1 week trip to ireland

A Perfect 7 Days In Ireland Itinerary (With Map)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 26, 2024

My Irish Road Trip Library has 56 different itineraries for spending 1 week in Ireland (you can pick a start point, transport type, etc.).

However, out of all of my 7 day Ireland itineraries, the route below is by far  the most popular (and it’s one I’ve followed several times).

Here’s a quick overview:

• Day 1: Arrive/start in Dublin
• Day 2: West Cork
• Day 3: Ring of Kerry
• Day 4: Dingle Peninsula
• Day 5: Clare
• Day 6: Galway City
• Day 7: Connemara or home

A tried-and-tested 7 day Ireland itinerary

Click to enlarge

Take 20 seconds to scan the map above, first, as it’ll get you up-to-speed on the lay-of-the-land,  fast !

Then take 10 seconds to scan the points below, which explain the ins-and-outs of this 1 week in Ireland itinerary.

1. Start point

This 7 day Ireland itinerary starts in Dublin City. If you’re starting your trip elsewhere, I have 7 day trips starting in  Shannon , Belfast , Cork , Wexford , Mayo and Donegal !

2. Getting around Ireland

You’ll need to either have your own car or be   renting a car in Ireland for this itinerary.

If you  don’t have a car, I have 7 day public transport road trips starting in  Dublin , Shannon , Belfast , Cork , Wexford , Mayo and Donegal .

3. This is a ‘fast-trip’

This is what I call a ‘Fast-trip’. It packs as much into your 1 week in Ireland as is  reasonably  possible.

If you want to explore at a slower pace over 7 days, I have ‘Slow-trips’ starting in Dublin , Shannon , Belfast , Cork , Wexford , Mayo and Donegal .

Day 1: Dublin

Photos via Shutterstock

The first day of this 7 day Ireland itinerary depends on your arrival time into Dublin.

Ideally , you’ll arrive early and have the day to explore the most popular things to do in Dublin .

I’ll give you a full itinerary for day 1 and you can change it if you need to. Some important points: 

Your car rental

If you’re renting a car in Ireland for this trip, the most convenient place to get it from is Dublin Airport. While you won’t need it on your initial day in the city, collecting it at the airport will save you the hassle of picking it up later on.

Where to stay in Dublin night 1

• Budget : Abigail’s Hostel (in Temple Bar) or  the Generator (outside the centre but a 25-minute walk to Trinity)
• Mid-range : Dublin Skylon (15-minute bus ride from the city), Wren Urban Nest (Temple Bar) and the Harding Hote l (very central)
• Luxury : The Merrion (St. Stephen’s Green – very central) and The Westin (just off Grafton Street)

Getting around + cash savers

• Time savers: If you want to cover a lot of ground quickly, the Hop On Hop Off Bus goes to or near all of the main sites on this itinerary
• Money saver:  If you’re visiting the ‘main’ Dublin attractions, the Dublin Pass can save you €€€

Stop 1: Trinity College

The first stop of this 1 week in Ireland itinerary is Trinity College . This is Ireland’s oldest university, having been incorporated in 1592.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the college grounds is the blend of Neoclassical and modern architecture. Keep an eye out for the Campanile, pictured on the left above.

This is a bell tower that was completed in 1853. When you’re ready, head to the starting point for the Book of Kells tour.

The Book of Kells is an illustrated manuscript dating to c. 800 AD!

This tour also gives you access to the Long Room – a beautiful library that holds 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books.

Time-saving tip: I’d recommend booking a fast-track ticket for the Book of Kells . There’s a large queue here at peak times. This ticket also gets you into Dublin Castle!

Stop 2: The Ha’penny Bridge (via Temple Bar)

Our next stop is the Ha’penny Bridge . Take the 7-minute walk from Trinity via Temple Bar .

Now, personally, I don’t  really  see the reason for you to spend any time in Temple Bar. It is, for the most part, a tourist trap.

If, later on, you  do  want to spend time in the pubs in Temple Bar , avoid the gaudy spots and head into the victorian Palace Bar .

The Ha’penny Bridge is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. It was built in 1816 and it was the first pedestrian bridge to span the River Liffey!

Stop 3: Dublin Castle

Next up in our 1 week Ireland itinerary is Dublin Castle – a handy 10-minute saunter from the Ha’penny Bridge!

Dublin Castle boasts a rich history dating back to the 13th century when it served as the English headquarters in Dublin for over 7 centuries.

You can explore the grounds for free, but you’ll need a ticket to get inside (if you get this ticket  it’ll give you access to the Book of Kells, too!)

Stop 4: Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is a 4-minute stroll from Dublin Castle, and it never fails to impress ( grab a ticket online here ).

Its origins date back to the early 11th century when it was established under the reign of Sigtrygg Silkbeard, a Norse King of Dublin.

The stone reconstruction of the building occurred in the late 12th century, primarily due to the efforts of the first Anglo-Norman archbishop, John Cumin.

Admire it from the outside and then take a look around its stunning interior.

Stop 5: Lunch in Dublin’s oldest pub

Photos via the Brazen Head on Facebook

The first of the  many  pubs I’ll be taking you to during this 7 day Ireland itinerary is the Brazen Head , a 7-minute walk from our last stop.

While there are plenty very old pubs in Dublin , the Brazen Head holds the crown as the city’s oldest, dating back to 1198.

They serve traditional Irish pub grub, from Guinness beef stew and hearty soups, all in an old-school setting.

Are you in the middle of planning a 7 day Ireland road trip? My guides to deciding the best time to visit Ireland and planning a trip to Ireland   should  come in handy!

Stop 6: St. Michan’s

Photos with thanks to Jennifer Boyer

If you’re looking for what to do in Ireland for a week that tourists tend to miss, make your way to St. Michan’s on Church Street, a 5-minute walk from the Brazen Head.  

St. Michan’s dates back to 1686 and, despite its size, boasts an abundance of history.

The tour here takes you through the 12th-century crypts (home to mummies!), into ancient vaults and to see the magnificent organ (one of the oldest still in use in Ireland).

Stop 7: The Jameson Distillery or the Guinness Storehouse

Courtesy Jameson Distillery Bow St, Dublin

The last stop on day 1 of your 7 days in Ireland provides you with a tough choice – the Jameson Distillery or the Guinness Storehouse .

The Jameson Distillery ( book tickets in advance here ) is a 5-minute walk from St. Michan’s while the Guinness Storehouse is a 20-minute walk  ( book tickets in advance here ).

I’ve been to both and, to be honest, they’re fairly even in terms of the experience they deliver.

The best way of deciding is to go with which drink you think you’re more likely to enjoy!

Stop 8: Dublin City for the evening

Different trad bars in Dublin. © Tourism Ireland

It’s time to round off the first day of this 1 week in Ireland itinerary.

If you’re still struggling to pick a place/area to stay in the city, see my guide on where to stay in Dublin !

Here are some recommendations for the evening:

• Food : There are some excellent restaurants in Dublin . SOLE and Gallaghers Boxty House are 2 I recommend over and over
• Live music : There are plenty of live music pubs in Dublin . Darkey Kellys, the Old Storehouse and the Celt rarely disappoint
• Historic pubs : From our guide to the best bars in Dublin – Kehoe’s and Neary’s are firm favourites

Day 2: Castles and Kinsale

The second day of our 7 day Ireland road trip takes you away from Dublin and down into County Cork.

You’ll visit Tipperary’s Rock of Cashel, first, before stopping off at Blarney Castle and then heading into Kinsale.

You’re going to spend night 2 in Kinsale – a colourful little seaside town.

Where to stay in Kinsale on night 2

• Budget : The Lemon Leaf (there aren’t really any budget options for Kinsale, but this place tends to be good value)
• Mid-range : The White Lady Hotel (down by the harbour)
• Luxury : Perryville House (fancy and central boutique accommodation)

Stop 1: The Rock of Cashel

The first stop on day 2 of your 7 days in Ireland is just under a 2-hour drive from Dublin.

The Rock of Cashel looms over the town from its position on top of a limestone outcrop. The site was originally the seat of the kings of Munster, but in 1101, it was granted to the church.

After this, the Rock of Cashel quickly became one of the most important ecclesiastical centres in Ireland.

The tour: There’s a 1-hour guided tour here that’ll immerse you in its history (I’d strongly recommend you book tickets in advance during peak season)

Stop 2: Blarney Castle

Next up is one of the more famous attractions in Ireland , and you’ll find it a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Cashel.

Although the current Blarney Castle was built around 1446, there were many earlier castles on this site.

For most tourists, the biggest draw here is the mighty Blarney Stone , which gives all that kiss it the ‘gift of the gab’.

However, the castle is also home to magnificent gardens, the Witch’s Kitchen and a Druid Circle.

Time needed: You’ll need between 1.5 and 2 hours here, depending on how long you linger

Stop 3: Lunch in Kinsale

Click to enlarge map

The next stop in our 1 week in Ireland itinerary is Kinsale – a 50-minute drive from Blarney. Check into your accommodation when you arrive.

I’m going to give you a walk-food-fort combination in the form of the Scilly Walk .

Walk towards the Bullman (30-minute walk from the town) and enjoy wonderful views of Kinsale Town and its harbour along the way.

The Bullman’s a great spot for a feed (and a pint…), especially during summer if you can nab a seat outside!

Stop 4: Charles Fort

Leave the Bullman and walk 5 minutes to Charles Fort – Ireland’s largest military installation.

The huge star-shaped building dates back to the late 17th century and over the years, has seen some fearsome battles.

The fort survived a 13-day siege during the Williamite wars in 1690 and a battle during the Civil War in the 1920s.

Make sure to head to the ramparts for the stunning view over Kinsale Harbour. There are guided and self-guided tours and you’ll likely spend 1-hour here.

Does this itinerary not suit? Remember, we have 56 different itineraries for spending 7 days in Ireland here !

Stop 5: An evening in Kinsale

Photos via Man Friday on Instagram

From Charles Fort, you’re a 35-minute walk back into town (the views of the town will be in front of you – enjoy!).

Now, you’ll be passing very close to The Spaniard Inn on the way back. It’s one of the oldest pubs in Kinsale and it’s well worth nipping into!

• Great food: You’ve plenty of restaurants in Kinsale to choose from – my 2 go-tos are Man Friday and The Black Pig
• Great pubs: Kitty Ó Sé’s (live music) and The White House 

Day 3: West Cork

The third night of this 7 day Ireland road trip involves the most time spent driving out of any day.

However, there’s a lot of ground to cover and it’ll be worth it (is this trip too fast for you? I have prepared slower 7 day trips for you here ).

You’re going to leave Kinsale and head for Mizen Head before working your way to Killarney via the Ring of Beara.

Where to stay in Killarney on night 3 and 4

• Budget : New Street Lodge (right beside the National Park) and Castle Lodge (cosy B&B outside of the centre)
• Mid-range : Killaran House (exceptional and very central) and Killarney Avenue (next to the park)
• Luxury : Muckross Park (5-star hotel outside of the town) and The Killarney Park (old-worlde hotel by the train station)

Stop 1: Mizen Head

Stop 1 on the third night of this 1 week in Ireland itinerary is Mizen Head and it’s around a 2 hour drive from Kinsale.

Before you reach Mizen, you’ll see the beautiful Barleycove Beach , one of Cork’s finest.

Flick off your shoes and socks and head for a stroll. When you’re ready, drive up to Mizen – one of the most popular places to visit in West Cork for good reason!

Take a stroll through the visitor centre, first, where you’ll find the Maritime Museum and learn about Mizen’s history.

You’ll then follow a coastal path towards the bridge. You can cross the bridge and soak up glorious cliff and coast views.

Stop 2: Glengarriff

Our next stop is the town of Glengarriff , a 1-hour drive away. Park up and head to the Sugarloaf Cafe and grab a bit of breakfast/lunch.

When you’re ready, walk 3 minutes to the Blue Pool – a natural harbour that’s hidden away behind trees and bushes.

You could  also visit Garnish Island from the town. The ferry takes around 15 minutes and you’ll need 1 hour on the island.

Want to see some other 1 week in Ireland itineraries? We have 56 different itineraries for spending 7 days in Ireland here !

Stop 3: The Healy Pass

From Glengarriff, drive 18 minutes to Adrigole, where you can take the Healy Pass – arguably one of the most unique roads in Ireland.

This bendy road was built in 1847 as part of a Famine relief scheme.

It’s a steep drive to the top, but you’ll find several places to pull in (like this one ). Continue to the top of the hill and pull in here .

There’s a hill to the right. If you carefully climb it (takes 5 minutes), you’ll be treated to a might view over Glanmire Lake.

Stop 4: The coastal drive to Allihies

When you finish up at the Healy Pass, you need to double up on yourself a bit, as we’re going to follow the Ring of Beara route along the coast.

Now, anyone that’s spent time on Beara will tell you that this corner of Ireland’s X Factor is the scenery and almost oil-painting-like landscapes that you seem to encounter around every bend.

The drive from the Healy Pass to Allihies will take 50 minutes without stops, so factor in at least 1.5 hours.

One of the best views on this 7 day Ireland road trip can be had from this pull-in area before driving down into the village.

Stop 5: Glenbeg Lough

It’s time to head for Killarney. En route (around 30 minutes from Allihies), stop at Glenbeg Lough.

This is a bit of a hidden gem. You’ll find a serene lake hidden away amongst towering mountains.

There’s a small car park and viewing point here, so you can just rock up and take in the scenery.

Stop 6: Killarney

Photos via The Laurels on FB

You’re a 1-hour and 20-minute drive from Killarney where you’ll spend the next 2 nights, you’ll be happy to hear!

While there are plenty of things to do in Killarney , it’s time to chill! Here’s some food and pub recommendations:

• Restaurants in Killarney : Cronins, Porterhouse and the Mad Monk never disappoint
• Pubs in Killarney : O’Connors and Jimmy Brien’s are two great spots for a pint

Day 4: The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry Drive will be the highlight for many that follow this 7 days in Ireland itinerary.

I have a tried-and-tested itinerary for you to follow that takes in the best of the Ring along with a very rewarding detour.

Remember, you’re staying in the town again tonight (see our Killarney hotels guide), so you don’t need to worry about packing!

An overview of the route

I have a tried-and-tested (I’ve done it  many  times) 1-day Ring of Kerry itinerary that you can follow.

I won’t go through all of the stops in detail, as I do that here , but I’ll give you an overview.

It takes in the best of Killarney National Park , first, before moving out and along the N70 road.

• Stop 1: Ross Castle : It has sat at the edge of Lough Leane for over 500 years
• Stop 2: Muckross Abbey : Beautiful old ruins that date back to 1448
• Stop 3: Torc Waterfall : A 66 ft high and 360 ft long waterfall that’s 5 minutes from the car park
• Stop 4: Ladies View : One of the most impressive viewpoints in this 7 day Ireland itinerary
• Stop 5: Moll’s Gap : A bendy pass that offers spectacular views of the Macgillycuddy’s
• Stop 6: Kenmare : A lovely little town that’s a lot quieter than Killarney
• Stop 7: Staigue Stone Fort: An ancient fort built between 300 and 400 AD
• Stop 8: Caherdaniel for lunch: You’ll get a good feed in the Blind Piper
• Stop 9: Derrynane Beach : One of the finest beaches in Ireland
• Stop 10: Coomakista viewpoint: A famous viewpoint with views out to Deenish and Scariff island
• Stop 11: Coomanaspig: One of the highest places in Ireland reachable by car
• Stop 12: Kerry Cliffs : 1,000 foot-high cliffs that’ll blow you away
• Stop 13: Valentia Island : Drive up to the Geokaun viewpoint for one of Ireland’s best views
• Stop 14: Dinner in Portmagee: Grab a bite-to-eat in the Moorings
• Stop 15: Head back to Killarney for the night

Day 5: The Dingle Peninsula

The fifth of your 7 days in Ireland will see you leave Killarney and head to the Dingle Peninsula .

You’ll do the Slea Head Drive before continuing on to the charming town of Adare in Limerick where you’ll spend the night.

Where to stay in Adare on night 5

• Budget ish : Abbey Villa Guesthouse (short stroll from town centre)
• Mid-range : Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel (you can’t walk to the town but this is one of my favourite hotels in Ireland)
• Luxury : Adare Manor (Ireland’s leading 5-star)

Stop 1: Inch Beach

Stop 1 on day 5 of this 7 day Ireland road trip is a 40-minute drive from Killarney.

Inch Beach , while on the Dingle Peninsula, is its own little peninsula and it measures 5.5km.

You can park up, grab a coffee from Sammy’s restaurant and head for a saunter.

This is a popular surf spot and it’s hard to beat sipping away while watching the surfers tame the Wild Atlantic Waves.

Stop 2: Conor Pass

Take the 30-minute drive from Inch up to Conor Pass which, at 410m above sea level, is one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes!

Please read this part carefully! If you want to drive it, you should approach it from the longer route here , as you’ll avoid having to double back on yourself.

If you’re driving in Ireland for the first time and feeling nervous, approach it from the Dingle Town side.

You can pull in in a car park next to it and admire the valley views!

Does this itinerary not tick all of your boxes? Don’t worry – we have 56 different itineraries for spending 7 days in Ireland here !

Stop 3: Dingle Town

Dingle Town is a 10-minute drive from Conor Pass. Park up ( here’s the car park ) and explore the town on foot.

Stroll along the harbour, check out the statue of Fungie the Dolphin and wander through the colourful streets.

If you fancy some a great coffee and a pastry, head to Bean in Dingle . For breakfast, My Boy Blue is hard to bate.

If you’re in need to a hearty lunch, one of the best restaurants in Dingle is the Fish Box!

Stop 4: The Slea Head Drive

The Slea Head Drive takes in many of the best things to do in Dingle over the course of a 38km/24 mile route.

I go into the route in detail in this guide , but I’ll give you an overview of each stop below:

• Ventry Beach (12-minutes from Dingle): 4.5km Blue Flag Beach that’s perfect for a ramble
• Ceann Sleibhe and the White Cross (15-minute drive from Ventry): 2 mighty viewpoints
• Radharc na mBlascaoidí viewpoint (2-minutes from the Cross): Outstanding views of Dunmore Head
• Coumeenoole Beach (4 minutes from last stop): Magnificent beach with very strong rip tides
• Dun Chaoin Pier (5-minute drive): The departure point for the Blasket Island Ferry
• Ceann Sraithe (5-minute drive): The famous Star Wars filming location
• Clogher Strand (5-minute drive): One of Kerry’s finest beaches

Stop 5: Adare for the evening

When you finish up the Slea Head drive, you’re just under a 2-hour drive from the gorgeous village of Adare , where you’ll spend the night.

When you arrive, check in and head for a saunter around the town.

As you ramble, you’ll stumble upon a handful of traditional thatch cottages. Here are some food and pub recommendations:

• Adare restaurants : You won’t go wrong in 1826 Adare or the Blue Door Restaurant
• Pubs: Sean Collins & Sons and Aunty Lena’s never fail to disappoint 

Day 6: Clare and on to Galway

Photos courtesy of Chaosheng Zhang

Hopefully, now that we’re nearly 90% of the way through this itinerary, you’ll have a good sense of what to do in Ireland for a week.

However, we’re not done yet! Day 6 takes you from Adare into Clare, taking in the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren before finishing in Galway.

A lot of people spending 1 week in Ireland only have 6 days, as they spend the last day travelling back to airports etc. If you do  have the 7th day to explore, spend night 6 and 7 in Galway!

Where to stay in Galway on night 6 and 7

• Budget : Feeney’s Audubon Lodge (by the sea outside the city) and Corrib Guesthouse (45-minute walk from Eyre Square)
• Mid-range : Balcony House B&B (very central) and Ash Grove House (right by Galway Cathedral) 
• Luxury : The G  (luxury hotel in the city) and Glenlo Abbey (15-minute drive from the city)

Stop 1: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park sits on 26 acres of lovely countryside a 25-minute drive from Adare.

Visiting the Folk Park feels like stepping back in time as the 19th-century buildings and streets have been recreated to resemble what they would have originally looked like.

The park has over 30 buildings, including village shops, rural farmhouses, and Bunratty House, a beautiful Georgian home.

You can also take a tour of 15th-century Bunratty Castle, the last of four castles built on the site.

Stop 2: The Cliffs of Moher

Your next stop, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Clare’s (if not Ireland’s) most popular attractions.

The cliffs are a 1-hour drive from Bunratty and they stand at 214m (702 feet) above the water below.

There’s a large car park (they charge…) and then it’s around a 5-minute walk into the main viewing area.

On a clear day, you’ll see out as far as the Aran Islands .

Stop 3: Lunch in Doolin

Doolin is a handy 10-minute drive from the cliffs and it’s here that you’ll fuel up for the afternoon ahead.

There are several new restaurants in Doolin that have opened in recent years, mainly due to the towns increased popularity.

However, in my opinion, it’s the pubs in Doolin that dish up the best food.

My two go-tos are the cosy Gus O’Connor’s (on Fisher St.) and the lesser-known McDermott’s (the soup here tends to be very good!).

Stop 4: Aillwee Cave

Photos via Aillwee Caves on FB

Your next stop, the Aillwee Cave , is a 30-minute drive from Doolin.

This is a very impressive underground system that boasts caverns, rock formations, and even the bones of an ancient bear!

The Aillwee Cave tour lasts 45 minutes, passing by an underground waterfall and over bridged ravines.

Stop 5: Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle is a 30-minute drive from the caves and it’s worth a pit-stop. It was built in 1520 and belonged to the O’Hynes clan.

In 1912, the castle was bought by writer Oliver St. John Gogarty.

During his ownership, he restored the castle and hosted several famous writers, including W.B. Yeats and George Bernard Shaw.

Dunguaire is one of the more impressive castles in Ireland , mainly thanks to its position on the shores of Galway Bay!

Stop 6: Galway City

You’re a 35-minute drive from Galway City.

When you arrive, check-in (here’s where to stay in Galway ) and chill for a bit.

If you fancy food and a drink, here are some recommendations:

• Restaurants in Galway : Dela, Ard Bia and Kai are all excellent
• Pubs in Galway : As you can see from my map above, I have 5 go-tos

Day 7: Connemara/it depends on your schedule

Now, if you’re not due to go home on the last of your 7 days in Ireland, I’ll give you a 1-day itinerary for Connemara and Cong.

If you are going home  you’ll need to use the final day of your 1 week in Ireland heading back to the airport!

For those staying on, there’s a far bit to see today, so grab breakfast either in your accommodation or from Galway’s Jungle Cafe .

Stop 1: The drive from Galway City to Clifden

It’s around a 1-hour and 20-minute drive from the city to  Clifden through Galway’s Connemara region.

Enjoy mountain views as you head for the village of Oughterard and on to the famous Maam Cross.

When you arrive into Clifden, park up, grab a coffee from the Upstairs Downstairs Cafe and head for a saunter around the town.

Stop 2: The Sky Road

The Sky Road will likely be 1 of the highlights from your 7 days in Ireland!

This is a scenic spin that’s minutes from Clifden. The entire loop is 16km and it follows an elevated route around Galway’s Kingston Peninsula.

Before you reach the beginning of the loop you’ll pass Clifden Castle . It takes 20-or-so minutes to walk to the ruins.

You want to make sure you take the Upper Road  for this drive as it’ll treat you to better views.

Stop 3: Lunch in Letterfrack

Photos via Veldons on FB

When you reach to the end of the Sky Road, instead of turning right onto the N59 back towards Clifden, turn left towards Letterfrack.

It’s a 15-minute drive and, when you arrive, it’s time to fuel up for the afternoon ahead.

Veldons Seafarer Bar & Restaurant , with its lovely, old-world-style interior and top-notch food rarely disappoints.

Stop 4: Kylemore Abbey

From Letterfrack, you’re a handy 5-minute drive to Kylemore Abbey , arguably one of the most popular places to visit in Galway .

Kylemore Abbey is a stunning Benedictine monastery that dates back to the 1920s. It’s very picturesque, sitting on the shores of Pollacapall Lough.

The lower floors of the abbey have been restored and are open to the public, as well as the beautiful Victorian Walled Garden.

The estate includes a Neo-Gothic church and several woodland and lake-side walks.

This is likely to be another of the highlights on your 7 day Ireland road trip.

Stop 5: Killary Harbour and Leenane

The next stop is this viewpoint on Google Maps (it’s a 15-minute drive away).

From here you’ll be treated to glorious views of Killary  – Ireland’s only fjord.

If you look hard enough, you should be able to spot the potato mounds across the fjord, which date back to the Famine.

On your way to Cong, you’ll pass through the tiny village of Leenane . If you fancy, stop at the Sheep and Wool Centre to watch a demonstration.

Stop 6: Loch Na Fooey Lookout

Photos via Google Maps

There’s a scenic-and-often-missed drive to Cong from Leenane. Just head for ‘Loch Na Fooey Lookout’ ( here on Maps).

Follow the R336, then make a left turn onto the L1301 (around 8 minutes into driving).

This route will take you along the shores of Loch Na Fooey and Lough Mask, with some mighty views along the way.

Make sure to stop at the Loch Na Fooey Lookout (around 6 minutes from the turn) to take in the lake and the surrounding Maumturk and Patry mountains. 

Stop 7: Cong

It’ll take you between 40 minutes and 1 hour to get to Cong .

This is one of the most beautiful towns in Ireland and it’s arguably one of the most famous as it’s home to many of the Quiet Man filming locations in Ireland .

There’s plenty to do in the village, from Quiet Man tours, grabbing a drink in Pat Cohan’s Gastro Pub (a must for Quiet Man fans), or checking out the 13th-century abbey ruins.

The towns park is home to the ruins of a monk’s fishing hut (see above) along with some beautiful forest trails.

Stop 8: Back to Galway City

Photos courtesy Failte Ireland

When you leave Cong, you’re around a 50-minute drive back to Galway where you’ll spend the night.

If you fancy a feed, Ard Bia, The Quay Street Kitchen and Dela are all worth a shout.

As mentioned earlier, there are some great pubs in Galway , with Tigh Neachtain, the Crane Bar and Tigh Chóilí the pick of the bunch.

And that’s it! You’ve seen a fair whack of Ireland in a week. Remember, I’ve  many  different 7 day Ireland road trip itineraries here if this one doesn’t suit!

Wrapping up what to do in Ireland for a week

You’ll hopefully have a better sense of what to do in Ireland for a week after reading the guide above.

Remember, I have 56 different 7 days in Ireland itineraries in my Road Trip Library . You can pick:

• Your starting point
• Your mode of transport
• Your fitness level
• How fast you like to travel

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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Daisy Biggers

Monday 25th of October 2021

Hello and thanks for all the fabulous information. I just arrived in Dublin so I’m interested in the itinerary that’s 2 days in Dublin, then 2 days in Wicklow. I’m wondering, will we need a car while in Dublin? Thanks so much!

