10 Days In Ireland: 56 Different Itineraries To Choose From
By Author Keith O'Hara
Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023
Yes, we have 56 different 10-day Ireland itinerary guides for you to choose from…
Why 56 you ask?!
The reason for this is that we’ve covered every (we hope…) possible want or need you could have.
Each of our 10-day guides:
- Has been meticulously planned
- Follows logical routes we’re confident you’ll love
- Has a detailed hour-by-hour itinerary
- Makes planning a trip to Ireland easy
Table of Contents
In the guide below, you can pick a 10-day Ireland itinerary based on:
Please take 15 seconds to read the graphic above as it’ll help you pick the most suitable Ireland itinerary down below!
As you can see, we have 10-day Ireland itinerary guides that cover every angle we could think of.
All you need to do to find your perfect itinerary is read the section below carefully .
How to browse our Ireland in 10 days itineraries
The handiest way to browse our itineraries is to select, from the list below, where you’re starting your road trip from/near.
We’ve used the main entry points to Ireland for those of you flying in or arriving by ferry.
Simply click one of the start points below and you’ll be taken to 10 days in Ireland itineraries that start at that location:
10 days in Ireland from Dublin
Click here to see a high-resolution map
If you’re looking to explore Ireland in 10 days and you’re starting from County Dublin, this section is for you.
There are two sections below, split depending on how you plan on getting around Ireland .
As we explained in this graphic , ‘Fast Trips’ are for those of you looking to see/do as much as possible and who don’t mind moving hotel regularly and ‘Slow Trips’ are ones where you’ll move accommodation as little as possible.
For those of you with a car
- A 10-day slow trip for those with good fitness
- A 10-day slow trip for those with low fitness
- A 10-day fast trip for those with good fitness
- A 10-day fast trip for those with low fitness
For those of you using public transport
An overview of the route from dublin.
Photos via Shutterstock
If you’re starting your 10-day Ireland itinerary in Dublin, the route above is hard to beat.
Although it varies slightly depending on how you’re getting around Ireland, both the car rental and the public transport itineraries take in many of Ireland’s top sights.
Over the course of your 10 days in Ireland you’ll:
- Explore the many things to do in Dublin
- Explore the Clare Coast, including Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher
- Take a day trip to Wicklow, Meath and Louth
- See Galway City, Connemara and Cong
- Tackle the Ring of Kerry Drive and explore the Dingle Peninsula
10 days in Ireland from Shannon
If you’re looking for a 10-day Ireland itinerary that kicks off in Shannon, this section should tickle your fancy.
We’ve split up the different itineraries to ones for those of you using a car and ones for those of you that aren’t.
As we mentioned in this graphic , our fast 10 days in Ireland itineraries are for those of you looking to explore as much as possible and who don’t mind moving about a lot.
Our slow itineraries are ones where you’ll move accommodation as little as is physically possible.
An overview of the route from Shannon
A lot of people start their 10 day Ireland itinerary from Shannon due to the convenience of flying into Shannon Airport.
One of the benefits of starting from here is that you’re kicking off your 10 days in Ireland a stone’s throw from some of the country’s most popular attractions
If you follow our route from Shannon, you’ll:
- Explore Connemara National Park
- See the mighty Inis Mor Island
- Visit Bunratty Castle before heading into the ancient Limerick City
- See Killarney National Park and it’s many attractions
- Visit Blarney Castle and tackle the many things to do in Cobh
Ireland itinerary 10 days from Belfast
Another great way to tackle Ireland in 10 days is to fly/get the ferry into Belfast and take it from there.
Belfast is a great starting point for a road trip as you can explore the Antrim Coast before continuing on to Derry and Donegal.
Like we explain in this graphic , we split up our itineraries below into two sections – 1 section is for those using a car and the other is for those that aren’t.
An overview of the route from Belfast
This 10-day Ireland itinerary is one of my favourites in this guide as it takes in some of the most scenic parts of the country.
You’ll kick things off by spinning along the Antrim Coast, with a whole host of stops to choose from along the way.
If you follow our route from Belfast, you’ll:
- Explore the Causeway Coastal Route
- Tackle some of the best things to do in Belfast
- See the best of the Boyne Valley
- Spin around a good chunk of the Wild Atlantic Way
10 days in Ireland from Rosslare
If you’re spending 10 days in Ireland and you’re arriving into the ferry terminal at Rosslare, we’ve plenty of itineraries ready for you.
Now, as was the case with the ones above, we’ve split them into 2; 1 section is for those of you with a car and another for those of you using public transport.
If you’re wondering what ‘Fast Trips’ and ‘Slow Trips’ are, refer to this graphic at the top of the guide.
