lake, but did not look as interesting to us.

We made a quick stop at the Ross Castle to enjoy the grounds of this 15th-century. The interior is closed during the winter, when we visited, so could only enjoy the amazing exterior of the Ross Castle.

We then drove 40 miles (60km) out along the scenic Dingle Peninsula stopping at several viewpoints with breathtaking views of the water and Inch Beach. We stopped in the city of Dingle to walk through the colorful fishing village. Make sure to stop by the famous Murphy’s Ice Cream shop and try our favorite homemade ice cream flavor, Dingle Sea Salt flavor.

Making our way out to the end of the peninsula our next stop was Coumeenoole Beach , with its pristine golden sand surrounded by jagged cliffs. It makes for beautiful photos from every angle. Just be careful if you walk around on the beach as it is narrow and relatively flat, which means the turbulent waves can come in quickly, trapping you out there.

From here you can also hike up to Dunmore Head , which is described as the most westerly point In Europe, nearest point to the Blasket Islands. It is also now famously known for being featured in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Based on our limited time and reviews from other visitors, Dunmore Head should be visited if you have the time, but is only really worth it if you are a big Star Wars fan, as there are more beautiful spots to focus on in the region.

Our last stop on Dingle is the iconic Dunquin Pier with its two picturesque pyramid shaped rocks jutting out of the water right beyond the pier. While our favorite photos were actually from atop the cliffs, it is definitely worth walking down to the pier, which serves as which serves as the departure point for the Blasket Island ferry during the summer season.

We then had a 3 hour drive back into the mainland of Ireland, heading north to Limerick. We made a last minute decision to drive the same road out of the Dingle Peninsula to avoid driving through the mountainous Conor Pass to the other side of the peninsula, as we could see heavy rain storms forming.

Checking into the luxurious George Hotel Limerick City , we called it a night as it continued to rain all evening.

We spent the morning walking through Downtown Limerick, primarily walking along the calm River Shannon. The two main highlights you must visit in Limerick are King John’s Castle and Saint Mary’s Cathedral . We spent most of our time just strolling down the streets enjoying our only relaxed morning during the whole Ireland road trip itinerary.

A two hour drive northwest of Limerick is one of Ireland’s most famous attractions, the Cliffs of Moher . When you arrive make sure to head to the main car park on the opposite side of the road from the cliffs. Entrance tickets are €12 per adult, paid for when you park. From there make your way across the street and walk your way up to the top of the cliffs on the right hand side. After enjoying the panoramic views from this angle walk back down, sticking to the cliff edge to the southern end to get multiple perspectives of this breathtaking scenery.

Since the entrance tickets is technically for the parking, you can park a bit south of the Cliffs of Moher Experience at the Cliffs of Moher Liscannor Walk parking lot near Hag’s Head for only €5. The walking path along the cliffs connects between the two, and is open for anyone to walk through. However, this does make you walk a 7km more round trip along the cliffs as the best views are from the northern side.

After 3 hours exploring the Cliffs of Moher, we drove to the nearby village of Doolin which is home to the now Instagram famous pink cottage. Inside is a sweater shop with a great range of high quality merino wool products at the lowest prices we saw around Ireland.

With some new merino wool items in hand, it was a 90 minute drive north to Downtown Galway . After checking in to the chic Western Hotel in Galway we spent the evening walking around Galway and into many of the cute shops lining the streets.

We started in Eyre Square where the Christmas Markets were in full swing by mid-November. We walked down the pedestrian roads through the heart of the Latin Quarter . The route is relatively straight but the road changes names four times during the 10 minute walk from William St, Shop St, High St, to Quay St.

The next morning started off with a 3 hour drive north to County Mayo until we reached Erris Head Loop Walk . It is a 5km walking loop that starts off walking through sheep pasture and then takes you along the rugged west Irish coastline. The route passes near the small ragged Llandavuck Island, which is the perfect place for a photoshoot.

We encountered many wet and muddy patches along the route, so highly recommend wearing waterproof boots. It is also important to remember that the trail starts off cutting through private pasture, respect the owners land and sheep. The walk took us 2 hours in total including stopping for photos.

Back at the car we drove an hour east to Downpatrick Head where you can see the picturesque Dún Briste Sea Stack . We recommend visiting close to sunset as the golden hour glow is out of this world. Standing on the top of the cliffs can be windy, so a jacket is a must. There are no fences, but don’t go too close to the edge, as you cannot see the erosion happening under your feet.