Keith O'Hara

Hey Daisy. We've actually just published an itinerary for

. There's an itinerary for if you're exploring on foot and another for if you have a car. If you're visiting for the first time, I'd avoid the rental car and explore the city on foot. It's very walkable!

Monday 13th of April 2020

Hello! We are doing a 2 month Europe Trip. Quickest way to see the most in 7 days (if we could see more by flying within Ireland, that would be an option as well.) We are nature lovers and are not big on castle, pubs and caves (love caves just get claustrophobic). We are older so long strenuous hikes are not an option. From the searching I have done The cliffs, waterfalls, and quint villages are interesting to us. We like to stretch are funds but are not against paying for something we really enjoy.

Wednesday 29th of January 2020

Love your blog - outstanding - we are trying to do an Ireland - London trip With our 2 teens and 77 year old nana. Planning 6-7 days Ireland and 3 in London. Should we just fly into Dublin and do day trips ? We don’t want to be moving every 2 days . Any suggestions would be appreciated

Thursday 9th of January 2020

Hi there, I'm arriving to Dublin on the evening of the 9th April 2020 and leave on the evening of the 18th April. During this time I want to spend a day in Dublin (we have some friends there) and two nights in Belfast (we have family there). In between I would love to see Cork, Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Doolin/Cliffs of Mohar, Galway (before making our way to Belfast). I do know this is a lot, but what I want to know is, is this feasible/realistic in the time we have!!!? And if not, what should I cut...? Or anything I should add...! Many thanks! Emma

Friday 10th of January 2020

That is a lot... the issue with your itinerary is that you want to get to Belfast (in the north) and then Cork and Kerry, both of which are at the opposite end of the island. And you also want to get out to the west of Ireland to visit Galway.

You're going to have to cut some of these places out. Otherwise, you'll spend all of your time in the car. Here's what I'd do:

Day 1: Dublin Day 2 and 3: Cork Day 4 and 5: Kerry (make Kenmare your base) Day 6: Clare (Doolin, Cliffs of Moher, etc.) Day 7 and 8: Belfast (use the half-day to drive back to Dublin)

By cutting out Galway you can spend 2 nights in most places and not overstretch yourself. If you wanted to, you could only do a day in Cork and then spend a day in Galway.

I hope this helps.

Sheree Haynes

Sunday 29th of December 2019

Keith: My husband and I are planning at trip in May 2020 to Ireland for our 25th wedding anniversary. We are planning on 1 week. We want to visit Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Kilkenny, and possibly Galway. Is that possible? We want to stay in a castle 1 night along the way. Any suggestions/guidance?

Saturday 4th of January 2020

If you're looking to take it slow and spend a couple of nights in places, I'd look to cut one of the destinations from the itinerary. If you're happy to move about, you should be fine.

If you're looking for a very unique experience, you can rent an entire castle in Kilkenny to yourself. Check it out here .

The ultimate Ireland itinerary for one week of exploring the Emerald Isle

The common Irish greeting Cead Mile Failte means ‘a hundred thousand welcomes,’ which is a rather fitting phrase for a place that has a hundred thousand reasons to visit.

Rolling green hills, bustling cities, a lively pub culture, incredible music and jaw-dropping scenery are just the beginning; Ireland also has grand castles, sweeping beaches, and the other-worldly Skellig and Aran Islands.

WATCH: A Taste of Ireland

Despite being a compact country that you can literally drive all the way across in half a day, there’s so much to see that travellers should budget at least one week in Ireland to properly explore. Most visitors who only have seven days typically focus on either the north or south portions, basing themselves in Belfast to explore Northern Ireland.

The south is usually the most popular for first-timers, as it’s home to famous spots like the Blarney Stone , colourful Cork, and stunning drives such as the rugged Ring of Kerry and aptly-named Wild Atlantic Way which hugs the coastline. 

From gallivanting in Galway to discovering Dingle, here’s the perfect one week Ireland itinerary for exploring the Emerald Isle.

QUICK FIND:

• Wild Atlantic Way
• Burren Rocks, Cliffs of Moher, Banratty Castle
• Dingle Peninsula
• Ring of Kerry and Limerick

Day 1 + 2: Dublin

Most flights land in Dublin , which makes the capital a natural place to kick off an Ireland trip.

Forget any misconceptions you might have heard about it being a sprawling, working class city: instead, you’ll discover grand, centuries-old buildings like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle, cute streetscapes lined with quirky cafes, great shopping along Grafton Street, and fantastic museums.

Some of the top Dublin attractions are:

• Trinity College – A visit to this beautiful campus is a must for bookworms, as its massive library home to the illuminated Book of Kells which holds all four gospels of the New Testament and dates back more than 1000 years.
• Ha’Penny Bridge- Stretching over the river Liffey in the heart of the city centre, this pearly-white bridge is named after the half-penny pedestrians were charged to cross when it was first built in the 1800s.
• Kilmainham Gaol – This former prison holds an important place in Irish history, as the spot where leaders of rebellions between 1798-1916 were held and in some cases executed. Guided tours of the restored jail quarters provide some fascinating insights into this dark chapter, and there are also exhibits detailing its penal history and restoration.
• Christ Church Cathedral- This architectural wonder is a stunner. Also called the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the medieval structure takes up the better part of two blocks, and includes a beautiful raised walkway that’s a favourite stop for photographers.
• Temple Bar- This happening district is the heart of Dublin’s party scene, where revellers spill out of bustling bars and eateries and into the raucous pedestrian-only area. The most famous spot is the actual Temple Bar , which is impossible to miss thanks to its fire-engine red exterior.

READ MORE: How to spend one day in Dublin, Ireland

Even those who don’t usually consider themselves history buffs will want to drop by the EPIC Museum in the Docklands area.

Billed as the world’s first digital-only museum, this spot provides fascinating insight into what’s led to the country’s storied past of emmigration, and the imprint the exodus of 10 million people has left around the world.

A series of video galleries, motion-sensored quizzes and bright displays detail the contributions of the country’s most famous musicians and artists, highlight prized pastimes like dancing and pubs, and even allow visitors to trace their own ancestry.

One of the most popular places to visit in Dublin needs no introduction: The Guinness Storehouse , where the dark, beloved brew is made. Tours through the factory start in a giant glass atrium in the centre of the building which is designed as a pint glass, making it the largest beer glass in the world which can hold an astounding 14 million pints.

Guests are lead through seven floors’-worth of exhibits, tasting rooms and demonstrations on how to pour the perfect pint, before heading up to the Gravity Bar to enjoy a drink overlooking the Dublin skyline. Click here to book

More of a whiskey lover? There’s no shortage of spots in Dublin to whet your whistle, with crowd-favourites being the Old Jameson Distillery , the Irish Whiskey Museum , the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and Dublin Liberties Distillery .

Cap off your trip to Dublin with a jaunt up Killiney Hill timed for the golden hour. Here, you’ll find unbeatable views of the city hugging the rugged coastline of the Irish Sea, which makes for a mesmerizing scene at sunset.

Where to stay in Dublin:

• Clontarf Castle Hotel : From the grand turrets to the suits of armour in the lobby, this luxurious hotel wows from the moment visitors start driving up the long, tree-lined entrance and catch their first glance of this castle right in the city. Dating back to the 1100s, the Clontarf has been beautifully preserved and updated over the centuries, and the spacious suites feature canopy beds, vaulted ceilings, plush bedding and modern touches like smart TVs. Click here to book
• Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel : This posh property boasts more than 100 elegant rooms, which are all individually-designed with plenty of space to spread out. Some have balconies overlooking Dublin Bay, and guests love tucking into afternoon tea down in the charming Library Cocktail Bar, or unwinding in the hotel’s sauna and steam room. Click here to book

There are also lots of reasonably priced hotels and B&Bs, as well as these hostels in Dublin .

READ MORE: Royal retreats: Amazing Irish castle hotels near Dublin

Book one of these top rated Dublin tours with Viator:

Book with GetYourGuide

Day 3 + 4: Wild Atlantic Way- Connemara + Galway

Driving in Ireland is an easy way to get around (that is, if you don’t mind navigating the left side of the road), so hop in the rental car and head out to the west coast to explore part of the Wild Atlantic Way .

The Connemara district is framed by the craggy Atlantic coast which makes for some spectacular scenery, where windswept hills and mountain ranges are dotted with tranquil lakes and bogs. Far away from the crowds, this area is the perfect spot for those seeking solace or looking for a nature fix.

Some prestigious properties call Connemara home, starting with the striking Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens . The estate was originally owned by a wealthy businessman who built the property to showcase what innovations could be achieved in the wilds of Connemara, and today it’s run by the Benedictine community who at one point operated an international boarding school.

Visitors are welcome to tour the on-site Gothic church, marvel at the gorgeous reflection cast into the lake in front of the Abbey, and wander through the peaceful grounds and gardens.

Not too far down the road is Ballynahinch Castle , a favoured weekend retreat for Coonemara residents that’s frequently rated as one of Ireland’s top luxury hotels.

Framed by the 12 Bens mountain range and near a popular salmon fishing spot, the castle is surrounded by 700 acres of woodlands and offers plenty of activities for guests and day-trippers alike, including 10 miles of hiking trails, clay shooting, boat rides and cycling paths.

Dating back to 1813, the elegant property has hosted Irish actors and even American president Gerald Ford (there’s still a presidential seal hanging on the wall). Those who are lucky enough to overnight at the castle will enjoy spacious, well-appointed suites with sweeping views of the river or woodlands, five-star, attentive service and incredible meals, which makes Ballynahinch the perfect place to get away from it all. Click here to book

If cities are more your speed, head to Galway which is known as a college town thanks to the influx of students that flood the city when classes start up at university every autumn. Beloved for its festivals, quirky shops and colourful cafes that line the winding laneways, this is the kind of place that always feels alive.

Wander down Shop, Quay and High streets to do some shopping, relax in Eyre Square which marks the town centre, marvel at the magnificent Galway Cathedral which has an equally impressive interior, and enjoy a performance from one of the many talented buskers stationed downtown.

Where to stay in Galway:

• Galmont Hotel: This property is so modern it can come as a bit of a surprise, given its location in the heart of a medieval town. Featuring a gorgeous lobby, large rooms, a spa, state of the art gym and pool, the Galmont ticks all the boxes when it comes to amenities and also serves up a fabulous breakfast. Click here to book

Day 5: Burren Rocks, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle

There’s a good chance today will be your favourite part of your one week in Ireland, thanks to an epic stop at the Cliffs of Moher.

Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the staggering views of the sheer rock faces that dramatically rise more than 200 metres out of the pounding ocean waves are sure to leave you speechless. That, and the fact that it can be hard to catch your breath around here–the wind is relentless!

The best way to explore them is by doing the Doolin Cliff Walk , which was founded in 2009 by Pat Sweeney whose family has farmed in the area for generations.

Longing to share the beauty of this special place and welcome more visitors to the otherwise quiet area, he convinced 46 farmers to donate part of their land to create a trail, which winds along the cliffs looking down on the churning Atlantic Ocean on one side, and a blanket of soft green grass where sheep like to graze on the other.

The entire route takes about three hours and affords views of O’Brien’s Tower perched on the coastline, the counties of Cork and Kerry, and even out to the Aran Islands.

Those short on time have another, much easier option: pay five euros to park at Guerin’s Path , which is located on a farm owned by Martin Guerin just a two-minute walk from the most spectacular lookout point. The trail is wheelchair accessible, and guided walks led by Guerin himself are also available.

Once you manage to tear yourself away from the awe-inspiring cliffs, drive over to Burren Rocks to see the desolate landscape of limestone, shale and fossils, before making your final stop of the day at Bunratty Castle .

Built in 1425, this medieval castle once served as a former stronghold of the storied O’Brien family, and today the interior reflects the style of the 15th and 16th centuries. Narrow, twisting staircases lead to over a dozen rooms for visitors to explore, and the surrounding grounds are a folk park that’s a living reconstruction of what towns in Ireland looked like more than a century ago.

The gardens, historic homes and mills provide a glimpse into the past, there’s an opportunity to try a medieval feast , and kids love getting up close with its current four-legged residents which include cows, pigs, donkeys, sheep and Irish wolfhounds.

Where to stay in County Clare:

• Parknasilla Resort Hotel : This luxurious hotel and spa overlooks Kenmare Bay and the Kerry Mountains, and has room offerings to suit every group size with suites, two-bedroom lodges and their three-bedroom woodland villas. The sea views are breathtaking, and there are plenty of on-site activities including kayaking, golf and exploring the walking trails. Click here to book
• Ballygarry House Hotel : Located in the cute town of Tralee, this old-world property exudes charm from the tastefully-elegant lobby areas to the individually-designed suites–some of which have classic touches like clawfoot bathtubs. The well-kept grounds looking out to the Ballyseedy Woods are a great place to enjoy the sunshine, and the service at Ballygarry is second-to-none. Click here to book

Book a tour with Viator:

Book with GetYourGuide:

Day 6: Dingle Peninsula

The next stop on your Ireland road trip is a doozie: the Dingle Peninsula , which is arguably one of the most beautiful areas in the entire country. This region has it all, from deserted blonde beaches and craggy coastlines (some of the Star Wars filming locations are here) to rolling hills dotted with tiny villages and farmhouses.

The best way to explore is by tackling the stunningly-scenic Slea Head Drive, an unforgettable experience due to its tight twists and turns. In fact, the road is so narrow that traffic only goes in a clockwise direction!

Tip: It’s best to do the Slea Head Drive in the morning, because afternoons are typically more cloudy which means less visibility.

Finish off in Dingle, which just might be the most adorable town you’ve ever seen. The streets are a photographer’s dream, where the facades of the boutiques, restaurants and pubs are painted every colour of the rainbow.

There’s also a lovely walk along the waterfront to admire the boats docked in the harbour, and if you’re lucky you might even spot Fungie the Dolphin, who was first spotted in the bay more than three decades ago. Over the years, the 13-foot long, wild bottlenose dolphin has achieved legend status in the town, and there’s even a statue erected in his honour as well as regular boat tours in hopes of catching a glimpse of the charismatic creature.

READ MORE: Quirky and cool things to do in Dingle, Ireland

Some stops worth making in Dingle include:

• Murphy’s Ice Cream : The sweet treats served up here are a labour of love, with staff so committed to their all-natural treats that they scrape vanilla beans by hand, use free range eggs, farm milk, and even make their own sea salt sourced from Dingle sea water. Murphy’s is so popular they had to open a second location in town!
• Foxy John’s: A bar that’s also a hardware store…so basically every guy’s dream.
• The Dingle Distillery : It’s well-worth signing up for a tour of this artisan distillery, which opened in 2012 and has made quite the name for itself despite being such a small operation. They’ve already won heaps of awards including World’s Best Gin for their Dingle Original Gin, which visitors are able to sample along with their vodka and whiskey creations.

Where to stay in Dingle:

• Dingle Benners Hotel : Guests love the location of the Benners Hotel, which is right in the heart of town making it a great base for exploring. The property has a historic feel with thick carpeting and cozy couches to curl up on while sipping afternoon tea, and rooms are quite large. Click here to book

Day 7: Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park and Limerick

The last stop on your Ireland road trip itinerary before heading back to Dublin is the scenic Ring of Kerry , which has a dizzying amount of diversity.

Winding around the Iveragh Peninsula, the curved roadway is lined with purple heather and sunshine Yellow Gorse bushes, and has pullouts at picturesque points like Ladies View which overlooks a pristine lake nestled into an untouched valley.

The lush, rainforest-like Killarney National Park is a stunner, with standout spots like the Torc Waterfall which is found only a few minute’s walk from the highway along a mossy, green wooded pathway.

It’s worth budgeting half a day to explore the park’s trails, go horseback riding, check out Muckross House which was once owned by the Guinness family, or drop into Killarney or the adorable town of Sneem to tuck into lunch at a pub.

End the day in Limerick , an extremely walkable city which has a few sites worth exploring including St. John’s Cathedral known for its towering spire, the Treaty Stone which marks the end of the Siege of Limerick, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, and the imposing King John’s Castle which looks over the waterfront.

Cap off the evening by enjoying a pint and live music at a nearby pub, which is the quintessential Irish experience and perfect way to end your driving tour of Ireland.

READ MORE: Fun activities in Limerick, Ireland

Where to stay in Limerick:

• Limerick Strand Hotel : The Strand has a fantastic location in the heart of the city, just a few minute’s walk from the main landmarks. Some of the spacious rooms have views of the River Shannon, and there’s a state-of-the-art fitness facility on-site with a steam room, sauna, plunge pool and hydrotherapy pool. Click here to book

Globe Guide explored Ireland as a guest of Tourism Ireland and Air Canada Vacations. As always, hosts have no editorial influence on articles.

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About The Author

Tamara Elliott

5 thoughts on “the ultimate ireland itinerary for one week of exploring the emerald isle”.

Wow nice post and so helpful info. Really enjoyed your blog as I learned so much about spending one week in Ireland. Thanks for sharing!

Great blog! We’re planning a trip for this Sept (2022) and this was very helpful.

Yay so glad it helps, have a wonderful time!

Thanks Tamara! This is all great advice! I always check out your blog before we go anywhere! It’s the best!!! We are headed to Ireland in October and this got us very excited for our trip!

Awww thanks Amanda, so pumped for you! I’m actually in Ireland again as we speak!

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Appetites Abroad

A travel blog for those who enjoy eating while exploring the world!

Europe , Ireland , Travel Guides · Last Updated: April 9, 2024

One-Week Ireland Itinerary for First-Timers (Based in Dublin with Day Trips)

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Wanting to visit Ireland but have limited time? This one-week Ireland itinerary is a great introduction to Ireland. Base yourself in Dublin, exploring the city’s history and food scene while taking day trips to see the island’s scenic side!

Green pastures dotted with sheep and cows for miles. Stunning coastlines and castle ruins. Hearty stews, fresh seafood, full pints of Guinness, and cozy pubs. This is Ireland in a nutshell and I loved every bit of it!

Ireland is rich in culture and history with scenic beauty at every turn. Its folklore that tells tales of giants and fairies make it all the more magical! And did you know Ireland actually has some pretty great food too? People like to downplay the cuisine in the British Isles, but I knew we’d find the most delicious things.

For our first trip to Ireland, I wanted to keep things relatively simple. Sure, we could have rented a car and braved driving on the left for that quintessential Irish road trip. But we only had one week and I wanted to maximize as much of that time as I could with sightseeing (and eating all the foods of course).

Here, you’ll find a very detailed breakdown of my one-week Ireland itinerary for our first visit to the Emerald Isle. In this post, I list out everything we did, how to book the same activities, and also note if there’s anything I might do differently.

Who This Itinerary is Best For

• First-time visitors to Ireland
• Those visiting Ireland with limited time
• Active travelers (there’s no downtime this week!)
• Travelers without a car (who don’t mind walking & bus tours)

Since we only had one week to explore Ireland for our first trip, I based us in Dublin so we wouldn’t have to worry about moving to different hotels. That meant we could just focus on exploring rather than spending extra time traveling in between places to stay!

Each and every day of our itinerary was packed full. This was by no means a relaxing trip . There’s just too much to see (and eat) in Ireland! My nature is to do everything I possibly can because I never know if I’ll get to visit a destination again. If you follow any part of this itinerary, comfortable walking shoes are a must . Your feet are gonna see some action!

Why no car?

Just being in Ireland for a week and not wanting to worry about transit time too much, we decided against an Irish road trip. Of course, seeing Ireland’s countryside and all the different little towns is one of the best parts about Ireland. Someday, we’ll return and explore more (maybe by car or maybe just by train or bus?).

Also, in Ireland, cars drive on the left . It may be easy for some to pick up straight away, but we didn’t want to have that added stress this trip. We were still able to see some really neat places by taking day tours from Dublin.

Our Travel Details

• Month Traveled:  Last week of October (including Halloween!)
• Airline & Flights:  SFO to DFW to DUB via American Airlines; Home – DUB to LHR to SFO via British Airways
• Transportation : We used taxis and Uber for our entire trip in Ireland (in addition to day tours on a bus). Even if you use Uber in Ireland, they are only allowed to be certified taxi drivers (which I actually like). The Uber app just makes scheduling your ride easier. Some drivers even prefer it to Free Now, which is another widely-used app for taxi service.

Where to Stay in Dublin

When it came time to choosing our hotel for our one-week stay in Dublin, there was only one real option for us – the Hyatt Centric Liberties ! The main reason we chose this particular hotel was that we had Hyatt points to spend and it’s currently the only available Hyatt property in Dublin.

The Liberties is actually a great neighborhood in my opinion – it’s quiet and close to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as well as the whiskey distilleries (priorities!).

We stayed in a standard king room which was fine for a week. I do wish we could have splurged for a slightly bigger room but hey, sometimes you need to take what’s available.

Staying at the Hyatt put us within walking distance of 20 minutes or less to most things we wanted to see, and there were pubs and restaurants close by too. For convenience, there’s a Spar store just a block away for snacks and bottled water (we visited often) and Molloy’s for beer and liquor . Each room comes with a mini fridge to keep your provisions cool as well.

Book the Hyatt Centric Liberties on Hotels.com , Booking.com or direct .

One-Week Ireland Itinerary Summary

For our first trip to Ireland, I felt my one-week Ireland itinerary was a good balance of being able to see as much of Dublin as we could, along with exploration of must-see sights outside of the cities!

• Day 1: Arrival to Dublin plus a tour of the Jameson Bow St. Distillery
• Day 2: A full day exploring Irish food and drink (including the Guinness Storehouse tour)
• Day 3: Cliffs of Moher, Wild Atlantic Way, and Galway City all-day tour
• Day 4: Book of Kells, Trinity College, Dublinia Viking Museum, and more of the Dublin food scene
• Day 5: Half-day trip to Howth for seafood & afternoon tea back in Dublin
• Day 6: Northern Ireland day tour (including Belfast, Dunluce Castle & Giant’s Causeway)
• Day 7: Irish breakfast, doors of Dublin, St. Stephen’s Green, BrewDog & Dark Dublin Tour

Day 1 – Arrival to Ireland

On our first day in Ireland, we arrived in Dublin in the late morning and breezed right through customs and immigration. I was shocked at how fast we got out of the airport (but also super pleased)! That meant we had more time to explore the city on our first day.

We grabbed a taxi to our hotel where we got an early check-in , took a quick power nap , and then went out for lunch at The Brazen Head before our tour at Jameson . We ended the night at The Landmark Pub eating fish and chips and beef stew and sipping our first pints of Guinness while watching rugby. Is there anything more Irish?

Day 1 Highlights

• Arrival at hotel (with early check-in)

Lunch at The Brazen Head

Jameson distillery tour, dinner at the landmark pub, check into hotel.

After arriving to our hotel for the week, The Hyatt Centric Liberties , we were lucky enough to find our room was ready for us! If you’re a World of Hyatt Member and you book direct , you can request an early check-in (which I did). It’s not guaranteed, but why not try? We were glad to be able to get right into our room, shower, and take a power nap so we could feel refreshed for the rest of the afternoon.

Our first adventure in Dublin was to visit The Brazen Head – Ireland’s oldest pub !

We actually had a little mishap on the way where I almost got my husband hit by a car (you can read all about that in my Biggest Travel Fails of 2023 ). Because of this, we were a little flustered by the time we arrived to the pub. In our traumatic daze, we ended up ordering chicken goujons. Sounds cool and exotic right? Goujons are, in fact, chicken strips and thus, not very exiting. They were good, but not exactly the first meal you want to order in Ireland!

I did at least get to have my first bowl of seafood chowder – one of the Irish foods I knew I’d be trying a lot of in Ireland.

If I’m being completely honest, I wasn’t blown away by the food and vibe here but it was super cool to be able to say that we visited Ireland’s oldest pub ! I’d recommend a stop here for a pint but skip the food.

As fans of Irish whiskey (and regular drinkers of Jameson back home in The States), the Jameson Distillery Tour was a must for our visit to Ireland . We arrived a little early before our tour start time and were happy to find a full-service bar where we could order a drink to sip on while we waited.

The tour itself was great and I found it very informative on the history of Jameson and their distillation process. As part of the tour, we also got to sample a few whiskeys, some of which are only available in Ireland!

We also had the cask draw add on , which I highly recommend. You get to pop into the maturation room and sample whiskey straight from one of the casks.

When the tour was over, we went back to the bar (surprise, surprise) and grabbed our “free” drink which was included with our tour ticket. We also ordered a pour of the Black Barrel Cask (which you can only get at the Jameson Distillery in Dublin) and an Irish coffee (because – when in Ireland, right?).

Book the Jameson Tour here .

For dinner, we took a walk down to The Landmark Pub , which was less than 10 minutes from our hotel . It was bustling! We ordered up some fish and chips and beef and Guinness stew in a bread bowl and it was fantastic first dinner in Ireland. It was also the perfect spot to sip on our first pints of Guinness, which we had while kicking up our feet to watch a bit of rugby.

I absolutely love pub culture . Visiting all the pubs was one of my favorite things about our first visit to London , and we tried to get in as many pub visits in Dublin too!

Day 2 – The Dublin Food Scene

Day two in Dublin was all about exploring food and drink and boy did we pack in a lot! Ireland has it’s own food culture and there are a ton of Irish dishes (and drinks) that you should try when visiting. I made sure to try a variety of not only distinctly Irish foods, but also some international options to showcase the diverse food landscape of Dublin.

And of course no visit to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, which was the main event for this day!

Day 2 Highlights

• Quick breakfast of Argentine empanadas & an alfajor at Bakeology
• Guinness Storehouse self-guided tour
• Whiskey tasting at Roe & Coe
• Temple Bar & lunch at Gallagher’s Boxty House
• A visit to the Molly Malone statue
• Ice cream from Murphy’s
• The Whiskey Reserve for more whiskey tasting
• Dinner at The Fourth Corner Pub

Breakfast at Bakeology

On our way to our tour at the Guinness Storehouse, I wanted to make a quick stop at Bakeology – a highly-rated Argentine bakery. Who says you can’t have empanadas and cookies for breakfast ?

We grabbed a couple of jamon & cheese empanadas and they were honestly the best empanadas I’ve ever had. I regretted not grabbing a few more, but we were in a bit of a hurry. I also snagged a chocolate-covered alfajor (Dubliners call them alfies) with passion fruit filling and yep, it was also delicious.

Breakfast of champs folks!

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Our big activity for the day was the Guinness Storehouse Tour . Even if you aren’t a big beer drinker, you’ve just got to visit the Storehouse! It’s important to learn about Ireland’s history and that includes its national drink.