An overview of the route from Wexford
Now, this 10-day Ireland itinerary varies a lot depending on whether or not you’re getting around in a car.
The public transport around some of the more remote parts of Wexford, in particular, are what causes there to be such a contrast in the different itineraries.
If you follow our route from Wexford, you’ll:
- See the glorious Hook Peninsula
- Ramble around the town of Kinsale
- Tackle some of the best things to do in Killarney
- Explore the mighty Dingle Peninsula
10 days in Ireland from Cork
Our 10-day Ireland itinerary guides that kick off in Cork take in some of the best that Ireland has to offer.
You can choose (or opt out of) some magnificent walking trails, soak up spectacular scenery and step back in time at heritage sites.
These are some of our more popular 10 days in Ireland itineraries. As usual, we’ve split them up for those of you with a car and for those of you without one.
An overview of the route from Cork
Photo left: The Irish Road Trip. Others: Shutterstock
Cork is a great starting point for a road trip. At the start of the trip, you can spend a bit of time in the city before moving into the wilds of West Cork.
Our itineraries from Cork then take you around the coast, into Kerry and up towards Limerick before heading to Dublin and back to Cork.
If you follow our route from Cork, you’ll see:
- The beautiful Beara Peninsula
- Wild West Cork
- The Ring of Kerry
- A chunk of Limerick, Tipperary and Clare
Ireland in 10 days from Knock
Although there likely won’t be a huge number of people looking for a 10-day Ireland itinerary that starts in Knock, we felt it important to include it as a start-point.
I can safely say that the public transport road trips from Knock were very tricky to research and map out, however, it was worth it.
Below, you can pick a 10 days in Ireland itinerary kicking off in Mayo based on trip speed, your fitness and how you’ll get around (we explain how to browse the itineraries in this graphic ).
An overview of the route from Knock
If your 10-day Ireland itinerary kicks off in Knock, you’re in luck – Mayo is home to an endless number of adventure opportunities.
Now, the public transport itineraries vs the car itineraries vary a fair bit due to the lack of buses and trains in places, but both versions pack a punch.
If you follow our route from Knock, you’ll:
- Explore Achill Island
- Tackle some of the best things to do in Galway
- See some of the finest beaches in Ireland
- Spend time in Sligo and plenty more
10 days in Ireland from Donegal
The last of our 10-day Ireland itinerary guides kicks off in Donegal.
This was by far the hardest one to map out for public transport, and as a result, the itineraries vary a lot.
As always, we’ve split the different itineraries up into sections for those of you with a car and for those without.
An overview of the route from Donegal
The route from Donegal for those of you driving is a peach. You’ll see parts of the county that rarely make it into tourist guidebooks and you’ll see many of Donegal’s historic sites.
You’ll then move into Sligo before heading to Mayo, Galway and beyond. For those of you using public transport, the route is very different due to Donegal’s poor public transport.
If you follow our route from Donegal, you’ll:
- Explore some of the best things to do in Donegal
- Soak up some of Sligo’s finest views
- See the Connemara coast
FAQs about exploring Ireland in 10 days
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Is 10 days in Ireland enough?’ to ‘What route should I follow?’.
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.
Is 10 days in Ireland too long?
No. If anything, it’s no where near enough. Although Ireland is small in comparison to the likes of the US, there’s endless things to see and do scattered right the way across the island. 10 days will only scratch the surface.
What to do in Ireland for 10 days?
This will depend on whether you want a a busy or an easy 10 day Ireland itinerary. You could see a lot of Ireland in 10 days, but you’d be driving constantly. You’re best off following one of our itineraries in this guide.
Where to spend 10 days in Ireland?
Again, this depends on you and what you want to see and do. If you follow our route from Dublin, Belfast or Shannon in this guide, you won’t go wrong.
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.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .
Beth O'Hara
Tuesday 31st of January 2023
From one O'Hara to another, just saying a quick thanks for the helpful site and information for Ireland! We are planning our (belated) honeymoon (thanks COVID)!
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—it has some of the most famous sites of Ireland .
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.
Sign me up for the newsletter!
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
Sunday 14th of July 2024
Hi , love your guide! We are planning on travelling to Ireland in early June 2025 prior to a cruise Where would you suggest staying for an extra 2 nights on this trip making it a nine day tour We will spend extra days in Dublin after trip prior cruise Thank you
oursweetadventures
Hi Julie. I’m so happy to hear that. Thank you. I would definitely add an extra night at a castle hotel. If we had an extra night, it would have been nice to do it at Dromoland Castle. Then probably an extra night in Galway or Killarney depending on how much you want to explore in those areas. I hope that helps! That’s going to be so nice to have more than 7 days!
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.
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.
IMAGES