Unsure of how far we would be able to drive at the end of the day, we made a last minute reservation at Castle Dargan Hotel in Sligo, which was still an hour and a half drive from Downpatrick Head. This luxury hotel is nestled on 170 acres estate in a modern renovation of a 18th century Castle. Honestly we wish we had heard about this hotel in advance so we could spend more time at this luxurious countryside oasis.

Remember, with only 8 days in Ireland driving between destinations in the evening can be a good way to maximize the time. Just be careful as roadways in some areas of Ireland are narrow and winding with limited visibility if it starts raining.

Day six is a driving heavy day with over 6 hours in total driving time throughout the day, as we had to make it halfway across Northern Ireland, to make sure we had enough time to see the top attractions in Northern Ireland in just one day.

A one hour drive north of Siglo is the fairytale looking Castle Classiebawn. Although you can’t visit the castle, we stopped at the Castle Classiebawn Viewpoint located across the cliffs, where it is safe to pull off and snap some photos. If you have a telephoto lens or zoom on your phone, now is the time to bring it out.

We then continued driving 2 hours north along the rugged coastline to Sliabh Liag , the second highest sea cliffs in Ireland and some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Parking costs €5 for 2hrs and you can drive all the way to the main viewpoint during the off season. Otherwise you have to pay for the shuttle or walk several kilometers.

The cliffs are significantly higher than the Cliffs of Moher, but each offer its own set of beauty. From the viewpoint parking lot at Sliabh Liag are some of the best views. While you can hike up well into the mountains from here, we recommend only about 20-30 minutes uphill to get a nice range of angles to enjoy the view.

After about an hour at Sliabh Liag we continued driving east for two hours until we reached Glenveagh Castle , a late-19th century castle built along the idyllic Lough Beagh, now within the Glenveagh National Park. From the Visitor Center you can take a shuttle bus to the castle for €3 round trip per adult. We arrived just in time for the last shuttle heading out.

Arriving to the castle with only about 20 minutes we quickly paid the €7 entrance fee per person to start our self guided tour. Since the staff had to wait for the last shuttle as well, they let us stay and take our time walking through the castle as they were closing up. We spent about 45 minutes in total walking through the castle, but could have easily spent twice the time if we had it. Just as we finished up the last return shuttle was arriving and it was back to the car to keep driving.

We drove for another 2 hours east in the dark, entering into Northern Ireland until we reached our hotel for the night, ibis Coleraine Riverside . The hotel was comfortable, but only recommended for a short stay as it was showing signs of its age.

Now entering into Northern Ireland from Ireland means we had entered the United Kingdom and while there is no border or passport control, it does mean prices are in British Pounds, not Euros like Ireland uses.

Just a 20 minute drive north of Coleraine is Magheracross View Point with panoramic views of the Causeway Coast’s stunning landscape. If you walk back along the road a little bit you can see Elephant Rock which looks like an elephant jutting out of the cliffs and into the water.

Right next door is the medieval Dunluce Castle which now sits in partial ruin. Tickets are £6 per adult. Walking through this romantic Irish Castle offered many unique photoshoot spots both of the castle itself and the surrounding cliffs. Try to arrive early as when tour buses start to arrive, the complex quickly fills with people.

Then it was on to the most popular attraction in Northern Ireland and one of the most iconic spots in the entire island, Giant’s Causeway , just a 20 minute drive further east. The unique landscape of Giant’s Causeway consists of tens of thousands basalt columns in hexagonal shapes, as tall as 40ft.

Using the main parking lot at the visitor center requires purchasing the visitor center experience in advance, which is not required to visit the Giant’s Causeway. This experience costs £15.50 per adult and includes closer parking, a guided tour, and access to the exhibits.

Otherwise add the Causeway Coast Way Car Park to your GPS at 60 Causeway Road where it costs £10 to park. It is just an extra 5 minute walk to the start of the Giant’s Causeway trail. From here it is 1km walk, about 20 minutes down a paved road to the Giant’s Causeway. There is an option of a shuttle bus which costs £1 per person each direction.

The main spots to visit are the Grand Causeway , Wishing Chair , and Giant’s Boot . There is also a small rock mound that juts out into the water as the most instagrammable spot, just be polite with your time as everyone wants to get a photo here. There are plenty of other spots if you just want to sit and enjoy the view.

You can walk around on the basalt columns, but be careful as they can be slippery, especially when wet or near the water. There are also staff there for your safety so please respect them if they ever make any requests.