A visit to the Storehouse is a self-guided experience, making your way through seven floors of interactive exhibits . At the Storehouse, we spent approximately two hours learning about the history of Guinness, the brewing process, and sampling the famous brew along the way.

There are also several add-on options to the tour, including a Stoutie (which we did) where you get your photo printed on the head of a pint of Guinness. Or, you can take a lesson on how to pour Guinness yourself . I think the Stoutie was a fun little addition and nice to get a pint before making our way to the top.

We ended our tour at the Gravity Bar on the top floor of the Storehouse where we got our “complimentary” pint of the black stuff. It was packed by the time we made it up there and unfortunately, there were no seats available. All good though – we just walked around with our pints and were still able to take in the 360° views of Dublin City.

Book a standard Guinness Storehouse tour with Viator or direct if you’re interested in the Stoutie or Guinness Academy add-ons.

Whiskey Flights at Roe & Coe

After the Guinness Storehouse, we headed around the block to get some whiskey tasting flights at Roe & Coe . We weren’t up for another tour at this point, so we were thankful we could just go to the bar and order flights to taste through.

Roe & Coe is officially my new favorite whiskey brand! We had some really unique whiskeys and man are they strong. My favorite was the Cask & Keg Citra IPA with notes of citrus sherbet, white peach, apricot jam and grapefruit peel. I wish I could find that specific one in the U.S.!

Flight prices vary from $18 to $27, depending on how fancy you want to get and I felt the tasting samples were generously poured for the price.

Temple Bar & Gallagher’s Boxty House

As any good tourist does when visiting Dublin, we made our way to the Temple Bar area to get a peek at the famous bar before heading to Gallagher’s Boxty House for lunch.

Boxty was on my list of must-try Irish foods for our trip to Ireland. Boxty is an Irish potato pancake made with a combination of shredded raw potato and mashed potatoes and can come in thick patty form or in the case of Gallagher’s, almost crepe-like with heaps of unique toppings. My favorite was the Gaelic boxty, topped with tender Irish beef fillet , roasted cherry tomatoes, fried onions and a creamy pepper mushroom gravy.

We also got the Spice Boxty , which had a punch of flavor! This boxty is a take on the Irish Spice Bag and came topped with crispy fried chicken, peppers, and onions packed with flavor from the curry sauce.

And I couldn’t resist trying their sticky toffee pudding (one of my favorite desserts) and a flight of the beer brewed just for them (Jack Smith). I wasn’t a huge fan of their beer, but the sticky toffee pudding was delicious!

Molly Malone, Ice Cream & Whiskey

After our hearty lunch, we wandered over to see the statue of sweet Molly Malone , the folksong of which is the anthem of Dublin City. In Irish folklore, Molly Malone was a fishmonger who sold cockles and mussels by day and was also a part-time lady of the night – earning her the classy nickname “The Tart with the Cart.”

Somewhere in time, it was decided to be good luck to put your hands on the breasts of the statue. The bronze has been clearly worn from all the boob grabs. Okay then.

Murphy’s Ice Cream

From Molly Malone, we headed over to Murphy’s to get some tasty Irish ice cream! Murphy’s was founded in Dingle but they have several shops on the island, including in Dublin. We had to try their Irish brown bread flavor which is filled with little bits of caramelized brown bread. Such a fun and tasty way to incorporate another Irish food! While the brown bread was good, the butterscotch was my absolute favorite.

Murphy’s ice cream is made with milk exclusively from the rare and indigenous breed of Kerry cow. Their ice cream is really creamy and top quality. It is a little pricey, but you can just grab a small one and be satisfied.

whiskey break

Before heading back to our hotel for a break before dinner, we walked back through the Temple Bar area and popped into The Whiskey Reserve – a beautiful, cozy bar where you can sample all sorts of different whiskeys. We sipped on some Jameson Black Barrel and 18-Year Tripled Distilled whiskey and had a nice conversation with some fellow travelers who were winding down their trip to Ireland in Dublin.

Dinner at The Fourth Corner

For dinner, we headed over to The Fourth Corner pub near our hotel and shared an nduja ketchup smash burger and some wings. While this meal wasn’t exactly Irish, the burger was absolutely delicious!

Since we visited, they’ve implemented a new menu where they source their food from the nearby Dublin Pizza Company. The burgers are gone! Sad, but the Dublin Pizza Company is also a highly-rated alternative.

Day 3 – Cliffs of Moher Day Trip

The Cliffs of Moher had been on my bucket list for a long time and there was no way we were going to Ireland without seeing them! We booked a tour with Wild Rover for a full day out to the Cliffs of Moher, the Wild Atlantic Way, and Galway City . It was a long day but it was filled with beautiful scenery and some delicious eats!

Book this tour direct with Wild Rover and get 10% off if you book two tours. Or, you can book with Viator .

Day 3 Highlights

Cliffs of moher.

• Wild Atlantic Way and The Burren scenic drive
• Galway City
• Late lunch at Quay Street Kitchen in Galway
• Takeaway pizza for dinner from Coke Lane

Pro-Tip: Bring snacks or a handheld breakfast for the bus ride (no hot foods, though). Food is available at the cliffs, either in the café or one of the shops – but don’t fill up too much. Galway City has tons of restaurants to choose from for a late lunch!

Because we were based in Dublin for the week without a car, group day tours were the best option for us to get out of the city to see more of Ireland. Despite being a foggy day (more on that below), we really enjoyed our Cliffs of Moher tour with Wild Rover ! Our guide, Sean, was well-versed in Irish folklore and he regaled us with so many fun stories to help time pass while we were on the bus.

Getting to see the countryside on the way out to the cliffs was everything you’d think of when it comes to Irish scenery. Green pastures went on for miles with fluffy sheep and little castles and ruins popping up everywhere. We were lucky to have the front-row seat, which I think offered the best views of the drive!

Upon arriving at the Cliffs of Moher, we decided to skip the visitor’s center and head straight for the cliffs. Sadly, the cliffs were shrouded in fog that morning . My heart sank! Fog was the thing I feared most – even more than a rainy day. However, I remained positive while we walked along the paths at the top of the cliffs, saying hello to the cows and waiting for the perfect moment for things to emerge from the fog.

Finally, towards the end of our nearly two hours there, the sun tried its darnedest to break through and the fog started to lift. It was not quite enough to see the cliffs in all their glory, but enough to get a glimpse of their natural beauty . It was definitely worth the wait!

Wild Atlantic Way Drive

From the Cliffs of Moher, we drove along the Wild Atlantic Way through the Burren National Park and around Galway Bay. I absolutely loved the scenery of this part of Ireland. The views were breathtaking! Little white cottages dotted the green and sometimes rocky landscape overlooking the sea. It made me long to spend more time on Ireland’s west coast.

Should we move here, I thought to myself? As someone who never really feels settled, I’m always in search of “my place” in the world. This could be a contender.

Galway City & Late Lunch

We arrived in Galway City shortly after 3:00 p.m. and we were famished! This Wild Rover tour does include a Galway City walking tour that lasts about 30 minutes, but we really needed food so we decided to head straight to lunch.

We made our way over to the Quay Street Kitchen where we ordered some delicious Irish comfort food, including seafood chowder, mussels, and a giant lamb shank with mashed potatoes and veggies .

The seafood chowder was packed with chunks of seafood and was so tasty. It’s worth coming here just for a bowl of it! The mussels were simple but aromatic and flavorful, steamed with onion, garlic, cream and white wine. And after digging into that hearty lamb shank, I felt like having a proper nap! It was lovely having a hot meal after the a visit to the windy and chilly cliffs and long bus ride.

After lunch, we wandered around quirky Galway City for a bit, checking out a few little shops before heading back to the bus for our journey to Dublin.

A Pizza Dinner

Arriving back in Dublin, pizza sounded so good after a long day so we found a spot just up the road from our hotel.

Located in the back of a funky bar called Lucky’s in The Liberties neighborhood is Coke Lane Pizza . While the bar scene was absolutely not my vibe (I don’t recommend hanging out here on a Friday night unless you want to go deaf), the pizza amazed us! We ordered our pizzas to go and happily ate them back in our quiet hotel room.

Pizzas from Coke Lane are Neapolitan style (my favorite kind!) and are 10 inches in size. We demolished every last bit of each (the answer is “yes, you can eat one whole pizza per person”).

Day 4 – Dublin on Foot

The theme of day four in Dublin: history in the morning, beer and whiskey in the afternoon! Even though I’m more of a foodie traveler, I do like to learn a bit of history about the destination we’re visiting. In the morning, we visited Trinity College to learn about the Book of Kells and see the Old Library, before heading over to Dublinia to learn about Viking history.

We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring more of the food, whiskey and beer scene of Dublin. Things we do best!

Day 4 Highlights

• Book of Kells & The Old Library Long Room at Trinity College

Dublinia Viking Museum

• Beer break at Fidelity Bar

Lunch at The Fish Shop

Guinness open gate brewery.

• Whiskey tasting at Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Dinner at Big Fan

Book of kells & old library.

One of the most popular attractions in Dublin is the Book of Kells, which is an old manuscript filled with artistic renderings of the Four Gospels. It’s a wonder how this old thing survived the Vikings’ raids on Ireland!

As someone who isn’t religious, there wasn’t a huge connection for me to see it. However, I will say the detailed artwork is pretty impressive . Seeing the actual book is a little underwhelming as they just have it turned to one page for viewing, so the preceding exhibit is actually the best part.

After the Book of Kells, we made our way to The Long Room at the Old Library , which is was what I really I wanted to see most at Trinity College. This library is such an incredible work of architecture!

On our visit, they had most of the books off the shelves for a years-long restoration project. Thankfully, there were at least a few sections with books on them so we could get a glimpse at how cool a filled shelf looks.

I recommend booking this experience ahead of arriving in Dublin, especially during peak season. This will sell out! Book your tickets here .

Fun fact: a lot of people tend to reference this as the “Harry Potter library” due to its similar look, but the real library used for filming is actually at Oxford University in England.

From here, I gave my husband a choice to either do the Irish Whiskey Museum or Dublinia . We thought it was a bit too early in the day for whiskey (the museum tour comes with tastings), so we headed to Dublinia to learn a bit about Vikings and medieval history in Dublin.

Dublin (and Ireland for that matter) has deep Viking roots. There was actually a lot to learn about and see in Dublinia!

I think this museum is also well-suited for travelers with children as they have quite a few interactive exhibits to keep things interesting . For example, you can write your own name in runes or try on Viking gear and take photos. They even have people dressed up in the marketplace replica that speak in first person about their goods and services.

You can also purchase tickets that include entry to Christ Church Cathedral , which is adjoined to Dublinia. It was time for us to move on to the foodie part of our day so we skipped the cathedral. It is a really beautiful church though, at least from the outside!

Beer Break at Fidelity Bar

After Dublinia, we still had a bit of time to kill before our lunch reservation. Having a museum and walking-heavy morning was tough on the feet and we needed somewhere to sit for a bit. I found Fidelity Bar on a whim, seeing it was close to our lunch spot, and it ended up being a really cool find!

Fidelity Bar is part of a collab from the owners of The Big Romance and Whiplash Beer , the latter of which supplies its craft beer to have on tap. After drinking Guinness primarily thus far, it was nice to have a good craft beer break.

The Fish Shop in Dublin popped up on a lot of “must eat” lists for restaurants in Dublin, so I, of course, made a reservation to check it out for myself. This restaurant is a tiny, very cozy spot with maybe 10 to 15 seats total. Reservations are a must even for lunch .

At The Fish Shop, they focus on a limited menu of fresh seafood dishes and have a lovely curated wine menu. For starters, we each ordered a Gilda pintxo and shared the squid and capers on toast . I’m typically weary about squid dishes (it’s a texture thing for me) but this was actually my favorite bite of food here!

Next up were cockles in sherry and chorizo . It was our very first time trying cockles and I’m definitely a fan! And we couldn’t resist splitting an order of the haddock fish and chips . The batter on the fish and chips was light and well-seasoned and I appreciated their nice thick-cut chips.

At the end of our meal, we saw some fresh oysters come out for another guest and we just couldn’t pass them up. Ireland is known for having great oysters and I can confirm, these are a must-try.

A+ to The Fish Shop for a delicious meal!

Originally, a visit to Pearse Lyons Distillery was next on the itinerary. However, you can’t get in there to taste the whiskey without a tour (bummer) and we had just missed the next one. So we crossed the street and stopped in at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery , where they serve experimental beers and a pub-style menu. We paired our beer order with their Guinness caramel panna cotta and it was the perfect after-lunch dessert!

Whiskey Tasting at Teeling

Still needing to get our whiskey fix for the day, we headed down to Teeling Whiskey Distillery because I knew we could get in there without having to do a tour.

At their Bang Bang Bar , we ordered a flight of whiskeys to try, along with a couple of their signature cocktails. We sat by the window sipping our whiskeys and drinks while watching the rain patter against the glass. Maximum coziness!

When traveling to a bigger city, there’s usually going to be a diverse food scene to check out and Dublin is no exception. As much as I love pubs, I didn’t want to eat pub grub every single day. So, I scoured the Dublin restaurant landscape for some unique eats and found Big Fan – a Michelin-recommended modern Chinese restaurant . If you like bao buns and dumplings, this needs to go on your must-eat list!

Everything we ordered at Big Fan were little plates of happiness and comfort. The absolute standouts for me were the crispy duck wings, wagyu cheeseburger jaozi, and the pork snowflake dumplings .

Have you ever had duck wings? Forget chicken wings. These were unlike anything I’ve had before – super crispy with zesty flavors of Chinese-five spice and rich-flavored duck meat. I almost had to get a second order. And don’t even get me started on wagyu cheese burger dumplings – just say yes. If you are a cheeseburger fan, these are a must!

Dinner at Big Fan was the perfect ending to our day – even though back at home, our water heater busted and we got the call during our dinner here. Such is life.

Day 5 – Howth & Afternoon Tea

Day five in Ireland got off to a bit of a rocky start as there were issues with public transportation that affected our travel plans! However, we figured out a (very expensive) workaround and ventured out to the little seaside fishing village of Howth . Our mission here? To eat all the delicious seafood we could find! We ended the day back in Dublin at The Morrison Hotel with a cheeky his and hers afternoon tea.

Day 5 Highlights

• Half day trip out to Howth

Lunch at Baily Bites at Kish

• Explore Howth
• Crab claws at King Sitric

Afternoon Tea at The Morrison

Trip to Howth

Let me just say that sometimes things don’t always go your way with travel (this was another one of my big travel fails of the year ). I had planned for us to take the DART train out to Howth but after walking 30 minutes to the train station from our hotel, we found the trains were not running that weekend! Cool.

What’s Plan B? Take the bus. After asking for directions several times, we finally located the correct bus stop. Unfortunately, the bus was running late and when it finally came, it sat forever while they changed out drivers. By that time, there was a swarm of other people ready to pounce once the doors opened. Lovely.

Since it was also raining pretty heavy at this point, we said “screw it” and just grabbed a taxi just around the corner. We ended up having a very pleasant (and private ride) out to Howth! While it was pricey, I don’t have any regrets.

Howth Transportation

If you’re looking to get to Howth, here’s a recap on the transportation options if you don’t have your own car:

• DART Train – travel time: approximately 30 minutes from Tara Street or Connolly Station; cost: €5.00 for roundtrip ticket
• Bus – travel time: approximately 40 minutes; cost €2.00 to €4.00, depending on departure point
• Taxi – travel time: approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic; cost: approximately €40 plus tip, depending on departure point
• Day Tour – take the worry out of the equation and book a guided tour which includes tour bus transportation from Dublin, plus a guided cliff walk!

And here is the reason we have no regrets paying close to €100 for a roundtrip taxi ride to and from Howth: lunch at Baily Bites at Kish was our favorite meal in Ireland!

Upon arriving in Howth, we walked down the West Pier to Baily Bites at Kish – a little airstream trailer tucked away next to Kish Fish. We ordered fresh oysters and cold beers, a bread bowl filled with seafood chowder , and the fish and chips combo with both haddock and smoked hake. Everything was as magical as you’d want a seafood lunch to be.

The seafood chowder was incredible – packed with flavor, super creamy, and loaded with chunks of delicious seafood! That steaming hot chowder was perfect for this cold, windy and rainy day.

Their fish and chips (particularly the smoked hake) was one of the best meals of fish and chips we’ve ever had. The smoked fish introduced us to a whole new flavor profile for fish and chips and the batter was perfectly crisp (not to mention they had the best chips of the trip too).

We topped it all off with a round of fresh oysters washed down with our beers before heading off to explore Howth. Seafood mission accomplished.

Wandering Howth

After lunch, we walked to the end of the pier for some scenic views and to locate the footprints of King George IV . The king’s footprints were cast by a stonemason commemorating his first visit to Ireland in 1821 (allegedly after staggering off the boat quite inebriated). What tiny feet he had! The footprints can be hard to find, so just look for the blue plaque pointing you in the right direction.

harbor seals

Heading back down the West Pier towards Howth Market, we spotted some seals in the water gathered close to the dock in the harbor. Tourists used to feed them years ago, which is now banned because c’mon…wildlife should not rely on humans for food. Apparently, some seals were even into the habit of waving after getting a fish. Clever fellas using tricks to draw the crowds! I’m guessing by the fact that they still congregate where there’s a group of humans suggests people are still slipping them some fish…

howth market & escaping the rain

At this point, the sky decided to dump buckets of rain and I was glad for my water resistant leggings and umbrella (husband did not fare so well with his jeans)! We quickly walked through Howth Market, which showcases local crafts and goods. I longed to snag some pretty cookies and cupcakes but we were stuffed from lunch and the heavy rain made wandering through the stalls less than ideal.

We ended up ducking into a pub that had a couple open seats on a covered, heated patio to enjoy some drinks while we dried off a bit and waited out the rain.

Crab Claws at King Sitric

While we sat at the pub enjoying our drinks, I started searching for other things to do in Howth. Please tell me why I decided to Google more restaurants after eating an enormous lunch? Foodie life, I guess?

I came across a photo of some gorgeous crab claws swimming in garlic butter at King Sitric , just around the corner from where we were. Once I showed the picture to my husband, there was no turning back.

The crab claws were indeed worthy of expanding the waistline for – delicate and rich, complemented well by the plate full of melted garlic butter and a glass of crisp white wine.

Fun Fact : If you’re following in the footsteps Anthony Bourdain, he ate here during his travels to Ireland!.

Our last activity for the day was afternoon tea at The Morrison Hotel back in Dublin. I had reserved the Fancy Pants Tea for myself (their traditional tea offering) and the Gentlemen’s Tea for my husband.

I chose The Morrison specifically for their unique Gentlemen’s Tea, which has a rugged menu of things like sausages and sliders paired with a beer. It’s not just for men of course, but I figured it would entice my husband to go to afternoon tea a bit more than dainty tiers of tea sandwiches and sweets.

The Morrison’s ambiance has a modern hotel lobby feel versus cozy or high end. But I was okay with that because I didn’t really pack a proper afternoon tea outfit for this trip.

In terms of the food, my scones and clotted cream were delicious (scones are usually my favorite afternoon tea snack), but I think the sandwiches and some of the sweets could be improved upon. My husband enjoyed his Gentlemen’s Tea offerings, which I would rate slightly higher. The savory components on his plate were definite winners! Overall, I’d give the afternoon tea experience here about a 7/10.

After our afternoon tea, we were pretty stuffed and called it an early night so we could be well-rested for our next day tour up to Northern Ireland.

Afternoon Tea Alternatives

Some other unique and highly rated afternoon tea alternatives in Dublin include:

• The Vintage Tea Bus Tour – a fun ride around Dublin in a vintage double-decker bus serving afternoon tea
• Upscale afternoon tea at The Shelbourne
• The Merrion’s lavish afternoon tea with sweets crafted to look like actual works of art!

And many, many others!

Day 6 – Northern Ireland

Day six in Ireland was all about exploring the north on another tour with Wild Rover – this time, to Northern Ireland. Did you know that Northern Ireland is its own country under the United Kingdom? Kind of neat to be able to say you visited two countries on one island!

Our day tour included a Black Cab Tour in Belfast to learn about the history of The Troubles , a visit to Dunluce Castle (which doubled as the House Greyjoy in Game of Thrones), and Giant’s Causeway . It was another long day but we got to see some unreal scenery!

I booked this tour direct with Wild Rover to get a discount on two or more bundled tours . This tour is also available to book via Viator .

Day 6 Highlights

• Black Cab Tour in Belfast

Dunluce Castle

Lunch at the nook, giant’s causeway.

• Burrito takeaway from Boojum for dinner

Currency Note: Since Northern Ireland is a part of the U.K., they use GBP (pound sterling – £) as their currency . Coming just for the day with Wild Rover, you can get away without bringing cash in pounds if you have credit cards.

Belfast Black Cab Tour

First up on our tour after the drive up from Dublin was a Black Cab Tour in Belfast to learn about the tumultuous times of The Troubles.

On this tour with Wild Rover, you actually get to choose between two options for your time in Belfast – the Black Cab Tour or a visit to the Titantic Museum . It was a tough choice because the Titanic Museum is pretty state of the art! In the end, we wanted to learn a bit more history of Northern Ireland.

Quick breakfast & rest stop

Thankfully, the Black Cab Tour pickup spot was at a small mall. We were able to use the restroom and grab something hot to eat, which was much needed! One of the cafes is well-prepared for the tour bus crowd and has a few menu items set for churning out quickly.

We got a simple ham and cheese toastie to scarf down before getting in the cab. It was the perfect amount of food to hold us over until lunch and a much better option than the Tayto Crisps breakfast we had on our tour to the Cliffs of Moher…

Learning about The Troubles is important when visiting Northern Ireland as it is a big part of their modern history. The Troubles were a decades-long political conflict wherein more than 3,000 people lost their lives.

The conflict essentially existed between loyalists who wanted to remain under the United Kingdom (largely Ulster Protestants) and nationalists/republicans who wanted one united Ireland (many who were Irish Catholic). The Troubles technically ended in 1998, though evidence of tensions still exist.

For the tour, we piled into black cabs in groups of four to five, and our guides drove us around to different spots in Belfast to acquaint us with history and show visual memorials relating to The Troubles. We visited many mural sites, stopped at a Sinn Fein political office, wandered through an old church, and ended at a large peace wall.

Word of warning – the Northern Irish accent can be tough to understand and is completely different than the rest of Ireland! A lot of the stops on our tour were by busy roads and noise from passing cars made it even more difficult to understand our guide. There was a lot of awkward smiling and nodding. Liam Neeson – you did not prepare us well for this.

Overall, I found learning about The Troubles to be a fascinating but somber experience, but I’m glad we did it.

Onto more upbeat things! Next up on the tour was a visit to Dunluce Castle, also known as House Greyjoy from Game of Thrones . The scenery around Dunluce Castle included some of my favorite views of the Irish coast! Just look at those beautiful limestone arches stretching along the coast. Stunning.

We had about 30 minutes to explore the castle ruins and take in the beauty of the location before heading onto our next stop on the tour. This was plenty of time to explore and admire the scenery.

It was quite cold and very windy here so I definitely recommend bringing a hat and wind breaker-style jacket to keep warm.

After our black cab tour and stop at Dunluce Castle, lunch was much needed. We were given two options to choose from that are right near the Giant’s Causeway entrance – The Nook or the restaurant at The Causeway Hotel. We chose The Nook since we were dropped off right at the pub’s entrance.

Eating first before exploring the Causeway was a brilliant idea. We were honestly just really hungry at this point and were lucky to get in and out before the pub filled up with people!

Our food came out fast and it was surprisingly delicious for being a pub so close to a major tourist attraction. We got the lamb stew with a side of brown bread and I immediately understood why Irish stew is the national dish of Ireland. Warm and hearty stews pair so well with the moody Irish weather!

We also ordered the Steak & Guinness Pie, which was topped with a puff pastry and served with peas and mashed potatoes. This was so rich and flavorful! I only wished our portions were bigger to enjoy it all the more.

Finally, it came time for us to head down to the Giant’s Causeway – a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of roughly 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns .

Irish folklore tells of how this phenomenon was formed by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (aka Finn McCool) who built the Causeway to fight the giant Benandonner over in Scotland. After seeing how large Benandonner actually was, Fionn decided to outsmart him instead. His wife disguised him as a baby and Benandonner was fooled into thinking the “baby’s” father (Fionn) must be an even greater giant by the size of the “baby!” He destroyed the Causeway while fleeing back to Scotland.

The less exciting version of how The Giant’s Causeway was formed was the basalt columns were a result of volcanic activity. I’m personally more of a fan of the Irish folklore version.

Regardless of how it was formed, the Giant’s Causeway is really a unique geological wonder and an absolute must when visiting Northern Ireland!

Pro-tip: There is some walking involved to get down to the Causeway site. If you aren’t up for the walk, you can pay one pound to take the shuttle down or up (and they do take credit card if you haven’t brought cash).

Read this post for more details on how to prepare for a Northern Ireland day trip.

Late Night Burritos at Boojum

After a long tour day, we decided to grab some burritos on our walk back to our hotel room from the tour drop off back in Dublin. We swung by Boojum , which is essentially Ireland’s version of Chipotle. Was it truly Irish cuisine? No, but I’m okay with that. I think Chipotle is a bit better but I was happy to visit a spot selling one of my favorite comfort foods.

Day 7 – The Wind Down

I had originally planned for our last full day in Ireland to be a chill day in Dublin but we ended up walking A LOT, must to my husband’s dismay (his feet were dead at this point). What can I say – so much to see, so little time!

We started our final day in Dublin with a full Irish breakfast at the Cheeky Piglet and walked off our hearty meal at St. Stephen’s Green . I drug my husband all around Merrion Square hunting for unique colored Georgian doors before heading over to The Docklands to pay a visit to the BrewDog taphouse. We ended the day with a Dark Dublin walking tour (which also happened to be on Halloween). That was truly a gruesome (but super cool) way to end our time in Ireland!

Day 7 Highlights

• Breakfast at The Cheeky Piglet
• Meandering through St. Stephen’s Green
• Hunting for pretty Georgian doors
• BrewDog for beers and late lunch
• A quick visit to the Irish Famine Memorial
• Dark Dublin walking tour

Brekkie at the Cheeky Piglet

I had intended to try an Irish breakfast nearly all week long but we are terrible about getting up and being ready for breakfast before our daily activities. We just don’t prioritize it when traveling. However, Irish breakfast is something you’ve got to try at least once when in Ireland!

Irish breakfast is similar to an English breakfast but with an Irish, you get black and white puddings along with some type of potato. It’s a hearty meal packed with lots of protein!

We visited the Cheeky Piglet in The Liberties neighborhood and they did an outstanding job with all components . I even enjoyed the black and white puddings! Black pudding is a blood sausage but it’s nothing to be afraid of. This was such a great and filling meal to get in before a day of sightseeing.

St. Stephen’s Green

St. Stephen’s Green is a beautiful park located in Central Dublin and I figured it would be the perfect place to burn the calories from breakfast . It was so peaceful to walk through the lush, green park. Even though it was an overcast day, the park was filled with people taking walks and watching all the birds in the pond.

I absolutely love experiences like these when traveling because they remind me of the need to slow down.

Georgian Doors

Next up on the itinerary for the day was something a little unique – tracking down different-colored Georgian doors around the squares. It’s hard not to miss these vibrant doors when visiting Dublin!

I’ve heard different versions of why they’re painted in such a way, one being to defy a royal decree to paint them all black to mourn the passing of Queen Victoria. Another story suggests women painted the doors to stand out to their men coming home drunk from the pubs! Either way, I love the pop these colors add to the buildings of Dublin .

I tried to snap photos of as many colors as I could but could have spent hours trying to find them all. Most of mine were seen around St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square , but you can also find more around Fitzwilliam Square, Pearse Square, and Mountjoy Square – just to name a few.

After my Georgian door hunt, we hoofed it all the way out to the Docklands. It was truly quite a trek and a strong beer was much-needed by the time we reached the tap house!

We love visiting breweries when traveling. BrewDog has become a favorite of ours since our first trip to London where we visited two separate BrewDog locations. We’re making it a point to visit one wherever we travel! We just enjoy their beer and it’s sort of nostalgic for us too.

We kicked back for a couple of hours here, tasting many beers and devouring some wings and pizza.

Irish Famine Memorial

After our BrewDog visit, we started making our way back towards the center of the city for our evening walking tour. We passed by the Jeannie Johnston ship and the Irish Famine Memorial , which was pretty sobering. From 1845 to 1849, 1 million people died and 1 million more ended up emigrating from Ireland. It’s a sad part of Irish history and these sculptures really captured that.

I actually intended to also visit the EPIC Irish Immigration Museum at this point but we had run out of time. If you get to breakfast earlier in the day, you can easily add this on the route.

Dark Dublin Walking Tour

Our last night in Ireland fell on Halloween so I wanted to do something spooky seeing as Halloween actually originated in Ireland. I stumbled upon the Dark Dublin tour , which is a walking tour around Dublin that dives into some of the dark details of Dublin’s past. I’m talking tales of torture, murder, proposals to eat babies, and so on. Yikes!

The tour was indeed quite dark and fitting for Halloween night! Our tour guide, Cillian, was brilliant and we enjoyed the tour very much. It was a great way to end our time in Ireland!

Tipping : One thing I observed was the lack of tipping to the guides. This tour is quite affordable and I highly recommending throwing some euros at your guide if you enjoyed your time with them.

What to Pack for Ireland

What to pack for your trip to Ireland is going to be entirely dependent upon the season. I have a separate, detailed post of everything I packed for our trip to Ireland, but here are some essentials for fall travel :

• Waterproof shoes that are comfortable for walking – I brought my Waterproof Vessi sneakers and Waterproof Boots from Timberland and both worked well.
• Fleece Jacket
• Rain Jacket
• Umbrella (for city walking)
• Moisture-wicking beanie
• Wool socks like these or these
• Water resistant fleece-lined leggings

I typically travel with a backpack instead of a purse or cross-body bag because I need something big enough to hold my camera gear. My favorite travel backpacks are somewhat stylish, “waterproof,” and anti-theft and I absolutely love both of these bags that come in black nylon and brown faux leather . My brown backpack was the perfect color for fall and kept everything in my bag dry!

Read More: What to Pack for Fall in Ireland

General Ireland Travel Tips

• Currency : Euros in The Republic of Ireland and Pound Sterling in Northern Ireland
• Driving : Driving is on the left side of the road. If you don’t want to drive in Ireland, you can easily get around by bus, train, or rideshares (like we did)!
• Street Crossing:  Because cars may drive on the opposite side of the road than your home country, be sure to look in the proper direction when crossing streets. I speak from experience that if you don’t do this, you’re playing a dangerous game (just read all about how I almost got my husband hit by a car! ).
• Tipping:  Small tips are acceptable in Ireland but not always necessary. For tours, however, I recommend a generous tip – especially to the guides and drivers on the long bus tours! It’s hard work keeping us tourists entertained for 12 hours.
• Taxis : You can use Free Now or Uber apps to hail taxis in Ireland. All drivers must be certified taxi drivers, even with Uber. This is great for safety!

I hope you enjoyed my one-week Ireland itinerary recap! The Irish people are so friendly and welcoming and I was blown away by the country’s scenery – especially along the west coast and the coastal areas of the north.

There are SO many things I’d love to see on a return visit to Ireland. It’s always hard to pack things in with limited time, but I feel like we did our first week in Ireland justice. I can’t wait to come back!

Are you ready to discover Ireland’s magic yourself?

Read Next: What to Eat in Ireland: Must-Try Irish Dishes, Drinks & Snacks

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7 days in Ireland: one week Ireland itinerary

By: Author Monica

Categories Blog

Today’s epic post is a one week Ireland itinerary and it’s by Sian from Ireland Before you Die. Ireland is such an amazing place for a road trip so I’m really excited to share this action packed itinerary! I actually did a similar solo road trip a couple of years ago so I’ve left some links below if you’d like to read more!

From enjoying a pint of Guinness in Dublin to taking in the sights of the Wild Atlantic Way, you can see a lot with just seven days in Ireland. Here is our one week Ireland itinerary.

At only 32,599 square miles (for reference, the state of Indiana is 35,910 square miles), Ireland’s compact size makes it entirely possible to explore the highlights of the Emerald Isle in just one week, as long as you are up for a jam-packed week of activities and a lot of driving.

While extending your stay will allow you to explore at a much slower pace and afford you the opportunity to explore Ireland’s hidden gems, there is still plenty you can do if you’re restricted to just seven days.

So, if you’re wondering how to make the most of your seven days in Ireland, here is our suggestion for a one week Ireland itinerary.

Day 1 – Start in Dublin

Fly into Dublin Airport, which is right outside the city. If possible, try to book a flight that arrives in the morning, so you can get the most out of your first day.

Once you’ve checked in and dropped your bags off at your hotel, get out and explore the sights and sounds of Ireland’s capital city.

Travel Hack Tip : If you’re travelling with a lot of luggage, you could store your bags for a couple of hours or days using Nannybag. A road trip is so much easier with one, small bag so this is a useful service if you’re travelling for an extended period of time and have a lot of stuff with you!

Recommended hotel: Jurys Inn Parnell Street

I stayed here and it was perfect. Great location, nice spacious room, delicious breakfast and a good price too (considering you won’t be spending much time inside your hotel room!)

With only one day to explore the city, we recommend exploring Grafton and O’Connell Street in the morning, where you will find Trinity College Dublin, St Stephen’s Green, and the GPO – a walking tour is a great way to explore this area and find out more about the city’s history.

If you like having the knowledge of a guide but prefer a more flexible and budget-friendly way to explore the city then check out Around walking tours in Dublin . Around make self-guided audio tours created by expert guides. You stream/play them on your phone so you get the perks of a travel guide with the flexibility and ease of exploring solo.

If you want to see a lot and save your legs then an open top bus tour around Dublin is a great way to see the sights.

In the afternoon, head to Kilmainham Gaol or the Guinness Storehouse , both of which are popular tourist attractions and two of the best things to do in Dublin . In the evening, indulge in Irish pub life with a pint from the iconic Temple Bar.

If you want to explore more of Dublin’s pub culture then take a look at this fun activity to explore the Old Town’s Famous Pubs! It’s a game you play on your phone where you’ll learn more about the pubs (and get to sample a pint or two along the way!)

Day 2 – Head South to Cork

Wake up early on day two to make your way to Ireland’s second-biggest city: Cork.

Non-stop, the drive from Dublin to Cork will take around three hours, but we recommend making a few pitstops along the way to check out some of Ireland’s best sights, including Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel.

You should arrive in Cork by early afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to explore the highlights of the city.

Once again, I highly recommend the Jurys Inn in Cork . You can head straight to the hotel and drop your bags off before heading back out to explore.

City centre highlights include the English Market, the Shandon Bells, and St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral.

However, a 15-minute drive out of the city will bring you to the iconic Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone.

Day 3 – Explore the Ring of Kerry

An hour from Cork is the town of Killarney, which is where you’ll begin exploring the scenic Ring of Kerry.

One of Ireland’s highlights for sure, the Ring of Kerry is the epitome of Irish scenery from rugged wild Atlantic coastlines to green mountainous countryside dotted with historical monuments.

Without stopping, driving the Ring of Kerry will take three hours. However, we consider leaving the whole day so you can truly enjoy the experience.

Highlights on this road trip include Killarney National Park, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range, Skellig Islands, and the Gap of Dunloe.

End your day in Dingle, home to stunning scenery and plenty of traditional Irish pubs.

If you don’t have a car or you’d like the help of a guide then this looks like an incredible Ring of Kerry day trip you can do from Cork.

Day 4 – Dingle to Galway

Day four will see you head north along Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way as you head to Galway, the country’s capital of culture.

Break up this three-and-a-half-hour drive by stopping off at one of Ireland’s most famous attractions, the Cliffs of Moher, for a truly breathtaking experience.

Soak up the sights and sounds of Galway city from its quaint Salthill Promenade to its historic Latin Quarter, which make it a must-visit on any trip to Ireland.

Galway is a bustling city so I highly recommend a walking tour to help you see all the highlights!

Where to stay in Galway: There are some lovely hotels in Galway and they’re a bit cheaper than other areas on this road trip so if you’re going to splash out anyway, Galway is the place to do it! I was at the Jurys Inn Galway which is next to the river and was gorgeous!

Day 5 – Galway to Donegal

Continue north along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic on your fifth day in Ireland to reach Donegal, home to some of the best beaches in Ireland.

While in Donegal, we recommend checking out the breathtaking Slieve League Cliffs, the beautiful scenery of Glenveagh National Park, and the golden sands of Murder Hole Beach.

Star Wars fans should make sure to pay a visit to the most northern point in Ireland, Malin Head, where many scenes from Star Wars: The Last Jedi were filmed.

Day 6 – make your way into Northern Ireland

Day six of your one week Ireland itinerary will see you cross the border from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland.

Head east from Donegal to Derry, where you will begin your journey along the iconic Causeway Coast, home to a number of attractions, including the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the Dark Hedges.

Game of Thrones fans may recognise much of the scenery here from the HBO television series, much of which was filmed in Northern Ireland.

Day 7 – Explore Belfast

You will end your seven days in Ireland in the capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast.

Here, you can explore the historic Crumlin Road Gaol , learn about the famous Titanic at the Titanic Museum , and have a pint while cycling around the city on the Belfast Beer Bikes. Line of Duty fans won’t want to miss the Line of Duty tour!

I highly recommend the Belfast Political Taxi Tour too. This is where a traditional black cab (or a white cab in my case!) takes you on a tour around Belfast and explains the history of the troubles in Northern Ireland. The cab drivers are all locals who give first-hand accounts of what happened. This is a huge part of Belfast’s history and an important thing for tourists to understand.

As a relatively small city, it is possible to see much of Belfast in just one day – but no doubt your whistlestop tour will just leave you wanting more.

To save you the hassle of making your way back to Dublin, book your return flight from either Belfast International or Belfast City Airport.

If you’ve got more time in Northern Ireland then check out my weekend guide to Northern Ireland for a couple of extra days in this gorgeous part of the world.

Game of Thrones fans might also want to check out the Game of Thrones film locations in Northern Ireland!

Check out more of our blog posts about Ireland here.

Useful links and info

Hotels for your ireland itinerary.

I would highly recommend booking your hotels in advance. I mostly stayed in Jurys Inn hotels during my trip. I found them to be conveniently located, well priced, had a great breakfast, lovely staff and they were spacious, clean and modern. They were everything I needed considering I wasn’t spending much time in my hotel. They can also be booked for just one night which is handy as many hotels require a 2 night minimum stay.

Here are the hotels at stayed at:

• Jurys Inn Dublin Parnell Street
• Jurys Inn Cork
• Hillgrove Guest House in Dingle
• Jurys Inn Galway
• Abbey Hotel Donegal

Dublin activities

• Open top bus tour around Dublin
• Guinness Storehouse
•   Activity to explore the Old Town’s Famous Pubs

Ring of Kerry

• Ring of Kerry day trip you can do from Cork

Activities from Galway

• Galway: Medieval remains and hidden gems bike tour
• Galway walking tour
• Galway scenic cruise

Activities in Belfast

• Crumlin Road Gaol
• Titanic at the Titanic Museum
• Line of Duty tour
• Belfast Political Taxi Tour

Wednesday 19th of May 2021

i remember visiting Galway to Donegal i loved it. That whole road has so much to do and see on it. It is probably one of the best locations to visit in all of ireland

Jude Boudreaux

Thursday 13th of May 2021

I've been researching travel with our kids to Ireland, possibly late this summer but more likely next year. Thanks for this great outline! It's going to be so much help for us.

Monday 3rd of May 2021

Thanks for your useful tricks. I also would like to go to Ireland after the pandemic. Greetings from turkey!!

One Week in Ireland

Consider yourself lucky cause you’ve just struck the pot of gold by landing on my one-week in Ireland guide! The moody yet incredibly warm country is a favourite among many travellers due to its spectacular nature, unique culture, and sense of humour that can’t be found in any other nation.

I have travelled to Ireland a few times, and each experience was even more special than the last. That said, I have gathered all the best places to visit in Ireland, including superb accommodations and restaurants, ensuring you get the most from your upcoming trip!

Given the size of the island, visiting the entirety of Ireland in only seven days is practically impossible. But don’t get discouraged just yet – you’ll have a reason to return! Regardless of the time frames, Ireland is Europe’s lush gem, ultimately receiving the Emerald Isle title.

Our full guide covers:

• Basic Introduction
• Where to stay in Ireland
• How to get around
• What to see in Ireland
• Things to do in Ireland
• Tickets you have to buy before – must read
• Food and Restaurants
• Day Trips from Ireland
• Itinerary for Ireland
• Packing List

Whether you’re a restless traveller with an undying thirst for adventure or someone who likes to kick back and spend their vacation in the most relaxing atmosphere, the island has something for everyone’s taste. Knowing that, enjoy my one week in Ireland itinerary and prepare for a journey like never before.

1. Basic Introduction

These are things you need to know before you spend one week in Ireland.

Currency : EUR (€)

Language Spoken : English, Irish (Gaelic), and Hiberno-English (standard English with Irish grammar)

Population : 5.033 million (2021)

Known for : Lush nature, dramatic sights, home of literary legends such as Oscar Wilde, rich cultural heritage, and Guinness beer. Speaking of beer, due to the abundance of pubs, Ireland is the ideal destination for nightlife lovers who can party all night long!

Accommodation : From cozy family-run bed & breakfasts to luxurious 5-star hotels, you can easily find accommodation per your liking.

Find more details in our where to stay in Ireland section below.

Public Transport : Trains, trams, and busses. The best thing about the trains is they’re entirely overground, meaning you will witness endless natural treasures as you travel.

More under how to get around .

Safety : Generally safe, ranked the seventh safest in Europe. Still, crimes such as pickpocketing occur in major cities like Dublin and Belfast, as well as alcohol or drug-induced fights in the nightlife areas.

City name : Dublin

Electricity : 230V/50Hz (European plug). Remember to pack your travel plug adapter .

2. Where to stay in Ireland

The Emerald Isle is filled with beautiful cities with their inimitable character and style. For instance, if you want to discover the traditional side of the country, all roads will lead you toward Galway. Alternatively, those planning a romantic trip for two will be charmed by Sligo – a modest, quaint town with an intimate vibe.

In addition to these two locations, here’s where to stay in Ireland:

With that, all of these Irish cities feature excellent accommodations ranging from exclusive 5-star hotels to budget apartments and even centuries-old castles! The best way to determine which city and accommodation is perfect for you is to pre-determine what you expect from your one week in Ireland.

Do you want to explore the country’s diverse nature, or are you looking for something more low-key?  Once established, you can start making your itinerary based on your travel type and budget.

To make the process easier for you, I will provide you with two accommodation options for each of the above-mentioned cities, promising comfort and great service. However, I also recommend exploring the areas around these places, as many unique establishments are tucked away on the outskirts and will make your trip even more exciting!

2.1 Where to stay in Dublin

Although capital cities are known to be quite pricey, that’s not the case with Ireland! Dublin is the perfect option for budget travellers due to the abundance of free activities you can do in the city. For instance, you can explore various castles without paying entrance fees, and you can even partake in cheap day trips thanks to the city’s locations.

For a more detailed guide, check out our Where to stay in Dublin .

Furthermore, the accommodations in Dublin are as diverse as the city itself, so you won’t have any problems finding the right one for you. Here are some of my recommendations:

The Shelbourne, Stephen’s Green

This 5-star Dublin hotel is located in Stephen’s Green, one of Dublin’s more high-end areas. In addition to the sophisticated feel of The Shelbourne , its central location gives you the opportunity to discover the city’s main attractions with ease since they’re practically all around the hotel.

Arlington Hotel O’Connell Bridge, O’Connell Bridge

The Arlington Hotel , located on O’Connell’s Street, is a great option for spending one week in Ireland. Apart from its central location, the hotel frequently organizes live shows, showcasing the uniqueness of Irish culture.

2.2 Where to stay in Galway

You’ve probably heard about Galway before from Ed Sheeran’s hit single ‘Galway Girl’, and if you watched the music video, you already have an idea of what you can expect! If you haven’t, allow me to paint you a picture.

Galway is one of my favourite Irish cities because you can experience what Ireland is all about! Here, the traditional vibes of the country reign supreme – the city is called the Cultural Heart of Ireland for a reason! Lastly, Galway features a lot of castles, so checking them out is a must when it comes to things to do in Ireland.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, here are my favourite establishments:

The Hardiman, Galway Centre

Located in the heart of Galway City, The Hardiman is the ideal hotel if you want a bit more sophistication from your accommodations. Along with its great location, the hotel also offers a relaxing hot tub on the rooftop, overlooking the outstanding Galway cityscape.

The Nest Boutique Hostel, Salthill

The Nest is undoubtedly one of the best boutique hostels in Galway, ideal for design travellers who want their one week in Ireland to be spent in style. As soon as you step inside, you’ll fall in love with its interiors instantly.

2.3 Where to stay in Cork

Locals call Cork the real capital of Ireland. It’s more livelier compared to other Irish cities, but it also has a relaxing vibe to it. Modernity is at its peak here, meaning you can find all sorts of trendy bars, restaurants, and clubs that will keep you entertained for hours. Also, this part of Ireland is noted for its gastronomic pleasures, so try to indulge in various delicacies, some of which I’ll mention very shortly!

My accommodation suggestions for Cork are:

Imperial Hotel Cork City, Cork City Centre

The Imperial Hotel is a beautiful 4-star hotel in downtown Cork, boasting an excellent location with a lot of shops in the area. In addition, many hip bars are a stone’s throw away so it might get noisy during the night. That said, make sure not to forget your earplugs!

Metropole Hotel Cork, Victorian Quarter

Positioned in the Victorian Quarter of Cork, a well-suited neighbourhood for solo travellers and history buffs, the Metropole Hotel Cork is over 120 years old, yet its interiors are the definition of modernism.

2.4 Where to stay in Sligo

As previously mentioned, Sligo is the ultimate destination for lovebirds going on a romantic getaway. While this charming town features many attractions, hikers and lovers of the outdoors will find great pleasure here. There are many scenic hiking trails and historical spots, some of which date from Paleolithic times.

Thinking about where to stay in Ireland? Here’s something you might like:

The Glasshouse, Swan Point

Colourful and extremely social, the Glasshouse is one of the best hotels in Sligo. Since the town boasts a romantic allure, head to the Manhattan-styled bar for a date night with the most spectacular view of the river.

Teapot Lane Glamping – Adults Only, Castegal

If you’re not spending one week in Ireland with your beau but rather your friends, why not opt for a unique glamping experience at Teapot Lane ? This is an adults-only establishment, so relaxation is guaranteed!

2.5 Where to stay in Limerick

Limerick is exemplary of what Ireland looked like during the Medieval ages. Although history buffs will love this town, it is also suited for families and larger groups who are looking for an escape from the bustling cities. If you’re in Limerick just for a day, visiting King John’s Castle is a must!

The Old Quarter Townhouse, Limerick Centre

Cozy, comfortable, and really stylish, the Old Quarter Townhouse is a great starting point to discover the intricacies of Limerick on foot.

3. How to get around

The transportation system in Ireland is extensive and well-developed, though it comes with a set of flaws that are standard for most European countries. Of course, renting a car might seem like the most plausible solution, but that’s not really the case in Ireland.

Namely, the country has many narrow one-way roads, which, at times, can be hard to navigate. On top of that, you’ll have to drive on the left side of the road, which takes some time to adjust to. However, by renting a car, you’ll have a lot more opportunities to discover the things to do in Ireland, so it all falls down to personal choice.

Here are the highlights regarding Ireland’s transport:

Best Bus Tour to Explore Dublin:  Uncover the charms of Dublin at your own speed using a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket for a hop-on-hop-off tour bus . With designated stops at major attractions across the city, this tour offers an ideal opportunity to delve into Dublin’s wonders at a pace that suits you

Public Transport : The railway system is the most reliable and the fastest way to get around in the country. As previously mentioned, all the trains are above ground, so expect to see awesome scenery as you travel. Still, fare tickets can sometimes get expensive, especially if you plan to visit multiple cities during your one week in Ireland. For that reason, it’s best that you make your bookings ahead of time to save some money.

Additionally, buses can take you to nearly every town in Ireland, but if you’re aiming for remote locations and villages, some of them may be infrequent. Compared to trains, they’re more affordable, but bus travel is rather slow.

Bikes : Cycling in Ireland is pretty manageable as most cities are bike-friendly. You can rent bikes for about 20 euros per day (80 for the entire week), and you can easily store them in your hotel. Keep in mind, though, that the country has many hills, and it can sometimes get rather windy. Although this won’t be a problem in major cities if you plan to explore the Irish landscapes, be prepared for a challenging ride.

Walking : Major cities are very easily walkable and are quite exciting to explore due to the abundance of shops, squares, and landmarks. The same applies to rural areas, but some might not be very accessible by foot.

Taxi : Major ride-sharing services such as Uber operate regularly in Ireland and are not considered that expensive. “Regular” taxis, on the other hand, can burn a hole in your pocket, so I advise you to stray away from them. Instead, you can use buses or trains.

4. What to see in Ireland- The Must-Do’s

Looking for the things to see during your one week in Ireland? Here are my suggestions!

• The Cliffs Of Moher
• Grafton Street (Dublin)
• The Ring of Kerry
• The Rock of Cashel
• Blarney Castle and Stone
• Kinsale (Cork)
• St. Stephen’s Green (Dublin)
• National Gallery of Ireland (Dublin)
• Kilkenny Castle
• The Aran Islands

5. Things to do in Ireland

I’ve gathered the best things to do in Ireland, ensuring your trip is filled with excitement and unique activities!

Grab a pint in the oldest bar in the world

When you’re thinking about what to do in Ireland for a week, visiting a pub and grabbing a pint of beer is a must. But not just any pub – Sean’s Bar, the oldest bar in the world! Located in Athlone, this lively place has been serving alcohol to locals for over a thousand years.

Given its popularity, grabbing a seat may require some waiting, but know that it’s absolutely worth it!

See a Riverdance show

Irish culture is unlike anything else in the world! To see it in action, I recommend visiting Galway, but if you’re settled in major cities like Dublin, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a show. One such performance is the Riverdance, made popular by Michael Flatley in the late 1990s.

As you’re exploring Dublin, keep an eye out for tickets or search online to see whether there’s a show nearby.

Visit The Cliffs of Moher

Although I mentioned The Cliffs of Moher in the must-see sights, such natural treasure deserves all the recognition! This location is visited by millions annually, and you have to be one of them.

To catch the most impressive sights, visit The Cliffs on a clear day – you’ll be able to see Aran Islands and Galway Bay in all of its glory. Also, make sure to capture a lot of photos here; your Insta game will be lit!

Here are some more ideas on things to do in Ireland:

• Glendalough (Wicklow)
• The Giant’s Causeway (Antrim)
• Dingle (Kerry)
• The Old Bushmills Distillery (Antrim)
• Guinness Storehouse (Dublin)
• Kilmainham Gaol (Dublin)

6. Tickets you have to buy before (Must Read)

To have the most enjoyable one week in Ireland, you should plan your itinerary ahead of time so you can hit all of the places on your bucket list. As you know, some places require tickets, so you should book them before you travel.

• Renting a Car (if you’re planning on using one, here’s a guide on how to do that)
• Accommodation
• Public transport tickets ( Leap card can score discounts)

7. Food & Restaurants

Along with gorgeous sights, and trendy pubs, Ireland also boasts an amazing culinary scene. Below, you’ll find some of the most popular dishes, along with restaurant suggestions where you can try them.

• Irish Soda Bread
• Colcannon and Champ
• Shepherd’s Pie
• Smoked Salmon
• Black and White Pudding

The best restaurants in Ireland are:

• The Wollen Mills Eating House (Dublin)
• Kai’s Cafe and Restaurant (Galway)
• Farmgate Cafe (Cork)
• 1826 Adare (Limerick)
• Mourne Seafood Bar (Belfast)

8. Day Trips from Ireland

How to do the day trips? There are 3 options:

• Rent a car  on your own and hit the road
• take public transport
• join a tour

I suggest you go out and explore as many sights as possible during your one week in Ireland. With that in mind, here are my suggestions for day trips you can partake in!

• Titanic Belfast
• Skellig Michael
• Muckross House
• Wild Atlantic Way

9. Itinerary for 7 days

As previously mentioned, the country is too large to be fully experienced in one week, but you’re more than welcome to come back anytime you want. To have the most exciting journey, I created this one-week in Ireland itinerary for which you need a car, but it can be altered for public transport as well.

If you’re going for the latter option, some remote places may be hard to access via bus or train, so you’ll have to research organized trips, and luckily, there are many of them!

You’ll begin your one week in Ireland in Dublin – use the time to explore the city’s most popular landmarks. Then, head to Donegal to visit some locations like the Dark Hedges that are featured in TV shows and movies, such as Game of Thrones and Star Wars. From Donegal, continue to Galway to experience the traditional side of the country, and on the following day, drive up to Killarney to see King John’s Castle, among other landmarks.

On the 5th day of this one-week in Ireland itinerary, you’ll visit Cork from Kerry, where you can see Ross Castle and the Muckross Abbey and Gardens. Consider visiting the Jameson Distillery as well, especially if you enjoy a good glass of whiskey.