We then continued on to Downtown Belfast which is a two hour drive from Giant’s Causeway, making it the perfect day trip from Belfast if you are staying there. We just spent an hour walking around the streets of Belfast, making sure to visit the beautiful Belfast City Hall and many of the surrounding buildings with its impressive facades. After exploring for a bit it was a two hour drive back south from Belfast to Dublin.

Arriving back to Dublin in the early evening we wanted to experience a bit Irish culture and music before the end of our road trip. We attended the Celtic Nights Dinner & Show , which included a three-course meal off a set menu, for €49 per adult. It was a good way to squeeze the experience traditional Irish dance, Irish music, and Irish food into one evening, but felt like we could have experienced a better version of each one outside of this tourist attraction.

For our last night in Dublin we decided to stay on the other side of the historic center at Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, City Centre located a few blocks north of the River Liffey. Since we arrived to late in the evening to return the car, we had to park it at a garage several blocks from the hotel, at a discounted rate.

For our last day in Ireland we still had to check off some of the best attractions in Dublin off our list. But first, I dropped of the rental car back at the Europcar Dublin City Centre, Spencer Dock location. Two important notes about this rental location are that there is no after hours drop off offered, and they have limited weekend hours, only opening Saturday from 8 AM–1 PM and Sunday 10 AM–1 PM.

We started off at the Dublin Castle , which from 1204 until 1922 it served as the seat of British rule in Ireland. Since Ireland’s independence it has still been used for state ceremonies, with Ireland’s presidents inaugurated in St Patrick’s Hall. Our favorite rooms in the castle are The throne room, The Battleaxe Staircase, the State Drawing Room, The Chapel Royal, and of course St. Patrick’s Hall. Self guided tickets are €8 per adult.

Our next stop is the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral , Ireland’s largest Cathedral dating back over 800 years. This massive ornate church is well worth the visit and €10 entrance fee per adult.

Dublin once had a vibrant distilling industry district called the Golden Triangle, with business declining dramatically in the early 20th century. Teeling Whiskey Distillery was the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years, with an old family distilling knowledge dating back to 1782. Here you can take a guided tasting tour, learning the history, distilling process, and of course how to taste whiskey starting at €20 per person. You can also upgrade your experience with additional small batch and single malt tastings.

No visit to Dublin or Ireland in general would be complete without the Guinness Storehouse Experience . With tickets starting from €20 per adult, experience the multi-story self guided tour to learn about the brewing process and history of Guinness, entry to Guinness Tasting Rooms, ending at the crowded Gravity Bar overlooking Dublin, with an included pint of Guinness.

In my personal opinion, as someone who has been on brewery tours before and has brewed my own beer, most of the experience was built around an amusement park vibe. It is definitely something worth doing once, but will probably not be going back when I am in Ireland again.

That brings us to the end of the ultimate one week road trip itinerary to Ireland, while we stayed one more night in Dublin and left first thing the next morning, you can also get a flight out the same afternoon or evening.

With just 8 days in Ireland it is impossible to see all the attractions, but we were able to visit many of the top things to do in Ireland. We look forward to visiting again soon to visit some more out of the way natural landscapes, and of course taste some more Guinness.

If you have any suggestions of things to do in Ireland or your favorite hidden gems that are missing from this road trip itinerary, please let us know in the comments below so we can check them out ourselves on our next visit to Ireland.

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Where to get duty free - Ireland Forum

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Where should we get duty free whisky or brandy?

Can we carry any leftovers from eg DUB to KEF in our carry on or does it need to go in checked?

Is Norway in the Eu? Is Iceland?

4 replies to this topic

Iceland and Norway are not in the EU, but are in the EEA. This moves a lot of things into a grey area where rules can appear in inconsistent compared to other countries, which are in or out.

I googled Norway’s rules, which are clear as mud.

“ For stays abroad of less than 24 hours, you can bring in alcohol and tobacco goods worth up to NOK 3,000 duty- and tax-free once in a 24-hour period if you can prove that you have paid tax in an EEA country. Thus, you cannot buy taxable goods tax-free.”

Aside from being complicated, that reads like a rule for Norwegians travelling overseas rather than. An international visitor.

I’d say your best bet is to ask the question in the Iceland and Norway forums.

Thanks for your reply.

Google searches on duty free prices are not straight forward - the size is not mentioned and in Iceland they call it something else

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Exploring Scotland & Ireland

About this tour.