The following day is fully reserved for Dublin once again, so you can experience what makes the city special before you head home.

10. Packing List

There is a few things we recommend for your packing list Ireland.

• Travel plug adapter
• Reusable water bottle
• Hikers backpack (if you’re planning to visit rural areas)
• Wollen Socks
• Windbreaker
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Conversation guide in Ireland
• Portable Charger

This is everything you need to know for your one week in Ireland – all that’s left is to pack for an adventure of a lifetime! If you require additional information, don’t hesitate to get in contact!

Optional but always useful:

• Packing Cubes
• Good quality camera
• Water Bottle with Built-In Filter
• Sleeping mask

11. Printed Guides & Map

These guides are best for the ones looking for a printed version.

Once you come to Ireland, you will also receive a paper map of the city.

• Lonely Planet Guide for Ireland
• The Everything Travel Guide to Ireland
• DK Eyewitness Ireland (Travel Guide)

Here is again our map of Ireland with the recommended hotels and neighborhoods.

Questions? Contact us

I tried to make this guide as useful and complete as possible. However, chances are you still have questions left.

Therefore, any questions? Anything not clear?

Please get in touch with us, I would be very happy to help. I want to make this guide as useful as possible for you.

You see, your question actually helps me as well.

Do not be shy and send me an email .

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The Perfect Ireland 1-Week Itinerary (+ map)

Written by Maartje

Discover the vibrant landscapes and rich history of Ireland in just one week. While you can see everything with a cruise around Europe , driving through Ireland offers an unparalleled intimate experience with its lush greenery, historic sites, and lively cities. Even if you have only a week in the country, you can put together a perfect itinerary that will take you through the best Ireland has to offer.

This is your chance to explore the Emerald Isle escapade! Our detailed itinerary ensures you see the best of Ireland, from the bustling streets of Dublin to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, with each destination just a short drive away.

Ireland Itinerary Map

One Week in Ireland Travel Itinerary

Day 1: dublin.

Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital, offers an array of historic and cultural attractions that are perfect for kicking off a week-long exploration. Begin your visit at Trinity College, home to the illustrious Book of Kells, a must-see for its rich history and exquisite craftsmanship​​. Not far from here, the imposing St. Patrick’s Cathedral offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past and serves as a spectacular example of Ireland’s religious heritage.

For something uniquely Dublin, take a stroll across the iconic Ha’Penny Bridge, which spans the River Liffey and has been a staple of Dublin life since the early 19th century​​. If you’re inclined towards more contemporary experiences, explore the lively Temple Bar area, known for its vibrant nightlife and artistic flair​.

Each of these attractions encapsulates the spirit of Dublin, making them perfect starting points for an immersive Irish journey.

Day 2: Central Ireland & Athlone

On day two of your Ireland adventure, venture into the heart of the country with a 1.5-hour drive from Dublin to Athlone, a town steeped in history and nestled on the banks of the River Shannon. Athlone is a blend of old and new, where ancient architecture meets contemporary Irish culture.

Start your exploration at Athlone Castle , a Norman castle strategically located to control the river crossing. The castle has been beautifully restored and now features interactive exhibits that bring its rich history to life. Just a short walk from the castle, step back in time at the Old Town, with its charming streets and local shops offering traditional Irish crafts and goods.

Athlone also serves as a gateway to Lough Ree, one of the largest lakes on the Shannon, perfect for bird watching or a quiet afternoon by the water. Here, the rich tapestry of Ireland’s central plains unfolds in a display of natural beauty and tranquil waterways, making it a perfect stop on your journey through Ireland.

Day 3: Galway

Day three takes you on a 1.5-hour drive west from Athlone to Galway, a harbor city on Ireland’s west coast, renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and historical significance. Galway, often referred to as the “Cultural Heart of Ireland”, is famous for its lively street festivals and Irish music scene, making it a bustling hub that’s both energetic and warmly welcoming.

Begin your exploration in the Latin Quarter, where Galway’s medieval city walls are interspersed with colorful shops and cobblestone streets. Here, the bustling atmosphere is palpable, especially around Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs.

No visit to Galway is complete without experiencing its rich arts scene. Spend some time at the Galway City Museum to delve into local history, or catch a street performance by local musicians and artists who bring the city’s streets to life.

Finally, take a leisurely stroll along the Salthill Promenade, just outside the city center, to enjoy panoramic views of Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The fresh sea breeze and the sound of waves provide a perfect end to a day of cultural immersion.

Day 4: Cliffs of Moher

On day four, you’ll visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most spectacular natural wonders. These cliffs stretch for about 14 kilometers along the Atlantic coast of County Clare, soaring up to 214 meters (702 feet) above the ocean at their highest point.

The Cliffs of Moher are primarily composed of layers of Namurian shale and sandstone, which have withstood the test of time and elements. Their formation dates back over 320 million years during a period when the area was much warmer and at the bottom of a large sea. Over millions of years, the sediment from rivers poured into this sea, compressing into the rocks that form the cliffs today.

Erosion played a pivotal role in sculpting the Cliffs of Moher into their current form. The relentless force of the Atlantic Ocean has shaped the cliffs, carving out dramatic crags and sea stacks, and creating a rugged landscape that’s both awe-inspiring and foreboding. This natural process continues to shape the cliffs, which can sometimes lead to rock falls as the softer shales below the sandstone layers are eroded away​.

Visiting the Cliffs of Moher not only offers a chance to see a breathtaking natural phenomenon, but also to appreciate the immense scale of geological time and the power of natural forces in shaping our world.

Day 5: Bunratty Castle

Day 5 of your Ireland itinerary brings you to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park , a must-visit to step back into Irish history. The castle, originally built in 1425, has been beautifully restored to its medieval splendor. As you explore, don’t miss the great hall which showcases a fine collection of medieval furniture, artworks, and ancient antlers​.

Adjacent to the castle is the expansive Folk Park. Here, you can wander through a reconstructed 19th-century village and interact with costumed characters that bring the era to life. The park includes over 30 buildings such as a school, post office, and a traditional Irish pub, providing a vivid glimpse into historical Irish life.

For a truly immersive experience, consider attending the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet. Held in the castle’s banquet hall, this evening event features a four-course meal accompanied by traditional music and performances, capturing the essence of medieval Ireland.

If visiting with children, the Viking Playground is a highlight, featuring engaging activities for younger visitors​​. Also, consider having a picnic on the grounds if the weather permits, with picnic boxes available from Mr O’Regan’s café.

Day 6: Tipperary’s Rock of Cashel

On Day 6, your journey takes you to the iconic Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, one of Ireland’s most historic and evocative sites. Perched atop a limestone outcrop, the Rock of Cashel commands stunning views over the Tipperary countryside. It’s not just a castle but a remarkable group of medieval buildings including a Gothic cathedral, a 12th-century round tower, and the exquisite Cormac’s Chapel, renowned for its Romanesque architecture and ancient frescoes​.

The site’s history is deeply entwined with Irish royalty and the church. It was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for several centuries before being donated to the church in the 12th century. Legends even say the Rock itself landed here from a mountain during a biblical-style showdown between St. Patrick and the devil​.

While in the area, consider visiting Hore Abbey, a nearby ruined Cistercian monastery that you can explore at no extra cost. It’s a less-visited site offering a peaceful break from the more crowded Rock of Cashel.

Day 7: Kilkenny

On Day 7, explore the medieval charm of Kilkenny, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. Begin your adventure at the majestic Kilkenny Castle, a Norman stronghold that offers stunning architecture and beautifully manicured gardens. The castle’s extensive history can be traced back to the 12th century, and it has been a central figure in Kilkenny’s past​.

Stroll down the Medieval Mile, a stretch that links Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral. Along the way, you can visit the Medieval Mile Museum housed in St. Mary’s Church, where you’ll find exhibits detailing the city’s history​​. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb St. Canice’s Cathedral’s round tower for a panoramic view of the city​​.

For a taste of local flavor, the Smithwick’s Experience provides an interactive journey through the history of Ireland’s oldest ale, brewed right in Kilkenny since 1710. This tour concludes with a tasting of Smithwick’s ale, giving you a direct link to the city’s brewing heritage​​.

End: time to return to Dublin

Return to Dublin to mark an end to your week-long Irish holiday. Visit historic sites or perhaps natural parks like the Wicklow Mountains on the way.

Best Time to Visit Ireland for a 1-Week Road Trip

The best time to explore Ireland by car is during the late spring to early autumn months, from May to September. During these months, you’ll enjoy milder weather and longer daylight hours, enhancing your driving experience and sightseeing opportunities. May and September are particularly advantageous as they fall within the shoulder season—providing pleasant weather with fewer crowds and slightly lower prices compared to the peak summer months.

June through August offers the warmest weather and the most lively atmosphere, with numerous festivals and events taking place across the country. However, these months also see higher prices and larger crowds, especially at popular tourist destinations. If you prefer a quieter trip with good weather and the benefit of extended daylight, early May or late September are ideal. These months strike a balance between enjoyable weather and manageable tourist traffic, making them perfect for a road trip that covers various Irish landscapes and attractions.

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How to Plan the Perfect 1 Week Trip in Ireland

Ireland was always one of those European vacations that I thought “I’ll get to it eventually.” It didn’t feel like a big priority, because it is a destination that is easily accessible and navigable at any age or lifestyle. But when the opportunity to visit Ireland presented itself this spring, I jumped on it! And wow am I happy I did, because Ireland turned out to be one of those rare places that truly surprised me. I really loved my week in Ireland!

Since my first visit to Ireland in 2022, I have returned 5 more times as a trip leader and tour guide. I am here to share all my insider tips with you in this 7 day itinerary for Ireland.

There is so much to love about the Emerald Isle! In the Irish language, there is a common greeting which says Cead Mile Failte . It translates as ‘a hundred thousand welcomes,’ which I find to be a rather fitting phrase for Ireland. You will feel welcome and invited from the second you arrive because Irish people are incredibly friendly and hospitable! Rolling green hills, lively young cities, a loveable pub culture, and jaw-dropping scenery are just a few of things you’ll love about Ireland. I

reland is really a place that has a hundred thousand reasons to visit. 

What You'll Find In This Post

How to See The Best of Ireland in One Week

Overview of this One Week Ireland Itinerary

I understand that planning your one week Ireland itinerary can be a bit daunting when there are so many beautiful places to visit. Thankfully as a relatively small island, Ireland can easily be explored in one week. With that said, I don’t like to overfill my trips because it makes the vacation feel rushed and frantic.

Although you could see all four corners of the island in one week, this 7-day Ireland itinerary is designed to explore the north and west of the island. This structure will give you a taste of Ireland in the hopes that you’ll be inspired to return. This is the actual itinerary I used for my own visit, and I plan to return for another week when I can visit the south and more rural areas.

Day 1 & 2​: Dublin

Nearly any visit to Ireland will start in the country’s capital city of Dublin. It has the largest airport in the country, serving as a hub for Aer Lingus and RyanAir. Cheap flights to DUB are actually one of the reasons why I met friends here this spring -- they were able to find roundtrip flights from the US for under $500!

To avoid making this post too long, I have written separate posts to help you organize your 2 day stay in Dublin:

• How to Spend 2 Perfect Days in Dublin, Ireland 
• The Complete Dublin Food & Restaurant Guide
• 12 Historical Attractions to See in Dublin

Dublin has an excitement and energy about it that is difficult to describe but easy to feel. From interesting modern and classic architecture to delicious cuisine, there is so much to see and do in Dublin. For a city of its size, I was so impressed by the friendly locals and easy to navigate infrastructure. And let us not forget all of the classic pubs. I would recommend dedicating 2 full days to exploring the city, although you could probably rush and hit the major highlights in one day if you wanted to.

Day 3: Central Ireland & County Clare

After a few days enjoying Dublin, it is time to start your way out the west of Ireland where you can really appreciate the natural wonder of this country. There is a direct train connecting Dublin and Galway, but I would recommend renting a car. It will give you a lot more flexibility to explore the more remote and rural areas of the country where the real charm and beauty are located. 

On your drive west, stop in the cute town of Athlone for lunch and a pint! At the heart of Athlone lies Athlone Castle, a magnificent 12th-century fortress that stands as a testament to the town's medieval past. Go for a walk along the scenic riverbank promenade. Pop into Sean’s Pub which is the oldest operating pub in all of Ireland, dating back to the 900s! You can practically smell the history here.

The main attraction for today is the Burren. This isn’t on every “highlights of Ireland” list out there, but I really think it should be. The Burren is mesmerizing and unique geologic region that covers approximately 100 square miles. This karst landscape is renowned for its vast stretches of limestone pavement, intricate rock formations, and a remarkable variety of flora and fauna.

The Burren's geologic history dates back millions of years, when this area was a shallow sea. Over time, the layers were uplifted, eroded, and shaped by glaciation, resulting in the unique and captivating landscape seen today. Humans settlement began during the Stone Age, and you can even visit archaeological sites, including dolmens, ring forts, and ancient tombs.

Hiking in the Burren offers a chance to immerse oneself in its enchanting beauty. I can strongly recommend a guided tour with Tony Kirby . He is a fascinating local character who leads private walks through the Burren, complete with fun facts, geologic tidbits and poetry. It is a lovely experience! End your day in the Burren with a sheep dog demonstration at Caher Connell . You can see how the dogs listen to whistle and voice commands as they herd actual sheep. Check my experience at this kennel on my Instagram Reel about it!

Day 4: Galway

Continuing your journey west, the next stop on this one week Ireland itinerary is the charming city of Galway. Easily accessible by train or bus from Dublin or Belfast, Galway is one of those places where there isn’t necessarily ‘must-see attractions’ or ‘things to do’. It is a simple destination where you can disconnect through the experience and simply enjoy. Whenever I told people we were visiting Galway, the response always seemed to be “oh, you’ll love it. It’s so nice there.” No other information was provided, and I simply trusted the process. 

There is a nice vibe to the city that you'll feel right away. As you chat with the extremely friendly locals, you’ll start to feel the dynamics that characterize the Galway spirit– and maybe you'll come to understand why Ed Sheeran dedicated songs to the people here.

I don’t have a whole lot of specific travel advice about what to do or see in Galway. My advice is simply to go and wander around. Like everyone told me, you’ll enjoy it! The historic old town is lined with colorful building facades, each holding a cute shop, lively pub or delightful restaurant.

I found the restaurant scene in Galway to be especially impressive, given its small size.

There is a dedication to local ingredients and seasonal food, prepared with care and intention. I enjoyed it so much that I wrote a separate restaurant and food guide to Galway ! The ocean fresh air is abundant in Galway, so after eating a delicious meal, I definitely recommend getting some time outside. Meandering along the canals and Corrib River is peaceful, especially as you make your way out towards the harbor and coastline. Watching the tide roll in and out on Nimmos Pier or taking in a sunset along the shores of Salthill are both lovely. There is a subtleness and peacefulness to Galway that makes it enjoyable.

Day 5: Day Trip to Aran Islands

My favorite day from our one week vacation in Ireland was the day we spent on the Aran Islands. Characterized by craggy gray limestone, low profile stone houses, happy sheep, and windswept hills, there is an understated beauty to the Aran Islands.

The Aran Islands are hard to describe, but it is well worth the surprise you will feel when you visit. I am kind of obsessed with these little islands. You can get a sense why I loved it  on my Instagram Reel highlighting our day trip to the Aran Islands.

Departing from the Galway City Docks twice per day, there are multiple ferry routes with stops on the Aran islands . There are three islands in the chain–  Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr . You can book ferry tickets ahead of time online, which will show you the various routes the ferry company offers. We visited the largest island, Inis Mór, along with a stop at the Cliffs of Moher in the late afternoon. The tickets costs 45 euros per person, and it went from 9:30 to 18:00 (basically a full day trip).

When we arrived on Inis Mor, we rented electric bikes near the docks. This was the BEST idea we had all day. The e-bikes make it easy to cover a lot of ground in a short time. The terrain is little hilly, so the e-bikes help manage the hills with the pedal assist. In about 4 hours, we were able to bike around a good portion of the island. We didn’t have much of an agenda besides enjoying the lovely scenery and snapping pretty photos along the way! 

The Aran islands are sparsely inhabited with only about 1,500 residents across the three islands. This population obviously balloons in the summer with tourism, so it is important to spend your money at locally owned businesses to support the community . The Aran islands are famous for their wool sweaters and blankets, many of which you can buy at cute boutiques in the heart of town.

On the ride back to Galway from Inis Mór, our ferry stopped for about 30 minutes at the Cliffs of Moher. This is a great preview for tomorrow's activity on this itinerary. I actually liked getting to see this natural wonder from the water. It was a totally different and more unique perspective to appreciate their size and drama. These famous cliffs drop over 700 feet abruptly into the ocean, making for a breathtaking view.

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher

On this one week journey around Ireland, of course you need to make a stop at one of the country’s most famous natural wonders – The Cliffs of Moher . These cliffs have captured the imagination of many renowned writers, poets, and artists throughout history, among with tourists and travelers such as myself. Their striking beauty has inspired numerous works of literature and art, and have been featured in movies such as "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", which I learned at the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London .

From a geological perspective, the Cliffs of Moher are composed primarily of layers of sandstone and shale, displaying stunning natural striations and hues. Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean for about 5 miles (8 kilometers) and reaching heights up to 700 feet (214 meters) (702 feet), the Cliffs of Moher offer breathtaking panoramic views. The cliffs were shaped by the relentless forces of nature, sculpted over millions of years by the ceaseless pounding of the ocean waves and the powerful currents.

The cliffs are easily accessible by road, located approximately 40 miles (70 kilometers) southwest of Galway. There are ample parking facilities available, although you will need to pay for a ticket at the parking lot entrance. Toilets and amenities are conveniently located within the visitor center complex, but nowhere else along the trail. There is also a restaurant and gift shop there.

The average visit to the cliffs is about 1 hour, but you could make an entire day of it but hiking the 5 mile stretch. It is totally worth it! The views change as you go along the path, and it will take about half a day. Hiking along the cliff edges is a popular activity, and there are designated pathways and trails that provide safe access to different vantage points.

It's important to follow the marked paths and adhere to safety guidelines, as the cliffs can be steep and unstable in certain areas. Peopl have died from taking selfies and slipping, so please exhibit caution.I recommend wearing sturdy shoes or hiking boots even. 

A visit to the Cliffs of Moher is an unforgettable experience that immerses you in the raw beauty and historical significance of Ireland's coastline. Whether you're marveling at the breathtaking views, exploring the visitor center, or walking along the well-maintained trails, the Cliffs of Moher offer a profound connection with nature and a glimpse into the ancient forces that have shaped our world.

Day 7: Departure

As your vacation in Ireland comes to an end, it is time to head back to Dublin. If you are going directly to the airport (as we did), there are buses from the Galway Bus Terminal directly to DUB Airport. Check out AirCoach for tickets and timetable. The buses run every two hours, and the journey takes about three hours. If you are spending one more day in Dublin, the train is probably a better option because it is a little bit faster. 

Alternatively, if you are looking to extend your time in Ireland, head north or south!

From Galway you can access the wild terrains of Killarney National Park which sits about 3 hours south. We didn’t get a chance to make it there on our trip, but I heard absolutely wonderful things about the scenery in this area. Limerick is a good jumping off point for accessing it, and you can get buses there from Galway.

Bonus Day: Northern Ireland

Now look, I understand that Northern Ireland (also called the north of Ireland) is a separate country than the republic of Ireland. That’s exactly why I recommend visiting it as a bonus stop on this 1 week itinerary. It provides a fascinating and important contrast that is intricately connected to the modern  cultural and political landscape of Ireland .

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a movie buff, Northern Ireland has something special in store for you. From the legendary Giant's Causeway to the vibrant streets of Belfast, immerse yourself in the unique blend of ancient tales and modern charm.

How to Get Around in Ireland

There are many visitors who prefer to rent a car for a one week trip to Ireland. I can totally respect and understand that decision – it gives you a ton of freedom and you can really immerse yourself in the beautiful Irish countryside. However, rental cars in 2022 are super expensive and this option isn’t feasible for everyone (such as myself). Plus for North American travelers, I can understand if you’re a little nervous about driving on a different side of the road. 

Thankfully, Ireland has a great intercity transit network. There are buses and trains that connect most of the major cities with frequent service 7 days a week. For buses to and from the airport, including from outside of Dublin, check out AirCoach which conveniently drops off directly at DUB. Typically the local buses make a lot of stops and there aren’t necessarily toilets on board, so it can be a little bit slower and less comfortable. The national train company is called Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) and you can book tickets for major routes in advance. We rode the train from Dublin to Galway and it worked very well.

Where to Eat in Ireland

I have to admit, my expectations for the cuisine and food in Ireland weren't super high. I figured it would be a lot of pub food, like fish & chips or shepard's pie. Of course, there is a lot of that. But I was really surprised by how much other food there was too! Ireland has a strong committment to local product and farm-to-table cuisine, so there are some really great options actually. I wrote up restaurant guides for Dublin and Galway including a full range of high-quality suggestions.

Where to Stay in Ireland

For your time in Dublin, my first recommendation would be the stylishly designed Alex Hotel . This boutique hotel offers upscale dining at the Carriage Restaurant, and thoughtful in-room touches. The central location is perfect, just north of Merrion Square Park on a quiet street. My second recommendation would be Wren Urban Nest . It offers a more affordable price point near Trinity College. I really like that this hotel takes a sustainable approach to hospitality with carbon free energy and a low waste ethos. The best little place to stay in Galway is The Stop . Run by a pair of Millennials, this B&B is a cozy, minimalist place full of charm and personality. The breakfast is delightful! 

Do you have any questions? Comment below and I can help!

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Hi! Planning a trip to Ireland for our honeymoon in July, and we would love to talk more!! ALl of your trips above have been extremely helpful. Hoping to get a better idea of using public transportation to get to the cities you mentioned.

Thank you for your comment and it sounds like you’re going to have a great honeymoon in Ireland! Happy to help. Feel free to reach out via email and we can chat more. Find me at [email protected] .

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One Week In Ireland (The Perfect Ireland Road Trip Itinerary)

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[Updated 11/22/19] So you’ve only got one week in Ireland to cover the rolling green hills and narrow-lane streets of the emerald isle? No problem.

With a little energy and a LOT of driving, you’ll easily knock out the southern half of the country in one epic Ireland road trip itinerary.

The most efficient way to tour Ireland by car is by spending a few days in each area and then keep moving in one direction.

We recommend flying into Shannon and trekking 2.5 hrs to Dublin . This takes you through dozens of small towns, letting you explore castles, farms and restaurants slightly off the beaten tourist path.

You’ll do one giant circle, avoiding Dublin’s crazy airport and making enough time to see Ireland’s best places to visit .

Here’s our Ireland itinerary for 7 days. Click on each link to learn more about that area and see suggestions of where to stay in Ireland:

• Killarney/Ring of Kerry
• Lahinch/Doolin
• Aran Islands
• Ireland Travel TIPS & FAQS

If you plan it right, you’ll be in Dublin by early evening.

This should leave enough time to scope out Happy Hour, walk the festivities by the river, and wind up in Temple Bar for a fabulous serving of fish and chips (warning: the fish has skin and won’t necessarily be white and flaky), all before jet lag sets in.

But rest easy: An Irish breakfast is the best jet lag cure there is. Sausage links, fried eggs, toast and butter are made fresh every day.

You may want to steer clear of the Irish pudding, unless congealed pig’s blood is your thing.

Nourished and refreshed, put on some comfortable shoes , bring your best camera and your biggest appetite.

To see the most Dublin attractions, try the bus tours, or the hop on/hop off tours, which take you to the coast and back before dinner, soaking up more than you would with a map and a Rick Steves book .

Don’t leave Dublin without touring the Guinness Factory . Rich in history and ending with a pint, it’s pretty much the heart of the town.

Plus, that happy hour spirit kicks in at the top and you’ll “watch the magic happen” with hundreds of other happy tourists overlooking the Dublin skyline.

We’ll call it Ireland’s best match to the Eiffel Tower.

Knock off the day by strolling the city’s Trinity College , home of the historic Book of Kells, and quite often a good game of cricket.

Head back to Temple Bar for a frothy nightcap, an Irish dance show and some hearty beef pie. The next morning drive from Dublin to Cork.

READ MORE : Interview with Dublin Legends The Chieftains

  Where to stay in Dublin  

Once you set out for the west coast, you’ve got a lot of stops to make the ride enjoyable.

If castles are your thing, make sure to see The Rock of Cashel (which is not actually a castle, but a monastery). It’s got a phenomenal view of some serious greenery, plus tons of religious history.

You’ll also pass through Kilkenny, where you can see the castle there, huge and sprawling. Expect hundreds of people enjoying the sunlight and ice cream stands that park in on the front lawn.

Don’t feel like you need to take the tour. A simple walk of the grounds will do, and allow for this to be a quick stop.

You’ll soon arrive in County Cork, housing The University College Cork. So you can expect your good ol’ college town—bars, restaurants, and academic history, all within a few square miles.

Staying here puts you in driving distance to  The Blarney Castle  and the famous spit-slimed Blarney Stone.

There’s also the quaint harbor town of Kinsale ,  where you can hang at the beach, enjoy fabulous seafood, and mix with some real locals… all while enjoying your pints, of course!

READ MORE:   The 50 Best Travel Shoes

Where to stay in Cork

KILLARNEY/RING OF KERRY

This is where your car really comes in handy for your one week in Ireland.

Grab some ham and cheese sandwiches, get your bearings for that left side of the road, and strap in for a windy tour through the rolling mountains of southern Ireland.

Gorgeous blue water, lush green slopes, and dramatic cliffs make up miles and miles of travel after the city sights of Cork and Dublin.

You’ll want to stop and explore, so don’t take the tour bus for this one. Take pictures, buy trinkets from the nomads (and watch out for their live animals), and don’t miss the Skellig Ring– cliffs that offer a better experience than those famous ones of Moher.

It requires a quick uphill hike, but the view is stupendous and it’s usually sparsely populated.

You can find more information online, but the family who owns the Rock’s avian view hasn’t given it anything official. If you’re keeping your eye out for it, you’ll see the signs!

Give yourself a full day for Kerry. We recommend staying in Killarney, but don’t spend too much energy exploring it. This is a tourist hole, with bustling factories of commercialized food and culture.

READ  MORE:   Top 5 Traditional Irish Bands

Where to stay in Killarney

LAHINCH/DOOLIN

The gem of Ireland’s west side lands in the coastal cities of Lahinch and Doolin.

Lahinch is a beach town, with restaurants, golf courses, beaches, and amusement rides stacked on top of each other.

Just over the mountain, Doolin is quiet, sparse, and teeming with natural things to see in Ireland. Since it’s best known for the Cliffs of Moher, plan to take a visit.

But know that any pictures you take will likely be dotted with all the raincoat colors of the rainbow, as hundreds of people flock there daily. You can do it on your own—no tour guide required.

The Cliffs have a huge visitor’s center with information on the history behind the rocks. Give yourself about an hour and head over for a late afternoon boat ride view of the same rocks, but a completely different experience.

Taking you right up to the rocky face, this would be our choice if you do find yourself pressed for time.

READ MORE:  Irish Pub Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day

Where to stay in Lahinch/Doolin

ARAN ISLANDS

That same boat will pick you up the next morning for a day out on the Aran Islands, which rank among Europe’s most beautiful islands .

These three islands, barely two miles in diameter, reveal a more rustic taste of Irish culture.

Activities here include buggy rides across some seriously harsh landscape, a view of early architecture, and even a rusted old pirate ship you can explore.

You’ll have to pick an island, due to the ferry system. But local guides can help you decide which one is more up your alley.

Just off the coast lies The Barrens, a natural limestone phenomenon that covers hundreds of square feet.

This dynamic landscape creates a maze-like floor plan stretching to the horizon on all sides. Ancient burial grounds are dotted throughout, and rare plants peek out from between the grooves.

Use the last of your time in Ireland to avoid the pubs, skip out on the chips, and seek out the local markets. Make a picnic of fresh cheeses, homemade breads, good protein, and cold beer.

Your waistline might regret your indulgent taste buds, but your friends who hear tales of your week in Ireland will be green with envy!   –Jenni Williams

Read More: The Best Backpacks for Travelers

Where to stay in the Aran Islands

Rural and quiet except for the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore, this beachfront hotel is great for getting away from it all. Amenities include free wifi, a highly-regarded restaurant, and spectacular views of Kileaney Bay and Kilronan Harbour.   Check Rates on Booking.com

What this quaint bed and breakfast lacks in modern frills it more than makes up for  with rustic charm. The owners are welcoming hosts and impressive chefs. The moderate price includes admission to the ruins of Dún Aonghasa, the most famous of the area’s prehistoric hill forts.  Check Rates on Hotels Combined.com

IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS & FAQS

What is the best time to visit ireland.

The best time to go to Ireland is April, May, September, and October.  

These months are the shoulder season when you are most likely to get great deals on hotels, see far less tourists, and still benefit from decent weather. Ireland in January , February, and March is fairly cold, as are November and December.

In July and August, you’ll find mass tourism (particularly at the Ring of Kerry) which can take away from Ireland’s charm and natural beauty.

How many square miles is Ireland?

Ireland is 32,599 square miles, which is roughly the size of the state of Indiana.

How far is Cliffs of Moher from Dublin?

The Cliffs of Moher are a little over 3 hrs from Dublin. Dublin is on the East Coast and the Cliffs of Moher are on the West Coast so you will be driving across the country. Better views and far less people will be at the Skellig Ring cliffs.

What is the drive time for Cork to Cliffs of Moher?

The drive time from Cork to the Cliffs of Moher are a little over 2.5 hrs. Cork is on the South East Coast and the Cliffs of Moher are on the West Coast.

There are plenty of rental car companies in Ireland where you can find a vehicle that fits your personal driving style and budget.

What to wear in Ireland?

A lot of what to wear in Ireland depends on what time of year you visit the emerald isle, however there are a few basics that you should have regardless of the time of year;

• Waterproof shoes that are good for walking over stones and through mud.
• Raincoat or water resistant jacket. It can rain at anytime of year.
• Water resistant pants preferred, but not required.
• Tops that can be layered for temperature control.
• Warm socks (several pairs incase they get wet).
• Hat & gloves. They don’t take up much room in a carry-on or backpack, and can make all the difference in your comfort. 

Planning a Trip to Ireland?

Check out the following services we use!

Omio for affordable European Train Tickets.

DollarFlightClub or  Airfarewatchdog  to find a cheap plane tickets.

Viator for a stellar day tour. 

Lonely Planet for Travel Guides. 

World Nomads for Travel Insurance

AutoEurope for European Car Rentals .

TrustedHousesitters we’ve found great pet sitters to watch our house and love on our two dogs!

Looking for essential Travel Gear? Check out these great options!

The Best Travel Clothes for Women & Men

The Best Travel Shoes

The Best Vegan Boots for Women & Men

The Best Backpacks for Travelers

The Best Daypacks for Travel

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One Week in Ireland: 3 Incredible Itineraries

Ireland is packed with incredible treasures to discover. And no matter where you want to do your treasure-hunting, we’ve got you covered. Here are three fabulous itineraries for one week in Ireland, one covering the north of Ireland, one all about eastern Ireland, and one itinerary on the southwest.

Whether you’re visiting Ireland or planning a staycation, work with an Irish local to plan your trip . Our locals in Ireland will plan a safe trip away from the crowds—full of up-to-date info you might not find online. Learn more .

Table of Contents

Itinerary 1/northern ireland: belfast, derry, and giant’s causeway, itinerary 2/eastern ireland: dublin, waterford, and kilkenny, itinerary 3/the southwest of ireland: galway, limerick, and cork.

Want to explore the history and beauty of Northern Ireland? This itinerary is all about gems north of the border. 

Days 1–3: Belfast

Begin with three days of exploring Belfast, a remarkable city with a turbulent but proud history. Belfast is full of things to do . Maybe you want to check out the incredibly cool Titanic Belfast Museum . Or maybe explore historic sites like Belfast Castle. Or maybe you want to set up a tour to explore Belfast’s peace walls. In any case, a Belfast local can help narrow down what to see in three days (and they’ll have some pretty great pub recs as well). 

Days 4–5: Giant’s Causeway and nearby sights

Next on your travel itinerary, take a journey northwest from Belfast to explore the northern coast. If you want an  off-the-beaten-path experience , visit the haunted Dark Hedges (fans of Game of Thrones will know them well), a twisted, spooky, tunnel of trees. You’ll need a stiff drink after this encounter, so head to the  Old Bushmills Distillery , about twenty minutes away, for a dram of Irish whiskey. 

Save room in your itinerary for one of the most popular  things to do in Northern Ireland , climbing the massive columns of  Giant’s Causeway . These volcanic rock formations are utterly surreal, with 40,000 near-perfect hexagon tubes stacked next to each other like puzzle pieces. Plus, you can’t leave the coast of Northern Ireland without a visit to the ruins of  Dunluce Castle , home to the McDonnell Clan for 500 years. (Fortunately, the castle is only ten minutes from Giant’s Causeway!)

Days 6–7: Derry   

Finally, loop back south towards Derry (also called Londonderry) for incredible food, amazing nightlife, and unmatched history. Derry is undoubtedly one of Ireland's  coolest places to stay , and after scaling the 17th-century city walls , visiting the  Museum of Free Derry , and walking across the  Peace Bridge , you’ll understand why. 

We’d recommend visiting one of the most moving attractions in Derry: the neighborhood of Bogside. There, you  can book you a tour to see the twelve murals depicting Bloody Sunday, an event that defined Derry during the  Troubles (the 30-year-long sectarian conflict which ended in the 1990s). Today, there is certainly an air of optimism about Derry’s future.

If you want to experience the charm of Dublin *and* get in a castle or two, this itinerary is a great match. 

Days 1–3:  Dublin

As the capital city of the Emerald Isle, Dublin has tons of stuff to do —it’s definitely one of the  best cities to visit in Ireland . In Dublin, there is *always* time to enjoy a Guinness, but why not go right to the source— Saint James Gate Guinness Factory . You can book a tour (or ask a local to suggest their favorite pub for a pint—you know, one that you won’t find on an Internet list like this). 

You’ll find many of the  best things to do in Ireland in Dublin—like exploring Dublin’s incredible museums, visiting the tremendously cool  Dublin Castle , and wandering over to  St. Michan’s church , where you can peek at the mummified remains of some of Dublin’s most influential families. 

OR (didn’t we say that Dublin is packed with activities?) Take a break from Irish history. For the shopper in all of us, check out the stacks at the  Temple Bar Book Market and shop the quaint shops and enjoy the buskers on  Grafton Street .

Days 4–6:  County Wicklow and Kilkenny Castle

It’s time to leave the urban cityscape of Dublin for the beautiful countryside of County Wicklow. There, you’ll find Glendalough Valley, a great place to walk through the rugged landscape and explore the ruins of an ancient monastic city . 

Then it’s off to explore County Kilkenny’s  Dunmore Cave , reportedly the site of a 10th-century Viking massacre (eek! Watch out for angry ghosts). This leg of your journey ends at the grand Kilkenny Castle , one of  the top things to do in Kilkenny , and a must-do in Ireland for history buffs. 

Days 7:  Waterford and the Copper Coast

Your eastern Ireland journey ends in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city (that’s saying something) and one of the  best places to see in Ireland . Waterford’s history stretches back to the days of the Vikings , who founded the city around 914 CE. Visit a piece of that history at  Reginald’s Tower , now a museum. 

Waterford isn’t just for history lovers. Don’t miss a shopping trip to the  House of Waterford Crystal Factory and Store. And save time for a quick trip to the  Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark , a gorgeous stretch of coastal land that reflects the area's natural and cultural heritage. 

Looking for a wild southwestern, Irish getaway? This is the itinerary for you.

Days 1–3: Galway, Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands

This itinerary starts off with three action-packed days of exploring all the great stuff to do in Galway . Galway may be less visited than Dublin, but it has something for everyone: streets full of pubs rocking to Irish music, excellent history museums, and, the Galway Market, where you can pick up some famously cozy Connemara wool. And since you’re in Ireland, you can’t leave without seeing a castle. Check out Galway’s Ashford Castle, where you’ll discover one of the  best things to do in Ireland —a “ Hawk Walk ”, where you can learn the art of falconry.  

And definitely take advantage of all the awesome stuff to do outside of Galway. It’s easy to get from the city to the stunningly beautiful Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions . Or, hop on a ferry to the isolated Aran Islands, where you can rent a bike and explore ancient stone ruins . We know—that’s a lot of awesome stuff. Connect with an Irish trip planner who can help design a trip based on your interests. 

Days 4–5: Limerick

You’ll fall in love with Limerick’s charm as soon as you see the 13th-century King John’s Castle, which reflects spectacularly on the River Shannon. You’ll find tons of history activities in Limerick (St. Mary’s Cathedral was a former Viking hangout) but the other stuff to do in Limerick is super varied. Enjoy sports? Catch a rugby match at Thomond Park (you gotta cheer on the local team, Munster). Looking for a unique activity? Check out the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum (where Irish coffee was invented). 

Pro tip : No matter what you’re into, connect with a local to plan the perfect trip. They can create a custom itinerary that includes Limerick but also focuses on stuff to do in the west of Ireland . 

Days 6–7: County Cork

Finally, head to Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city. Cork is wonderful —as is the surrounding Cork County—and home to some of the coolest things to do in Ireland . Whether you want to check out top Ireland points of interest , like the Blarney Stone (c’mon—it’s fun), explore some of the best Irish towns to visit like Kinsale or Cobh, or just enjoy all the wonderful things to do in Cork , you’ll have no trouble filling two days. 

In fact, you’ll have trouble keeping it to two days—which is why it’s a good idea to connect with a Cork local to help plan out your itinerary. 

You can do a lot in one week in Ireland. So to get the most out of your trip, connect with an Irish local to design your itinerary. They’ll build a custom itinerary based on your travel style and interests (no cookie-cutter trips here!). And since no one knows Ireland like they do, they’ll help you see Ireland like a local, not a tourist. Why see it any other way? Learn more . 

• Connect With a Local to Plan a Trip
• 30 Essential Things to Do in Ireland
• Things to Do in Donegal: 15 Amazing Experiences
• The 12 Best Things to Do in Dingle Ireland
• 17 Spectacular Things to Do in Shannon, Ireland

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In One Week in Ireland

There’s something terribly romantic about flying into Dublin. The compact, laid-back city awaits a few miles down the road, packed with old-fashioned pubs, modern restaurants, and absorbing sights all laid out for walking. If you’ve never been here, a couple of days in Dublin make for a quick primer on Ireland. It’s just enough time to do some shopping on Grafton Street , head up O’Connell Street to the General Post Office , and discover the Georgian beauty of St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square. You can give the surface of the city a good brush in a couple of days, and then head south to Kilkenny and Wicklow , on to Waterford , Cork , and Kerry , and up to Clare for a quick glance before the clock runs out. You’ll only be hitting the high points but, as high points go, they’re hard to beat.

Days 1 & 2: Arrive in Dublin  

If it happens that you’re arriving from North America, you start with an advantage: Most flights arrive early in the morning, which effectively gives you an extra day’s sightseeing. Check into your hotel, say yes to any tea and scones offered, take a minute to relax, get a map from your concierge, and then head out on foot.

Stay south of the River Liffey and head down Dame Street to Dublin Castle , home of the magical Chester Beatty Library  with its vast collection of gorgeous illuminated manuscripts. Later, take in St. Patrick’s Cathedral  and the vibrant green quadrangles of Trinity College , before heading down to Merrion Square, with its handsome granite architecture and two of the main sites of Ireland’s National Museum (a third one is on the west side of the city). The Archaeology museum has an extraordinary hoard of ancient gold, while the Natural History building contains an array of objects from the ancient past. It’s a short stroll from here down to St. Stephen’s Green . Rest your weary toes and soak up the floral view here, before strolling up Grafton Street for some shopping before collapsing in your hotel.

On Day 2 , have a hearty breakfast in your hotel before striking out for the trendy cultural hub of Temple Bar . Stroll north to the river, then take a right and walk along the noisy, vibrant waterfront to the landmark Ha’penny Bridge . Walk across and head east on O’Connell Street , where you can walk past its many statues to the bullet-ridden columns of the General Post Office , site of the 1916 Easter Rising. After exploring its displays, head farther up O’Connell Street to the Dublin Writers Museum , which bookish types love for its extensive display of memorabilia. Let someone else do the work in the evening, either on a walking tour—such as the Irish Music Pub Crawl , perhaps—or some good-natured scares aboard the Dublin Ghost Bus . Those in search of less organized fun may prefer the simple, atmospheric pleasure of An Evening of Food, Folklore & Fairies .

Day 3: South to Wicklow & Kilkenny It takes less than 2 hours to drive from the hustle and traffic of Dublin to the peace and quiet of the Wicklow Mountains . Drive through the town of Enniskerry to the great estate of Powerscourt  on the south end of the village. After lunching in its Avoca Café, head on to Glendalough  and feel your soul relax in the pastoral mountain setting of this ancient monastic retreat. From there drive on to the colorful town of Kilkenny , where you can spend the rest of the day shopping in its pottery and crafts shops and exploring noble Kilkenny Castle . This is a good place to spend your first night outside of Dublin.

Day 4: West to Waterford & Cork 

Waterford , Ireland’s oldest city, is less than an hour south of Kilkenny—you’ll get there with plenty of time left for sightseeing. Have a quick look around some or all of the Waterford Treasures museums, before dropping in for a tour of the House of Waterford Crystal . After lunch, you have a choice—either head to Cork , Ireland’s busy second city, or Kinsale , a quieter harbor town near Cork that has lately become a foodie destination. Each has plenty to keep you busy for the rest of the day and good hotels in which to spend the night.

Days 5 & 6: The Ring of Kerry

If you’re not allergic to touristy things, you could stop at Blarney Castle  on your way out of Cork in the morning; otherwise, on to County Kerry at the southwest tip of the island. Here the most popular place to explore—and one of the busiest tourist spots in Ireland—is the Ring of Kerry . It is a beautiful drive, filled with historic sites and tiny villages, but you’ll have to brave the masses. If you have the stamina, the entire Ring is doable at a reasonable pace over 2 days, although you’d have to skip pretty much everything else around it to make that goal.

Alternatively, you could just explore the short section of the Ring that runs from lovely Kenmare  to the bucolic peace of Killarney National Park . Here you can indulge in a buggy ride around the lakes and drink in beautiful landscapes.

Day 7: County Clare

Time is short now, so as you drive through County Clare, promise yourself to come back someday and do it justice. For now, head for the perilously tall Cliffs of Moher , where the view seems to stretch all the way to America (although the price to park will make you shiver). Then you’ve another choice: Spend the rest of the day exploring Bunratty Castle —where medieval fortress meets historical theme park—or marveling at the otherworldly limestone landscape of the Burren . Either would be a perfect, quintessentially Irish end to your all-too-short trip.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Family Road Trip to Ireland One Week Itinerary

When planning our visit to Ireland, we originally thought of spending a few days in Dublin and a few days in a town close by. As we researched potential destinations, we discovered an absolutely stunning variety of beautiful scenery, sights, and culture, and we quickly adjusted our plans to do an RV road trip across the country! To be honest, 7 days was simply not enough to see everything that we wanted to. We were able to see a few towns and cities in central and southern Ireland, but definitely could have used more days to see the northern regions as well as Northern Ireland.

After checking different RV rental companies, we decided on using Spaceships UK , which graciously provided us with a 7-berth Family Motorhome. We are absolute rookies when it comes to driving an RV, so we were glad to have a tutorial as to how to use all of the systems, set up the different beds, and take care of water, heating, and waste issues. The RV is also automatic, which made it much easier to navigate the hilly terrain on the countryside, and also let us focus on driving on the left side of the road, which as Americans we’re not used to!

Day 1: Dublin

The first day is pretty much all about preparation for the week ahead. If you’re flying into Ireland, chances are you’re arriving at Dublin Airport. From there, you can head to pick up your campervan or motorhome. Depending on how long your travel day was to get to Dublin, you can plan as much or as little as possible on the first day. If you rented out a campervan or motorhome, you’ll need some time to get yourself unpacked and situated, and it’s a good idea to pick up some groceries at a local supermarket if you plan to cook for yourself.

Since we traveled to Ireland on a long-haul, overnight flight, we planned our first day to be all about getting set up and recovering from the travel day. From the Dublin airport, we took a taxi to the Spaceships UK office, where we picked up our motorhome. We napped, got groceries, and met up with a family that graciously invited us to their home in Ballinasloe (on the way to Galway).

If you have time on this first day, it would be a great idea to check out the Dublin city center! The Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar, Dublin Castle , and Trinity College are great places to explore. You can also visit more sights in Dublin on your last day before you return your RV. In Dublin, you can stay at the Camac Valley Caravan and Camping Park , which will put you close to the motorway to begin your drive to Galway City the next day.

Day 2: Galway City

Galway City lies on the west coast of Ireland, about a 2.5 hour drive away from Dublin. When you arrive, you will probably want to head straight to the Latin Quarter , located in the old center of Galway. The main street there ( Quay Street ) has plenty of pubs, restaurant, and shopping options, and the flags strung on a line connecting the buildings adds a colorful character to a charming location! You can also explore sights such as Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square .

At the end of the day, you can park your RV at Salt Hill Caravan Camping . Not only do you get the traditional RV campsite amenities, but you can get a pretty scenic parking spot overlooking the coast from this campground. You can also walk down the coastline in Salt Hill for a beautiful sunset stroll before calling it a night.

Day 3: The Cliffs of Moher, Dingle

Prepare yourself for a busy, but highly rewarding day! After a fun day exploring Galway City, it’s time to experience part of the Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal highway stretching across the entire west coast of Ireland! You’ll begin your day with a drive out to the famous Cliffs of Moher, which is about 2 hours from Galway City. You can easily spend the entire day admiring the cliffs, especially if you venture out into either side of the visitor center, where you can get great views without the crowds that typically gather near the entrance.

The next leg of the trip takes you from the Cliffs of Moher to Dingle, with plenty of scenic views and charming destinations in between. The first stop would be lunch in the town of Lahinch, which is about 20 minutes away from the Cliffs. We ate at Joe’s Café , which had a casual selection of sandwiches and salads. Lahinch also has a beach that tour buses frequently drop visitors off at, so if you have time to spare you can check that out. After that, you’ll want to drive for about an hour to the town of Adare , in County Limerick. As soon as you drive in, you’ll begin to see traditional thatched cottages with beautiful flowers and gardens throughout the town. You can check out the Trinitarian Abbey and Desmond Castle .

After Adare, you will have a 2 hour drive to Dingle, where you will finish the day. We were hosted by the Dingle Skellig Hotel and absolutely recommend it! Check out our review of the hotel HERE as well. If you’re looking for a caravan park, there are a few different ones near Castlegregory in the northern part of the Dingle peninsula, where you can stay and then drive into Dingle in the morning.

Day 4: Dingle, Slea Head Drive

The day begins by exploring the charming town of Dingle, which offers beautiful views of the bay, and where you can book a tour to visit Fungi , the famous dolphin that has called Dingle home for about 30 years. Murphy’s Ice Cream also has some phenomenal treats for the whole family, so you should check it out!

After exploring Dingle, you will definitely want to do the Slea Head Drive , which was our favorite activity of the whole road trip. You begin by driving west out of Dingle and following the road in a clockwise direction (which has pretty clear markings all around). You will pass by some traditional Irish cottages, have the opportunity to hold baby lamb, and see dramatic coastal views mixed with lush green countryside fields. We highly recommend also stopping at Dunquin Harbour , where you can walk on a grassy cliff that is not very crowded and offers incredible scenery. The back half of the drive is not as scenic as the beginning, and overall it will take you about 1.5 hours driving to complete it. With stops, however, you can easily spend 4 or more hours so make sure you give yourself enough time.

After Dingle and the Slea Head Drive, you will want to start making your way to Killarney. One place you can look into staying for the night is Inch Beach, where you can park your RV directly on the beach or on an adjacent parking lot. Just beware of the tides! If you’re not interested in that, you can drive directly into Killarney and stay at the Killarney Flesk Caravan & Camping Park .  We loved this camping spot as it is right next to the Victoria House hotel which had a nice pub with great food.

Day 5: Killarney, Ring of Kerry

Killarney is where you’ll want to begin your journey around the Ring of Kerry . To be completely honest, we didn’t end up doing the Ring of Kerry on our road trip because it was on a foggy and rainy day. We asked many locals if they preferred the Ring of Kerry or the Slea Head Drive, and just about all of them said the Slea Head Drive because it has just as many beautiful sights in a shorter amount of time. The Ring of Kerry takes about 3.5 hours to go around, and you should do so in a counter-clockwise fashion, since the roads do get narrow enough for only one car to go across and it minimizes traffic that way.

If you don’t end up doing the Ring of Kerry, you can visit Killarney National Park . One of its highlights, which we visited, is the Muckross House , a Victorian mansion built next to Muckross Lake. You can purchase tickets to go inside the house, visit the traditional farms on the property, see the gardens, or go on a horse carriage ride along Muckross Lake.

After exploring Killarney, you can stay again at the Killarney Flesk Caravan & Camping Park , or start your drive to Cork, which is about 1.5 hours away. You can stay at the Blarney Caravan and Camping Park, which will have you close to activities on the next day.

Day 6: Blarney Castle, Cork, Cobh

The first stop of the day is at Blarney Castle , where the famous Blarney Stone is located! Be aware though, tickets to get in were pricier than we thought (45 euro for a family pass), so we actually just ended up admiring it from a distance while we had coffee at The Old Blarney Post Office , which also had a small play area to keep the kids entertained.

After visiting Blarney Castle you can head to Cobh, a small town outside of Cork City. One of the main attractions there is a street with colorful homes (called the Deck of Cards ) reminiscent of The Painted Ladies in San Francisco. But, what sets this street apart is the magnificent view of Cobh Cathedral (the 2 nd tallest structure in Ireland) that you get from there! Cobh is also famous for being the last port where the Titanic stopped, so there is a Titanic Experience and walking tour that you can do to see what life was like during that time.

In the afternoon, you will want to start driving from County Cork to Kilkenny, which is about 2 hours long. You can spend the night at the Tree Grove caravan park just outside the town, and rest up for an active day in Kilkenny the next day!

Day 7: Kilkenny

Aside from the Slea Head Drive, visiting Kilkenny was our other top experience of the road trip. The town itself is small enough that you can walk anywhere, and there’s plenty of shopping and dining to keep you busy throughout the day. The Kilkenny Castle is also a must when in town. If you bought tickets to go inside the Blarney Castle, you might not need to go into this one, but it’s still a wonderful opportunity to see how the castle would have been furnished centuries ago, as well as learn about the lifestyles of the aristocrats that lived there.

After a stroll around town, Paris Texas Restaurant was our choice for an early dinner, and it did not disappoint. Santi to this day still claims he had his favorite mac and cheese there! At the end of the day, you can spend the night at the Tree Grove Caravan Park j ust outside of town.

Day 8: Return to Dublin

After an eventful week exploring the Irish countryside, you’re likely going to be EXHAUSTED by the time you get back to Dublin! Depending on what time you leave or have to return your RV, you may have time to go into the Dublin City Center and explore anything you may have missed on the first day. We actually didn’t even have time to go into Dublin either day, so we are already trying to make plans to make it back to Ireland to visit Dublin, Belfast, and the Giant’s Causeway region in the northwest.

In all, our road trip across Ireland is within our Top 3 best experiences we’ve had throughout all of our full-time adventures! We loved the culture, hospitality that we received from the Irish, as well as the beautiful landscapes that surround the entire country. If you have any questions or comments regarding this itinerary, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! You can find us ( @thejetsettingfamily ) on Instagram and Facebook. Happy Jetsetting!

This post was produced in partnership with Spaceships UK who provided our RV.  Despite working with them all views and opinions are our own.

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1-week Tours in Ireland

Spend 1 week in Ireland with an itinerary crafted by the travel experts at Nordic Visitor. With flexible self-drive and guided tours, you could travel around the Emerald Isle from Dublin to the west coast and more. Discover Gaelic culture, learn about Irish history and admire the stunning scenery.

EXPLORE IRELAND ON A WEEK-LONG ITINERARY

Looking for a 1-week tour of Ireland ? We can help!

On a one-week Ireland itinerary, you could combine a visit to fun cities and beautiful countryside. Explore the capital, Dublin, before heading west to take in the sights of the Atlantic coast.

The best way to discover Ireland at your own pace is on a self-drive  or privately guided tour . This will allow you to stop whenever you want to visit historic sites and take photos of the stunning natural landscape. If you'd like to travel with a guide, but want to meet like-minded travellers then a small group trip is a great way to explore. 

When you book an Ireland tour with Nordic Visitor, you get handpicked accommodation, transportation reservations, access to our 24/7 helpline, and many other benefits as part of the package. You’ll also enjoy the personal service of your own dedicated travel consultant.

Get in touch via our toll-free numbers or live chat and we'll happily plan your Ireland adventure.

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EXPERIENCE IRELAND IN 1 WEEK

Immerse yourself in Irish history with a 7-day itinerary around the country. Starting in Dublin you’ll head to the west and south coasts to discover all the highlights and some lesser-known gems. These packages include comfortable hotels, local transport, and more.