Bask in the warm Celtic culture and majestic scenery of two remarkable lands. Come to know the regal city of Edinburgh on a panoramic coach tour and by foot. Cruise the famed Loch Ness and explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Enjoy a traditional evening of Scottish food and entertainment. Visit the Titanic Experience in Belfast and remember the century-old tragedy that shook the world. Walk the Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO) and soak up incredible views of the Causeway Coast, one of the world’s most breathtaking rail journeys. Visit Ireland’s bustling capital city of Dublin and tour historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. From rugged natural beauty to vibrant and historical cities, the diverse charms of Scotland and Ireland await.

Your Tour Includes

• 6 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Edinburgh Castle
• St. Andrews
• Loch Ness Cruise

Your Tour at a Glance

11 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Best time for travel, customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $80.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel exploring scotland & ireland.

While just about any month is great to visit Scotland and Ireland, there are a few prime times of the year for the Exploring Scotland & Ireland tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Spring: Springtime is a wonderful time to visit the region! The countryside comes alive with flowers and shades of green, and the days of sunlight are growing just a bit longer, giving you more time to explore.

Summer: August is the perfect time to visit Edinburgh, as the Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Festival both take place then. It’s crowded, but the city is alive with many cultural events. And generally, it’s good weather (fingers crossed for not too much rain!).

Fall: Daylight hours grow shorter, and the weather is not quite as hospitable as summer, but the changing colors of the landscape are truly lovely. Fewer crowds make it easier to navigate sites and take your time to enjoy them.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Tour the "Fair City" of Dublin with a local guide.

Embark on a scenic cruise on beautiful Loch Ness.

Set out on a walking tour of Derry featuring its medieval city walls.

Cultural Experiences:

Embark on one of the world’s most breathtaking rail journeys along the Causeway Coast.

Explore the Titanic Experience in Belfast.

Discover the heritage of Glasgow with a local guide.

Culinary Inclusions:

Taste apple cider at a family-run farm.

Join in the fun during a night of traditional Scottish food and entertainment.

• Urquhart Castle
• Highland Evening
• Titanic Experience
• Giant's Causeway
• The Causeway Coast Rail Journey
• Cider Farm Tour

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• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Start your trip with 3 nights in London – the capital of England and the United Kingdom. Use your included Oyster card to navigate the city with a local expert – hopping on the Tube and taking a walking tour by Westminster, The houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. Your tour will end in Trafalger Square, one of London's most iconic landmarks. Take advantage of your included Tower of London pass. You’ll have ample time at leisure to make your stay in London exactly what you want it to be.Your other option is to book a pre stay? Guided You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout the extension, except for any time that’s set aside for independent discovery.

• Overnight Flight
• You’re on your way to the United Kingdom. Begin in England and enjoy a 3-night stay in London.
• London, England - Extension Begins
• Experience London, the esteemed capital of the United Kingdom. Often described as a world within a city, London is a sophisticated metropolis with a timeless style all its own.
• Navigate the city with a local expert. Using your included Oyster card, hop on the famous underground Tube. Take a walking tour around Westminster, The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Your tour will end in Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy the afternoon to further explore the city.
• Start your day with a visit to the Tower of London to peek into the city’s storied past and uncover the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. The rest of the day is yours to see London your way!
• London - Edinburgh, Scotland
• Wish London goodbye as you take a high-speed train through the English countryside to Scotland.

Hotel-Radisson Blu Edinburgh

Hotel-Herbert Park Hotel

Enjoy a traditional pub lunch at a historic pub where you will soak up the atmosphere of days gone by. After lunch, continue on to the nearby Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's top international visitor attraction. Learn about the brewing process that creates this beloved beverage and discover the technique needed to pour the perfect pint! Classic Guinness ads and memorabilia create a nostalgic ambiance as you indulge in a complimentary pint and learn about a different yet key part of Ireland's history.

Join us for a rollicking evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classically Scottish. Feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Your taste buds will savor the true flavor and goodness of this distinctive country. Tonight will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers who deliver the very best in Scottish music, song and dance. Be prepared for a Scottish night of food, fun and many fond memories!

Explore one of Ireland's best-kept secrets. Enjoy a fun and engaging evening with a local singer/songwriter and discover how the tale of Derry is intertwined with many of Ireland's most important events. Come and experience a three-course dinner at a restaurant serving pub-style food. See first-hand why Derry was named the UK City of Culture in 2013.

Tour the "Fair City" of Dublin with a local guide.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Radisson Blu Edinburgh From $200 per night

Radisson Blu Edinburgh

Best western palace hotel inverness, hilton glasgow.

Maldron Hotel Belfast City

City hotel derry, herbert park hotel.

Nights 10-11

Stay Longer

Post Night: Herbert Park Hotel From $155 per night

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