Express Ireland

Scenic ireland, northern ireland road trip, stay longer & see more of ireland.

Spend more than 1 week in Ireland to experience the west coast and historic cities in more depth. We recommend these extended Ireland itineraries to delve deeper into this Celtic nation’s culture on an incredible trip.

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Complete ireland, express scotland & ireland, classic scotland & ireland, classic ireland - private, wonders of scotland & ireland, ultimate celtic adventure.

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Classic scotland & ireland - private, highlights of ireland, classic ireland at leisure, scenic ireland & the south coast, express scotland & ireland – private, ireland travel experts.

As a travel agency based in Northern Europe, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Ireland. We offer a variety of self-drive and guided tours that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own Ireland travel experts. 

To ensure a stress-free trip, we handle all the local details for you – accommodations, activities, local transportation, ferries, and other services.

We can also customise your chosen tour to your needs and tastes. If you decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location, for example, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

Customer Experiences Of Ireland Tours

Don’t just imagine your visit to Ireland - read what our amazing guests have to say!

So happy I found Nordic Visitor!

I'm so happy I found Nordic Visitor! Our 10-day self-drive tour of Ireland made our trip feel like a carefree vacation. The accommodation were outstanding, and finding ourselves within walking distance of city centres was wonderful. Our hotels/inns offered lovely breakfasts and some had excellent evening dining on-site. The Nordic Visitor travel guide was a pleasure to follow, filled with many choices to plan our daily excursions. Nordic Visitor is highly professional and thorough, from website to bookings. We appreciate all the planning Chris put into creating a fantastic itinerary for us!

This was excellent. We truly enjoyed our experience. We accomplished about 90% of the suggested sites. They were all top notch. Hotels and accommodation were all great. I would recommend to anyone going to visit Ireland and I will use them again when we go to Scotland.

I would recommend Nordic Visitor

Easy-to-book tour, communications were thorough and detailed, tour guide books were very well-researched and even included a hand-annotated map. Would recommend Nordic Visitor to others wishing to make a short tour to Ireland.

Extremely helpful

Nordic Visitor offers a package for every type of traveller. Travel consultants are extremely helpful and steer travellers to the perfect package to meet their interests.

Truly enjoyed our trip

Truly enjoyed our trip to Scotland and Ireland and the ease in travel. The itinerary booklets and maps were essential and used daily during our trip. We loved our trip and have shared your website with several friends already. We have 2 sets of friends looking at doing the same trip next year and one considering your Iceland package. Look forward to booking with you again!

We will use Nordic Visitor again

This was our third Nordic Visitor trip. We truly like the format of being able to travel on our own but with hotels and our car pre-booked and suggested itineraries. We will use Nordic Visitor again.

The best trip I've ever been on

This was a great tour, well laid out and hitting the highlights. Touring with a small group is always much smoother and more amicable and our group became fast friends. I can't say enough about our tour guide Brian. He brought a wealth of knowledge, not only about our destinations, but also local history, geography, language, customs as well as funny anecdotes. My daughter-in-law said "This was the best trip I've ever been on".

So grateful we went with Nordic Visitor

We had such an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor who hosted the "Wonders of Ireland" 8-day tour. The group was small, 16 people, so we could use a large van rather than the huge buses that take forever for people to load/unload at each stop. The hotels were top notch, the sites we visited were diverse and enjoyable (distilleries, castles, gardens, waterfalls). Our tour guide Brian was truly incredible. He had a wealth of knowledge about the history, music and folklore of Ireland. He made the trip both informative and fun, and helped the group come together with his warm and engaging personality. Melissa our driver was also fantastic - kind, helpful and chatty. They both went above and beyond to ensure everyone was cared for and enjoyed the journey. I was torn about which company to use, and am so grateful we went with Nordic Visitor.

Well-organised tour

The tour was very well-organised and structured to maximise the time on the road and the sites worth seeing along the way. The self-driving allowed me to spend time as I saw fit. Ireland is truly a beautiful country with friendly people. 

I will use Nordic Visitor again!

We toured the highlights of Ireland via private vehicle and guide. All of our accommodation were very nice and what we requested. Our guide/driver was excellent! He went the extra mile for us in every way. The Nordic Visitor representative listened to what we wanted for our trip and delivered a great package. I was sent in depth details of the sites we could see at each stop and suggestions as to their top three choices. All the information provided was very helpful. I will use this company again!

Nordic Visitor's website and logistics were first-rate. Overall we had a wonderful time getting to see Scotland and Ireland, connecting with ancestry and generally enjoying all the arrangements made for us.

Great tour itinerary and accommodation. Nordic Visitor did all the hard work of booking places to stay and allowed us to just enjoy our trip. 

Getting to Ireland

Ireland has 10 airports, with the three main international ports being: Dublin, Cork and Shannon. Unless customised to begin elsewhere, all Nordic Visitor tours in Ireland start and end in Dublin, the capital city.

Flight times to Ireland are, for example, 6 hours from New York City or Boston and 1.5 hours from London. Major international airlines with flights to Ireland include (but are not limited to) Aer Lingus, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Ryanair, and KLM.

The Republic of Ireland is on GMT time. If your journey involves one or more connecting flights, or if you're crossing several time zones to get here, your dedicated Nordic Visitor travel consultant can add extra nights in Dublin to your package so you can rest up after arrival.

Please note that your flights to Ireland are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, if you have booked a combination tour of Scotland and Ireland, we include flight costs between the two countries in the package price.

IRELAND PACKAGES BY LOCAL TRAVEL SPECIALISTS

What would you like to experience in Ireland? Our Ireland travel experts have created thrilling tour packages for your dream trip.

Castle Tours

Countryside & nature, culture & history, irish heritage, best sellers, scotland and ireland, what to see on a one-week tour of ireland.

Spend a week visiting the stunning scenery and historic sights of Ireland. The ideal Irish holiday consists of exploring the cities as well as the countryside, to take in the culture, history and beauty of the Emerald Isle.

With a week it is possible to go from the capital Dublin and spend some time touring the west coast. Seven days give you enough time to visit the highlights of Ireland with a little flexibility to see more off-the-beaten-path stops as well.

Of course, the journey is just as important as the destination. In Ireland you can expect scenic drives and plenty of attractions to stop at along the way.

Imagine yourself wandering through ancient Celtic monuments, going for a walk on the green hills, and learning about Gaelic culture. You could sit in a typical pub tasting the local brew and listening to live Irish music.

Read our recommended itinerary below for more inspiration and ideas.

• Browse our Ireland self-drive , small group and privately guided itineraries  when you’re ready to plan your ideal tour to the Emerald Isle

Here’s our suggestion for a one-week Ireland itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrival in Ireland You’ll fly into Dublin, the capital, largest city and international hub of Ireland. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the city and its many attractions.

Dublin is an amazing combination of heritage sites, fun museums, green parks, historic pubs and lively entertainment. To immerse yourself fully into this buzzing city, we recommend taking a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district or along the characterful O’Connell Street.

Fans of history, books and collegiate atmosphere will want to visit the historic Trinity College and see the ancient Book of Kells.

There are plenty of fun activities you could also add to your itinerary should you have the time. Enjoy an afternoon tea in a double decker vintage bus as you sightsee around the city. Or you could grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of their world-famous beer.

Spend the night in the Dublin area.

Day 2 - Journey to the west coast This morning you start your trip around Ireland. You’ll cross the country to make your way toward the west coast. Through the midlands there are a few worthwhile stops where you may want to spend some time.

You can immerse yourself in local history at Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. You could make a pit stop at Kilbeggan Distillery to see how the local whiskey is made. You’ll also come across the atmospheric ruins of Clonmacnoise where you could go for a stroll.

Spend the night in the Galway area.

Day 3 - Explore Connemara or the Aran Islands Today you have a choice between visiting the rugged mountains of Connemara or going to discover the Aran Islands.

For the first option, you could travel through the striking region where you’ll find a mixture of landscapes from mountains to white sand beaches, tranquil lakes and heathlands. You could spend some time exploring the fjord of Killary harbour before visiting Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden.

To discover Gaelic culture and spend a leisurely seaside day, opt for the boat trip to the windswept Aran Islands.

Spend another night in the Galway area.

• Not sure when to book your 7-day Ireland itinerary? Browse our guide to the best time to visit Ireland

Day 4 - The Cliffs of Moher Today you’ll see some of Ireland’s most famous landscapes. But first, start the day at Dunguaire Castle. It is one of the best castles in Ireland to visit  thanks to its location along the Galway Bay. You’ll then travel through the spectacular and lunar-like landscape of Burren.

In the afternoon, take in the majestic beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top tourist attraction.

Spend the night in the Killarney area.

Day 5 - Around the Ring of Kerry You have all day to explore the scenic Ring of Kerry, a magical journey through the Irish countryside and along the coast of the Iveragh peninsula. It is part of the larger Wild Atlantic Way and is a must-do for most visitors.

We recommend going counter-clockwise and stopping at the Kells Bay House and its gardens as your first visit of the day. You could then stop by the ancient stone forts of Caherdaniel and Staigue as well as stroll along Derrynane Bay.

Along the way you could also take an optional boat tour from the coast to see the Skellig Islands from up close. These otherworldly islands were recently featured in the Star Wars movies.

If time allows, you could finish the day by visiting some highlights of Killarney National Park. This includes the picturesque Torc Waterfall and the lakeside Ross Castle and Muckross House.

Spend another night in the Killarney area.

Day 6 - Discover more of Ireland’s rich history Today’s journey will take you back to Dublin. You could go the direct way, but to take advantage of your last full day in Ireland, we recommend stopping along the way at attractions and beautiful sights.

One of them is the famous Blarney Castle. It is legendary in fact as the castle and its history is surrounded in myths and tales. Don’t miss out on kissing the Blarney Stone, which supposedly gives you the gift of eloquence.

Later, explore the spectacular Rock of Cashel, which is home to an important collection of medieval buildings that span over 1,000 years of history.

Spend your last night in Dublin, where you can top up your Irish adventure with one last delicious dinner.

Day 7 - Departure Today you fly home from your Irish holiday. If you have time, you could spend the earlier part of the day visiting another of Dublin’s museums. Or take a final stroll along the River Liffey or in one of the beautiful parks of the city.

• Read on to learn about the best places to visit in Ireland
• If you would like to extend your stay, we recommend checking out these  Irish holiday packages

Want to go on an Ireland road trip?

With a full week driving around Ireland, you’ll have the freedom to pull the car over at any attractions or breathtaking views.

The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant will plan your trip and sort all the details before you arrive.

We reserve your accommodation, rent a car for your trip, and can book activities to fill your days with more adventures. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline should you need to call us at any point.

Good to know: Our tours aren't set in stone. We can modify the itinerary! Would you prefer to spend more time in one location? Add another town to your trip? Or even stay in a special accommodation like a castle hotel? Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant for advice.

• For more self-drive inspiration, read our recommendation of the  best Ireland road trips

Would you prefer a guided tour of Ireland?

Skip the driving and opt for a guided tour instead!

See the Emerald Isle from a local’s point of view and make some new friends along the way with our guided small group tours . These packages offer you an enriching and personal way to discover Ireland with like-minded travellers. And in a group of up to just 15 guests, you'll be able to take advantage of your expert guide’s knowledge.

Good to know: These packages can be customised with some optional activities. But you can only add extra nights in Dublin before or after the guided portion of the tour.

Or if you prefer to travel with your family and friends only, look no further than private tours of Ireland . You’ll have your very own driver-guide to take you around the country and tell you all about its history and culture. This is an intimate way to see the country with dedicated attention to your own needs and interests. 

Want to stay longer?

If you want to slow down the pace and take in more Irish attractions, we highly recommend extending your tour to 10 days or more.

On private and self-drive tours, you can decide if you'd prefer to spend more time in one city than another. Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant for advice.

For example, if you add 3 more days to your itinerary, you could follow the Wild Atlantic Way route to reach Ireland’s northernmost county, Donegal. And with 14 days or more , you could delve deeper into the local culture and travel at a more leisurely pace.

The possibilities are endless. You could spend more time on the Ring of Kerry, visit Achill Island, or explore the Dingle Peninsula and admire views of the Blasket Islands. You might also like to pop into Northern Ireland, home to the famous Giant’s Causeway, Belfast, and the Antrim Coast.

When is the best time to visit Ireland?

Ireland is a beautiful country all year long. This means you can’t go wrong when you book your one-week Irish getaway. That said, we recommend the summertime or its shoulder months for the best experience.

The summer, consisting of the months of June, July and August, is the high season. It is marked by long daylight hours and the best (and most stable) weather of the year. Attractions also operate under longer hours and more availability than in winter.

All of this means you can discover Ireland to your heart’s content.

However, you may find that top attractions are very popular at this time. Indeed, Ireland attracts visitors from around the world especially in summer.

If you would rather have a quieter holiday, visit during the spring or autumn. These shoulder months include April, May, September and October. During this time, you’ll find the best of both worlds: quieter attractions but plenty of good weather and daylight to explore.

Are you interested in exploring Scotland too?

You could combine a tour of Ireland with a trip around Scotland for an epic Celtic itinerary. We recommend a minimum of 10 days for this, however, so you can have enough time to dive into the cultures of both countries.

Spend the first 4 to 10 days travelling around the rugged Highlands and islands of Scotland. Then follow that up with time in Ireland to take in all the jaw-dropping coastal landscapes and historic landmarks.

Scotland is a great destination to complement a tour to Ireland. Their cultures and history are so closely linked and you’ll be able to meet the locals and get immersed in both.

• Discover our combination tours of Scotland and Ireland

Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

See more of northern europe.

• Explore Ireland’s Celtic neighbour, Scotland
• Experience stunning scenery and midnight sun in Iceland
• Combine culture with nature by discovering Scandinavia
• Head off the beaten track in wild Greenland or Svalbard

Ireland Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Irish adventure.

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Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is the crème de la crème of natural landscapes in Ireland, so make sure to...

Blarney Castle

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Driving in Ireland

Read the rules of the road before you start your a..

Money & Currency

Find out more about Ireland's currency & means of ..

What to Pack

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Weather & Climate

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Our Services

On your Ireland Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a  designated travel consultant  and  high-quality travel documents . What's more, all clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers, which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book with Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Ireland travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Whether you’re looking to book your dream Ireland trip, want to add an extra night in Dublin, or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help. Get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries.

Our local phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Read About Ireland

10 reasons why you should visit ireland, best ireland road trips: a local expert’s view, best time to visit ireland: your complete guide, best places to visit in ireland: your guide.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Ultimate Packing List for Ireland: Be Prepared for Every Scenario (+free checklist)

Looking for a local’s guide on what to pack for Ireland? Need the ultimate packing list for Ireland so you know exactly what to bring for your trip to the Emerald Isle? Then you are in luck!

Discover exactly what you will need for a trip to Ireland with my ultimate packing list for Ireland that comes complete with a printable Ireland packing list checklist.

No more trying to decide what to put in your suitcase. No more guessing games because now you have my local’s knowledge to lean on. This post has got details on everything you could possibly need and more to make your trip to the beautiful island of Ireland smooth and totally memorable.

What to pack for Ireland in fall/autumn

Other things to bring to ireland, ireland packing checklist.

*This post contains affiliate links, which may include Amazon affiliate links. To read more about affiliate links, please visit my Disclosure Policy page.

Whether you will be hiking, road tripping, or sightseeing your way around Ireland, there are a few staples you need to pack and a few things that I would suggest are nice to have. You also need to consider your toiletries, electronics and gadgets, and, most importantly, the documents you will need for your trip.

I have compiled a list of suggested clothing, and this is included here, but if you want more information about the clothing you might need, I’ve written a post about what to wear in Ireland which can help you prepare your clothing further.

I have also put together a handy, printable Ireland packing list so you can tick everything off as you put them into your suitcase or backpack.

So, let’s take a look at my packing list for a trip to Ireland.

The Ultimate Ireland Packing List

Unless you have done zero research, you should know by now that Irish weather is extremely changeable. One minute it will be sunny, then dark clouds roll over and the heavens open. Drizzly rain can be a nightmare and very common in Ireland, no matter the season.

So, deciding what clothes to pack for Ireland can be tricky. You need to pack for all eventualities, but when packing for a trip to Ireland, the time of year will dictate exactly what you need to bring.

There are staples you will need in your luggage and then, depending on the time of year you are visiting Ireland, you will either need bulky, warm clothes, or lighter clothing for slightly warmer weather. I have put together a short synopsis for each season of the year to help you further and you can find them below.

You can also read my post about the best time of year to visit Ireland if you are still deciding exactly when to go and what to pack as a result.

When it comes to packing for Ireland, there are a few things to remember.

• The saying that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing is very true of Ireland.
• The perfect Ireland wardrobe has layers, raincoats, and waterproof shoes.
• You should be able to layer your wardrobe easily, but they should also be easy to remove if the weather improves suddenly.
• Always bring a daypack or small backpack when you are out and about to put layers you remove into.
• Always remember your umbrella. You never know when you might need it.
• Even if you are visiting in summer, it is worth packing a sweater.
• Other things to remember (and included below) are your water bottle, sunscreen and hat, and scarf.

Ireland packing list for women

In this section, you will find an Ireland packing list for women. These should form the staples for every season and can be adjusted accordingly.

Coat – You will need either a lightweight or heavy coat, depending on whether you are visiting in Summer or Winter. Winter coats should be warm and preferably padded.

Rain gear for Ireland – This can be as simple as a waterproof raincoat , but I also bring a set of waterproof legs outside of summer to keep my legs dry, especially at outdoor venues such as castles and historic houses and gardens.

Trainers – Pack comfortable trainers for walking and sightseeing. Just remember they are likely to get wet, be prepared.

Waterproof hiking boots/shoes – If you are likely to be walking or hiking, or spending most of your time outdoors exploring, then a set of waterproof boots or shoes is a must. Proper hiking boots/shoes will also support you on slippery surfaces outdoors.

Socks – Bring warm socks and preferably thermal for winter, and hiking socks if you plan some hiking during your trip.

T-shirts – You will need 4-5 T-shirts per week, assuming you will be doing laundry when you need to. It is worth packing 1-2 long-sleeved ones, even in summer, as you never know when you might get a cooler-than-average day.

Sweaters – 2 to 3 sweaters per week, bringing warm woollen or fleece for winter, and lightweight sweaters for summer. You could opt for a cardigan for summer instead.

Jeans – 1-2 pairs per week is enough, especially if you plan to bring the next item.

Cargo pants – Cargo pants that are lined are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing, while convertible cargo pants are perfect for warmer, summer months to save you packing shorts.

Long skirt – A long skirt, heavy for winter and lightweight for summer that is versatile enough for day and evening wear is a good idea.

Tops – You may need 1-2 smart tops for evening weather to team with your skirt or jeans.

Dress/Jumpsuit – A long dress or jumpsuit makes an ideal item of clothing for evening wear or for an event.

Men’s Ireland packing list

For the male members of your party, the packing list is quite similar. Again, the list can be adjusted accordingly to your trip and the time of year you visit.

Coat – Heavy winter coat for October to March visits, a lightweight coat for other months.

Rain jacket – You cannot visit Ireland without packing a waterproof raincoat .

Trainers – For comfortable walking and exploring.

Waterproof boots/shoes – Be they hiking boots or simply good-quality waterproof shoes , pack these to keep your feet dry at all times.

Socks – Bring an adequate number with the right amount of warmth for the time of year of your visit.

T-shirts/Tops – 5 T-shirts or tops and remember to ensure they are a mixture of short and long-sleeved ones, even for summer.

Cargo pants – Again, opt for lined for winter and convertible cargo pants for summer.

Jeans – 2 pairs should suffice per week, assuming you will be washing when possible.

Evening trousers – Bring 2 per week.

Evening shirts/polos – Bring 1-2 unless you are planning to have fancy restaurant meals every night of your trip.

Sweaters/hoody – Bring at least one hoody for your trip and 2 additional sweaters or jumpers. Hoodies can keep you warm in your accommodation while you relax after dinner before bed.

Kid’s Ireland packing list

The kid’s packing list for Ireland should be almost the same for Mum and Dad with the exception that you should pack at least one or two additional trousers and tops for them. Kids tend to get dirty and mucky quicker than adults and they can find puddles hard to ignore. Here is an idea of what I pack for my son for our trips to Ireland.

Coat – This is a heavy, padded coat for winter and a lighter, windproof coat for summer.

Raincoat – We never, ever travel to Ireland without a waterproof raincoat for our son.

Waterproof all-in-one suit – If we are planning on going sightseeing in Ireland, I always bring my son’s all-in-one waterproof over suit . This means we can be exploring castles, gardens, or beaches without fear of him getting soaked should the heavens open.

Jeans – I bring 3-4 pairs per week, mainly because there is always the risk of him getting wet and mucky. I do laundry where and when I can.

Sweaters/jumpers – Again, I bring 3-4 per week, with a mixture of warm woollen jumpers and lightweight, fleece sweaters that can be layered.

Socks – I always bring 2 pairs per day just in case he gets one pair wet (jumping in puddles).

Waterproof walking boots – We always travel with a pair of waterproof walking boots or shoes for our son as rain is such a common occurrence. I also get one of my sisters to buy me a pair of wellington boots for our son before our arrival if we are going on a road trip so he can use them for those all-important puddles.

Trainers – I bring a pair of dark trainers for sightseeing in towns.

T-shirts – 3-4 T-shirts per week is standard for us.

Long-sleeved tops – I substitute some of the short-sleeved T-shirts for long-sleeved for winter and combine them with base layers if we are visiting between October and March as we are coming from a warmer country.

Seasonal clothes to pack for Ireland

As well as the staples, you may want to tailor your wardrobe for the season in which you will be visiting. Whether you are wondering what to pack for Ireland in summer or winter, here are a few more ideas for you.

Things to pack for Ireland in winter

Ireland is generally cold and wet throughout the winter months. Average high temperatures range from 3˚C to 8˚C (37˚F to 46˚F) and this season is the wettest season of the year. Packing for Ireland in winter will involve lots of warm layers.

Here are specific things you will need to pack for Ireland in winter.

• Lined trousers – To keep your legs warm.
• Warm jacket – A down-filled winter coat won’t go astray. Make sure it is warm, windproof, and preferably waterproof too.
• Sweaters/Fleeces – You are going to need a mixture of sweaters and fleeces for keeping warm.
• Hat/Gloves/Scarf – If you are going to be out and about, do not forget your winter woollies.
• Base layers – If you are coming from a warm country (like us) or cannot stand the cold, a set of base layers for under your clothes while outdoors and exploring will come in handy. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience of exploring ruined castles during a bitterly cold set of days in March.
• Thermal socks – If you are anything like me, thermal socks are a must for winter to keep your feet warm and dry.

Ireland summer packing list

When it comes to your packing list for Ireland in summer, you can leave the heavy, bulky clothes at home and opt for more lightweight versions. That said, you will still need a sweater or two and your raincoat.

Average high temperatures in Ireland during summer range between 16˚C and 20˚C (60˚F to 68˚F). It tends to be the driest season, although you will most likely experience isolated showers. But it should be warm at least from June to August.

Here are a few more ideas of what you can pack for summer in Ireland, assuming you will see a few nice days.

• Shorts – You can opt for convertible cargo pants that can act as both trousers and shorts, saving you some precious packing space.
• Maxi dresses – For the ladies, these can double up as both day and evening wear.
• Skirts – Team them with simple T-shirts or tops on warm, sunny days.
• Sundress – Ladies, pack one or two to wear on nice, warm days.
• Light sweaters – Bring one or two lightweight sweaters for early mornings, days when the weather is changeable, or for cool evenings.
• Walking sandals – Depending on the activities you plan on doing, walking sandals can be a better option than shoes or boots. I love the Teva range of sandals.
• Lightweight raincoat – Because showers…
• Sunscreen – Even through the clouds you can still get burnt in Ireland. So, if you don’t fancy looking like a beetroot, pack the factor 30.
• Sunglasses – To protect your eyes.
• Swimwear – Swim shorts for men and swimsuit or bikini for ladies. Remember the kids’ swim costumes as well if you are visiting Ireland as a family. You may also need these if your hotel or accommodation has a pool or spa.
• Flip flops – For beach days.

Ireland packing list spring

While winter is starting to recede, spring is still a chilly time of the year to visit Ireland. Average high temperatures range between 8˚C and 15˚C (46˚F to 59˚F). Early spring experiences cold days, while in later spring things start warming up. Days are also brighter and sunnier.

Here are a few ideas for things you’ll need for Ireland in spring.

• Long-sleeved tops – To help keep you warm.
• Hat/Gloves/Scarf – You are going to need these for exploring outdoors as spring days can still be cold.
• Lightweight Jacket – Make sure it is both windproof and waterproof.
• Warm socks – As I have already said, no one enjoys exploring and sightseeing with cold feet.
• Fleeces – While you could leave the heavy sweaters at home, fleece jumpers are ideal for keeping warm and layering. Plus, they are generally less bulky and will easily fit into your daypack.

When autumn arrives in Ireland, temperatures start to drop quickly. For this season, you are going to need to pack warm clothes. Average high temperatures range from 5˚C to 17˚C (41˚F to 63˚F), depending on when in fall you visit Ireland.

Here is what you are going to need to pack for Ireland in fall/autumn.

• Waterproof and windproof jacket – For those returning chilly days.
• Warm sweaters – These are needed, especially in late fall.
• Long-sleeved tops – For keeping warm and layering.
• Warm socks – To keep your toes toasty.
• Waterproof boots – Leave the summer sandals at home and bring waterproof boots/shoes for this season in Ireland.
• Hat/Gloves/Scarf – For comfort on cold days.

Ireland packing list – The Essentials

Your Ireland travel packing list needs to include some essentials for Ireland. This section is dedicated to all the other things you will need to pack.

First Aid Kit

You can either purchase a pre-packed first aid kit from the likes of Amazon, or you can prepare one yourself. You never know when you might need it, and if you have one that you can pop in your daypack, you’ll be glad you brought one should anyone trip, fall, and cut themselves. If you are opting for your own, ensure you include the following items:

• Pain-relief medication such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
• Bandages and tape
• Antiseptic cream
• Alcohol wipes

Next up are your basic toiletries. Now, you can either choose to use your weight allowance to bring your favourite brands and full-sized bottles. Or, you can go my route, which is to bring travel-sized bottles and stock up on the necessities once you’ve arrived in Ireland.

Supermarkets and stores such as Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Aldi, Lidl, and Supervalu all stock toiletries, so if you want to save on your luggage weight, go small and buy once you are in Ireland. Pack them all in a toiletries bag that rolls up for handy storage and opening.

But here is an idea of what you’ll need for your first few days until you hit the shops.

• Shampoo and conditioner, preferably a 2-in-1
• Shower gel (in case your accommodation does not provide it)
• Shaving foam
• Perfume/aftershave
• Face care such as fash wash and moisturiser.

There are a few essential documents you will need to remember. Some are self-explanatory and others you might not have thought about.

• Passport and a copy of it – with at least 6-months validity left, depending on the requirements for your country of origin.
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – All citizens of EU countries should carry this when travelling to avail of the health system in member states.
• Travel insurance – Never travel without it as you never know when you might need it.
• Driving Licence – Super important if you are hiring a car.
• International Driving Licence – Issued in your home country, you might need this alongside your normal driving licence. Check with the hire car company before you travel.
• Hotel and excursion confirmations – It is best to have a printout of your hotel confirmations and excursions to be on the safe side. You never know when your phone might let you down.
• Document wallet – To keep everything together and safe.

Electronic & Gadgets

You are not going to travel to Ireland and not take hundreds, if not thousands of pictures. So, you’ll need to consider your electronics and gadgets to bring.

• Electric shaver
• DSLR and Lenses – My DSLR of choice is my trusty Canon 5D Mark II . Lenses I tend to bring include my 24-105mm lens, 50mm prime lens, and my 17-40mm landscape lens.
• Handheld camera – I never travel anywhere without my Canon G7X Mark II . It is such a great, all-round camera.
• Action camera – Such as the GoPro Hero 8 Black (our GoPro of choice).
• Drone – If you want stunning aerial shots, go for the DJI Mavic Pro II . My husband has this drone, and it is excellent. You can find out about drone laws in Ireland here .
• Unlocked smartphone – Ensuring your smartphone is unlocked or SIM-free means you can buy a local pre-paid SIM for calls/texts/data. Our smartphones are dual-SIM.
• Laptop – If you want to process pictures on-the-go.
• External hard drive – Handy if you don’t have access to WiFi and want to store your pictures.
• Memory Cards – Lots of them. Or ensure they have lots of space.
• Camera Tripod – For windy days or selfie-type shots.
• Portable phone charger – You’ll need this if you are opting to take your pictures on your phone or are using it as a GPS replacement.
• Noise-cancelling headphones – A must for the plane and for evening relaxation. We love the Bose QC 35 headphones .
• Waterproof Phone Case – Rain, need I say more.

As if all that was not enough, here are a few more items that you might want to bring to Ireland. They are not necessarily must-haves.

• Travel guidebooks – Lonely Planet and DK Eyewitness are my favourites.
• Travel coffee mug
• Universal travel adapter – A must when travelling to Ireland for plugging in your electronics safely.
• Earplugs – Great for sleeping on the plane and in noisy hotels or hostels.
• Packing cubes – These make luggage much easier (see below).
• Multi-socket plug – Handy for hotels or accommodations that do not have lots of sockets in your room.
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunscreen/Lip balm – For warm and windy days, respectively.
• Windproof umbrella
• Quick-dry towel – Just in case your accommodation does not provide any or you need one while out and about. Can double up as a picnic blanket.
• Daypack – A must for exploring Ireland and outdoor activities.

Ireland packing tips

Now that we’ve covered what to pack for a trip to Ireland, let’s talk about how to pack for Ireland. Here are a few packing tips to ensure this part of your preparations isn’t a chore.

• Keep your valuables in your hand luggage. This will avoid potential damage by baggage handlers. Also, try to keep valuables locked in a hotel safe, or with you in your daypack.
• Check airline baggage allowances before you travel. Low-cost airline Ryanair has very strict luggage policies and hefty fees if you don’t comply with them. Normal hand luggage is only available at a certain ticket price and hold luggage can bump up the costs.
• Lay everything out before you pack and ask yourself “Do I really need it?”. Don’t bring unnecessary things.
• Wear bulky items on the plane. Wear your waterproof boots/shoes and your coat on the plane to save luggage space.
• Use packing cubes . These revolutionised how we pack as a family and means we can easily identify who owns what by colour coding. They also act as drawer inserts for easy unpacking.
• Roll, roll, roll. Rolling your clothes instead of packing flat saves on space and can reduce the number of wrinkles your clothed will have.
• Spread your clothes across your luggage. What do I mean by this? Instead of everyone having one piece of luggage dedicated to them, split your luggage across all the suitcases. That way, if one gets lost, you all still have some clothing to wear until the lost suitcase is located and returned to you.
• Don’t fill your suitcase before you go. Leave some space for souvenirs and be mindful of the weight. Pack a travel scales to double-check weights before you get to the airport.

For an idea of the type of souvenirs, you might pick up in Ireland, read my post about the best Irish souvenirs .

And, to make your life even easier, I have put together a printable Ireland packing checklist that you can get free by clicking the download button. I find having a checklist for packing for Ireland means I am unlikely to forget anything as I pack my suitcase. You can simply cross out anything that does not apply.

The checklist is a printable and downloadable pdf file. Download and print it before your next trip to Ireland to help you get organised.

Final thoughts on packing for Ireland

I hope this packing list for Ireland has been helpful and has reminded you that when it comes to what to wear in Ireland, the most important things to remember are waterproof boots or shoes, a good quality raincoat or jacket, and layers.

I’ve also included some packing tips for Ireland that I’ve found useful over the years. If there are any you would add to the list, let me know in the comments below.

Read more hints and tips for visiting Ireland:

• More Ireland Packing List Essentials
• What to Wear in Ireland
• Can You Travel to Ireland on a Budget?
• Can You Get Around Ireland Without a Car?
• Getting Around Ireland by Car, Train, or Bus
• The Best Reasons to Visit Ireland
• The Best Time to Go to Ireland
• Essential Ireland Travel Tips

Travel Around Ireland is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. To learn more about affiliate links, read my  Disclosure Policy here .

by Cath Jordan

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Exploring Ireland’s west coast: from Dingle to Donegal, Achill Island and the Cliffs of Moher

D INGLE, Ireland – The west coast of Ireland is the stuff of travel dreams – filled with soaring cliffs, bright green pastures and grazing sheep, glorious beaches, charming towns and ancient ruins. It’s worthy of a week all its own, if you have the time.

I suspected when I planned this itinerary that I was doing it too fast – covering too many kilometers in just four days, not leaving enough time to stop and smell the rhododendrons (which were in full bloom in County Mayo in late May, by the way).

Ireland’s tourism department created the Wild Atlantic Way in 2014, a driving route along the west coast that covers some 1,500 miles through nine counties. Well-placed signage along the route directs drivers to and from sights along the scenic path.

We didn’t cover it all, skipping some sections entirely and occasionally opting for faster highways to get us to our destinations quicker.

But we covered much of it, starting in Dingle, traveling north to the Cliffs of Moher, then driving through Galway to Clifden, biking out to Achill Island and ending our tour in Donegal. I wished I had an extra day in every location.

Ah well. It’s always better to want more than to stay too long.

And who knows — maybe I’ll be back. The new Aer Lingus flight, nonstop between Cleveland and Dublin, makes frequent trips to Ireland pretty tempting.

Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula is one of several scenic peninsulas along Ireland’s southwest coast. The Iveragh Peninsula, with its well-known Ring of Kerry scenic drive, is directly south and more popular. But I chose Dingle because it’s smaller, more manageable, and typically less crowded.

Dingle’s primary attraction is Slea Head Drive, a 24-mile loop route at the far west end of the peninsula that hugs the coastline most of the way. It’s dotted with ancient ruins and more contemporary sites, with dramatic cliffs, lush farmland and beautiful beaches.

The entire route was spectacular, striking and serene all at once. And though just 24 miles, it took us more than six hours to complete, as we stopped nearly a dozen times to check out interesting sites along the way.

Most of the route was uncrowded, although I imagine that will change as the summer tourist season heats up. The route is two-way, except for tour buses, which must travel clockwise. Most of the traffic flows that way too – in part, no doubt, to avoid getting trapped by one of those mega buses we saw maneuvering some very tight hairpin turns. The route is also popular with bicyclists, although it looked like too much of a workout for me, with lots of hills.

Among the stops:

* The Blasket Centre, on the mainland directly across from Great Blasket Island, the one-time home of as many as 175 residents. In 1953, the island was evacuated – too many people had voluntarily relocated, leaving the existing population too isolated and vulnerable. The island’s rich Irish-speaking culture is chronicled and celebrated at this small museum, built in 1994. Don’t miss it. Note: Separately, tours to the island are available from Dingle.

* Dunbeg Fort, a defensive structure dating back some 2,000 years or more. It’s been substantially eroded and rebuilt over the years, and it’s little wonder why – this fort is precariously perched on the cliffs, hundreds of feet above the crashing Atlantic.

* Gallarus Oratory, an elegantly constructed dry stone building – that is, built without mortar — which dates back as many as 1,300 years. The small structure, about 16 feet by 10 feet, was likely used as a small chapel.

* Irish Famine Cottages, a collection of small, spare structures built in the 19th century, and abandoned during the Great Famine, which hit this area of Ireland particularly hard.

And don’t miss a stop at Dunmore Head and Coumeenoole Beach – a gorgeous stretch of sand and the only place in Ireland I dared take my shoes off and walk barefoot in the water. Brrr!

The town of Dingle is the starting and ending point for the drive and a lovely place to spend a couple of nights. Tucked alongside a protective harbor, the charming town is home to dozens of restaurants and shops. It’s also a thriving fishing port, with a downtown marina lined with commercial boats.

I had my best meal in all of Ireland here at Out of the Blue , which offers a seafood-only menu written on a chalkboard, dictated by what the boats bring in. I also heard some of the best Irish music of my trip in Dingle, at O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub and Neligan’s.

And don’t miss Murphy’s Ice Cream, with two locations in town, featuring a tasty gin-flavored ice cream, and chocolate whiskey, among many others.

Where we stayed: We spent two nights at the quiet and comfortable O’Neill’s Bed and Breakfast , well-located on a side street in town, operated by Stephen O’Neill, who took over the business from his parents several years ago. At 110 euros per night, it was the most economical accommodation of my 9-night trip to Ireland and included a full Irish breakfast.

Note: There are two routes into Dingle, one along the southern coast of the peninsula and another along the northern coast. The northern route, along R560, cuts through the mountains via Conor Pass, a narrow, twisting mountain road that, after reaching its peak at about 1,500 feet, descends dramatically into Dingle. The roadway, which reduces to one lane in sections, is not for the faint of heart – but it is spectacular. Don’t miss it.

A final thought on Dingle: The afternoon we arrived, a large cruise ship was docked off the coast of Dingle – an increasingly common occurrence, according to O’Neill, who said there are four more ships scheduled to visit town this summer. There is no major pier here, so passengers are shuttled via tender to the mainland, where they descend on the small downtown for a few hours of shopping and sightseeing.

It will be interesting to see whether and how the cruise industry alters the small-town charm of Dingle and other Irish coastal communities. On the one hand, the economic impact of the visitors is certainly welcome, but the long-term effect the ships could have on the town may not be.

Cliffs of Moher

From Dingle, we drove north to the Cliffs of Moher, a scenic drive that included a 20-minute ferry across the Shannon estuary, connecting Tarbert and Killimer (23 euros; shannonferries.com ). The Cliffs were another hour-drive north.

Towering up to 700 feet above the ocean, the Cliffs stretch for nearly 9 miles along the west coast of Ireland south of Galway. It’s one of the country’s top sites for a reason, with dramatic views in every direction.

Access to what’s called the Cliffs of Moher Experience is via a central entryway that includes a visitors center built into the ground. Admission, including parking, is 10 euros per person during midday, cheaper in the morning or later afternoon.

You can also hike to the cliffs from the nearby towns of Doolin and Liscannor and avoid paying admission, although you won’t be able to access the visitors center.

The central cliffs area can get quite crowded, so come early or late if you can. My husband and I arrived at about 1 p.m., with the midday sun straight overhead, which tended to wash out our photographs.

Some of the viewing areas closest to the visitors center got clogged with people during our stay, but it was easy enough to escape the crowds by walking a bit farther along the coast.

We spent about two hours here, most of it walking along the coastal trail. And I would have stayed longer, but our next destination was calling.

A castle in Clifden

After stopping in Doolin for ice cream, we continued north toward Galway, motoring through an area known as the Burren (literally “rocky place”), a region so completely unexpected amid the green of Ireland. The area, approximately 200 square miles, features a stark landscape of rocky mountains carved from limestone. It was like driving on the moon.

The only unpleasant part of the trip came as we maneuvered through Galway, population 80,000, where we got caught in traffic and delayed by road construction. If I had to do it over again, I would have spent the night here.

Our destination was another 90 minutes northwest, in Clifden. We arrived at our hotel – the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel – just in time to hear owner Ronan Hughes recount the history of the building and the region and offer a complimentary champagne toast to some of the people who made it possible. (Read more about our castle stay here: Castle overnight in Ireland: What’s in a name? )

Clifden is in the heart of Ireland’s Connemara region, another starkly beautiful area of Ireland to explore, with jagged mountains, serene inland lakes and a dramatic coastline to explore.

We rose early to drive the Sky Road, a short, 10-mile loop that offers panoramic views of the ocean, islands and surrounding countryside. Then we took a short walk to check out the ruins of Clifden Castle, built by the same man, John D’Arcy, who founded the town and built Abbeyglen.

And here we encountered one more example of that famous Irish hospitality: The gentleman who owns the land that includes Clifden Castle came outside to tell us the property was private and to please not go inside the structure, because it wasn’t safe. And then he invited us along for an exterior tour of the space.

If I had another day here, I would have toured scenic Kylemore Abbey (built in 1868), hiked Connemara National Park and maybe taken a boat ride on Killany Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. But time was tight, so we continued our drive north to County Mayo.

Biking through County Mayo

For several decades at the turn of the 19th century, a railroad operated from Westport to Achill Island. In 2010, the rail line was turned into a level, paved path, creating what has to be one of the world’s most spectacular bikeways, the Great Western Greenway , which traverses 27 miles through scenic County Mayo.

We started our trip from Newport, skipping the first 7 miles of the greenway, from Westport to Newport, which I had read was the least scenic part of the route, as it parallels the roadway. The route from Newport was spectacular from start to finish – through farmland and forest, past pastures and lakes, with the Atlantic coast within eyesight through much of it.

We pedaled past horses and cows and sheep – and a handful of humans, too. I imagine it will get much busier as the summer progresses. We stopped for lunch in the tiny town of Mulranny, overlooking Clew Bay, then summoned the energy to finish the final 8 miles to Achill.

My only regret was that we didn’t opt for electric bikes because although this was mostly flat, 20 miles is a lot (for me), and I didn’t need to work that hard.

We did opt for the shuttle ride back, however.

The route ends at the bridge to Achill Island – which, at 57 square miles, is Ireland’s largest island, with cliffs and mountains and some of the country’s most spectacular beaches. It’s a sister city to Cleveland, which is why the group of Northeast Ohio government and business leaders who traveled to Ireland last month spent a night here.

I, however, continued my route north, to Donegal.

But first, I asked our shuttle driver, the owner of Greenway Bicycle Hire in Newport, if he wouldn’t mind driving us the few miles west to see the statue of Johnny Kilbane, the Achill native who found fame in Cleveland as a boxer in the early 1900s.

Though he had never heard of Kilbane, or the statue, he graciously agreed. After I thanked him, I told him I might not be the last Clevelander who makes such a request.

Last stop: Donegal

We ended our tour in the town of Donegal, in Ireland’s northernmost county (also Donegal). Unfortunately, we were here mostly to sleep, before heading to our next stop. Next time, for sure, I’ll allot at least a day or two to explore the rugged coastline in Ireland’s most remote region.

For now, though, our tour came to an end at the Reel Inn, a venue well-regarded for its traditional Irish music offerings.

The place was standing-room only when we entered, filled with the sounds of banjo and button accordion. I eventually secured a couple of seats at a table by the door, where we listened for hours to the lively soundtrack of Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast before returning to our hotel.

Then, the next morning, we were off – to Northern Ireland, to the Antrim Coast and Giant’s Causeway, yet another spectacular coastal region on an island that has so many of them.

Driving in Ireland: Narrow streets, insurance extras and staying on the left side of the road

En route from Dublin to Dingle: Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny Castle

48 hours in Dublin: New Aer Lingus flight from Cleveland makes for an easy international getaway

First flight on Aer Lingus: Go to sleep in Cleveland, wake up in Dublin

(Coming next month: Two days in Northern Ireland: Giant’s Causeway, Belfast and the Titanic museum.)

©2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit cleveland.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Money latest: Mortgage rates could go lower than expected, BoE hints; 'era of cheap food over,' says supermarket boss

The Bank of England has hinted a base rate cut is coming, and it's "not ruled out in June". Read all today's personal finance and consumer news - and listen to the latest Ian King Business Podcast below.

Thursday 9 May 2024 19:02, UK

• Interest Rates
• Interest rate held at 5.25% | June rate cut 'not ruled out but not fait accompli' - BoE | Cuts may take interest rate 'lower than currently priced into market'
• Supermarket boss declares end of the 'cheap food era'
• Gordon Ramsay to open new restaurants on London skyscraper

Essential reads

• Ed Conway on interest rates : Waiting game almost over - but Bank needs to be bold to jump US
• 10 cheapest popular destinations in Europe - and how costs compare
• The top-paying savings account on the market right now
• Iconic tea brand enlists Top Boy star for £12m ad to revive fortunes - but poll suggests Britons prefer rival
• Cheap Eats : Chef at Tom Kerridge pub picks Buckinghamshire spot
• Listen to the Daily above and  tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Looking for some longer Money reads for your evening/commute/lunch break?

Here's four from the last few months you might like...

Should you offer kids cash rewards for good grades? The psychologist's view

As exam season gets under way, some parents are putting hundreds of pounds aside to reward their children if they achieve certain grades. 

While some parents lambasted the idea as "absolute potatoes", others told Sky News they saw their children's focus increase after offering up to £250 for the top results.

We also spoke to teachers and a psychologist...

What can I do if flexible working request declined?

Every Monday we put your financial dilemmas or consumer disputes to industry experts. A few weeks ago Sky News reader AJ2024 asked...

"While on maternity leave my employer rejected my flexible work request and told me to pick from four new shift patterns or take redundancy if they didn't suit me. All new shifts were full working hours. No support as a new mother and ruined my last few precious weeks. What are my rights?"

We got an employment lawyer to answer...

'£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches

Money blogger Jess Sharp spoke to people who swear they've made money from manifestation - before finding herself meditating under a tree to see if she could get in on the action...

The world of dark tourism - what is it, is it ethical, and where can you go?

Interest in a phenomenon known as "dark tourism" has been steadily rising in recent years - but what is it?

To find out, we spoke with tourism academic  Dr Hayley Stainton  and renowned dark tourist and author Dr Peter Hohenhaus, who runs a  dark tourism website ...

Fraud is "rife" on second hand marketplaces including Depop, Shpock and Preloved, according to a new survey by Which?.

The consumer magazine/website found that, of 1,300 buyers, 32% had been scammed on a second hand marketplace in the two years to January.

The most common ruse involved consumers receiving incorrect goods or nothing at all, while others were delivered an empty package or fake goods.

57% of those surveyed said they had experienced a scam on Depop.

This compares with 53% for Shpock and 51% for Preloved and Nextdoor. 

Amazon Marketplace came in at 35%, while for Gumtree and eBay the figures were both 29%. 

The number for Facebook and Vinted was 24% and 22%, respectively.

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said the survey’s findings were "worrying". 

"It's important that people properly check the seller's reviews and profile," she said, adding that marketplaces need to have proper checks in place and ensure that scam profiles are removed quickly.

Depop told the Guardian it offered protection for buyers and sellers and was investing in new technology. 

"We strongly encourage consumers who are buying and selling anywhere online never to share personal information with other users, to be very wary about following links to other sites, and to report any suspicious behaviour via in-app reporting systems."

Sky News has reached out to the other companies mentioned.

You may remember our coverage here a few weeks back on the proliferation of scams targeting Taylor Swift fans hoping to buy tickets to see one of her current run of shows across Europe...

The Shake It Off star will hold a series of concerts in the UK as she continues her Eras tour, with the first taking place in Edinburgh on 7 June.

But the artist's megastardom has seen a huge demand for tickets, which were not cheap even before they sold out within minutes - with prices ranging from £58.65 - £194.75.

Resale prices from legitimate websites have been in the region of £700 each - with some fans reported to have spent well in excess of that to see their hero.

However, such is her popularity among an army of mostly young female devotees that the market has become a target for people seeking to exploit the widespread desperation for tickets.

As reported here, a spate of attempts had seen Facebook users' accounts hacked by scammers, who would then create seemingly genuine posts in groups on the site that the users were members of.

Initially, the posts would suggest the user was seeking to sell tickets - generally four - that were invariably just a few rows from the front of a specific venue for one of Swift's UK shows.

The price suggested in the posts was generally around £180, more expensive than the face value of most tickets, but a fraction of the cost of those being advertised on legitimate resale sites - especially for such desirable seating.

More recent instances indicate the methods being employed by scammers have since evolved and, it appears, become significantly more sophisticated.

In these more recent attempts to defraud so-called Swifties (and in many cases, the parents purchasing the tickets), the posts detail the specific rows and seat numbers.

A further departure from the previous efforts is the scammers no longer including the asking price for the (non-existent) tickets.

Both these changes were evident in one attempt Sky News has become aware of - as was another and decidedly sinister tactic.

In this case, given the number of previous scams that have flooded Facebook, the admin for the group in question first removed the post - correctly assuming it was fraudulent.

But, he told Sky News, he was subsequently sent a photo of what appeared to be the user's passport as a means of verifying her post was genuine.

This development indicates the scammer in question had used some form of photo-editing software to create an image that appeared to be of the user's passport.

"I contacted her to explain that I had deleted her post and removed her account from the group as there are so many scams around, and I could not verify their identity or the validity of the ticket offer," said Trevor Williams, who runs the local community Facebook group in Birmingham.

"Within a few minutes, I received a photo of a passport in this name and an assurance that she was genuine.

"This was enough to change my decision and the post was put it back on the group.

"Most people have no idea of the problems of being an admin on these groups, as you simply cannot win."

How can you protect yourself against these scams?

For those looking to buy resale tickets, the main advice is to simply avoid being tempted into seemingly genuine offers posted on Facebook, unless it is from someone you know and have spoken to directly (and not just over Facebook).

Those looking to sell on their tickets will invariably use the established and legitimate resale sites such as Viagogo or StubHub.

Perhaps the most useful piece of advice is an old one - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

In terms of protecting yourself against your account on Facebook (or any social media site) being hacked by scammers, the best measure is to ensure you have enabled two-step or two-factor authentication.

This can be found through the security and privacy settings on your Facebook account, and involves the use of your telephone number or a separate authentication app on your phone whenever someone attempts to log in.

TV chef Gordon Ramsay has announced he will open new restaurants and a cooking academy in one of London's tallest skyscrapers. 

The 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate will have a 14-seat chef's table experience - run by the team from the chef's three-Michelin-starred Chelsea restaurant, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.

In addition, Lucky Cat restaurant, a Lucky Cat terrace bar and a Bread Street Kitchen will open on the 59th floor.

Finally, he'll be opening a cooking academy in the building, The Gordon Ramsay Academy. 

Mr Ramsay said: "This is more than just a new opening - it's a significant milestone for our business. 

"We're not only launching the highest culinary experiences in London, but also creating a vibrant culinary hub at the incredible 22 Bishopsgate."

City editor Mark Kleinman   has revealed that high street billionaire Mike Ashley is closing in on a deal to become the new British partner of struggling fashion chain Ted Baker.

He learnt that Frasers Group had emerged as the preferred partner for the chain following the collapse of No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL), Ted Baker's existing UK licensing partner.

It is hoped a deal could be agreed over the coming days - read more on this story here ...

Eating ultra-processed meat is linked to an increased risk of early death.

A Harvard study over 30 years tracked more than 114,000 adults.

The highest risks were linked with the most processed meats such as sausages and ham. 

Regular eaters had a 13% higher chance of dying over the 34 years tracked.

Diets high in sugary and artificially sweetened drinks had a 9% increased risk, the study found.

The used car market increased by 6.5% in the first quarter of the year , with sales of over 1.9 million vehicles, new figures show.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says the total reveals the strongest start to a year since pre-pandemic 2019.

Sales of used hybrids also increased.

That's all from an enlightening news conference in which we heard an interest rate cut in June hadn't been ruled out - and that rates could fall more than markets expect. 

Scroll through to read and watch some of the key moments - meantime, we'll return to general money and consumer news.

We're now hearing the final questions of this news conference. 

The governor of the Bank of England is asked if August is more likely than June to see the Monetary Policy Committee cut interest rates. 

"Nice try to introduce the 'is it June' question again," Andrew Bailey says with a smile.

"We're going meeting by meeting," he adds, stressing that more data [which will be at the MPC's disposal over the coming months] will allow them more visibility and more scope to make a decision."

Our  economics editor Ed Conway  is next to ask the governor a question.

He asks whether increasing government interest in the Bank's workings has any influence on an interest rate cut.

"We [the Monetary Policy Committee] never discuss politics," Andrew Bailey replies. 

"We are an independent central bank, we have a remit and it is our duty to exercise that remit at all times."

"Our remit applies at all times, so it [politics] isn't a consideration."

Asked if inflation dynamics in the UK are different to the US, Andrew Bailey says there is no law that says the US moves first on interest rate cuts and everyone else afterwards.

"There is no law," he says.

"Moreover, we have a remit and target which is related to domestic inflation in the UK.

"We're an open economy so we take the rest of the world into consideration 

"But there is no law to say we can only move once the Federal Reserve (central bank of the US) moves."

There is a feeling among economists that, although the US often leads, the European Central Bank may be the first to move with an early June cut.

This could, it has been suggested, push the UK to cut on 20 June.

We move on to how the Bank intends to cut interest rates. 

"To make sure that inflation stays around the 2% target - that inflation will need to be too high nor too low - it's likely that we will need to cut Bank rate over the coming quarters and make monetary policy somewhat less restrictive over the forecast period," Andrew Bailey says.

Crucially, he adds, the Bank may cut "more so than currently priced into market rates".

Heading into today, markets expected a rate cut this summer - most likely August. They were pricing in up to three cuts this year - leading us to 4.5% by December - but the governor is suggesting we could go below that figure. 

"We have no preconceptions about how fast and how far we might cut Bank rates," Mr Bailey continues. 

"Instead, we will continue to look carefully for evidence that the outlook for inflation is consistent with the 2% target.

"Given the decisions we have already made, we will reach a new decision on the appropriate level of Bank rate based on the evidence at each meeting."

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