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Explore Ireland like a local with my 7-day itinerary: uncover hidden gems and beloved spots in a thoughtful guide crafted with love for my homeland.
When I first sat down to tentatively etch the outline of this 7 day Ireland itinerary, I was, initially, apprehensive.
While the drafting of an itinerary wouldn’t usually elicit such apprehension, this was a somewhat bigger undertaking – I was drafting an itinerary for my own country.
That changes things.
Your knowledge of your own homeland is far more deep-rooted, for you know every nook and cranny and that intimate side of your country that presents itself to you as you trudge your way through everyday life.
How do you bottle up and share with a stranger the things you cherish the most about your home country? How do you convey the fresh, ozonous blast of syrup-like Irish air that you gulp in while atop a hillside?
The verdurous green of the abundant hedgerows to be found down winding country lanes, that burst with the aroma of wild garlic in summer? Or the muffled silence of moss-floored forests punctuated only by creaking conifers and birdsong?
And the sea – let’s not forget the often tumultuous sea that besieges Ireland’s shores. Moody and unpredictable, it can sparkle like a sapphire one day, then descend into a frenzied, frothing foam as it batters the coastline of Ireland when winds are raised the next.
Ireland may be small, but she is mighty.
Our people, too, are a resilient, clever bunch that have overcome an often tragic and tumultuous past.
Peppered with ruins, our land is littered with the clues of our history – the ancient stones of Gaelic castles, palladian mansions that tell the tale of our colonisation, the bullet holes in Dublin’s buildings that show our fight for independence.
Visitors are often surprised too by the modernity of our cities; Dublin in particular – but let’s not forget Ireland’s position as a global innovation hub and destination of many a tech company for the establishment of their EU headquarters.
Yes, Ireland has its cliches – pints of Guinness, cheery leprechauns and “rolling green fields” amongst them – but there is so much more to its shores. So prepare yourself for a local’s guide to Ireland and discover the best of the real Emerald Isle during your one week trip.
Essential links for booking your Ireland trip
Top Tours & Experiences in Dublin
⭑ Dublin Literary Tour **Cultured Voyages Top Pick**
⭑ Dublin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours (perfect for foodies)
⭑ Dublin Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour
Further Afield:
⭑ Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher including Cliffs of Moher cruise
⭑ Dublin to Belfast (Black Cab), Dunluce Castle & Giant’s Causeway
⭑ Cliffs of Moher & the Burren Tour from Galway
⭑ Connemara Day Trip With Leenane Village & Kylemore Abbey from Galway
⭑ Celtic Boyne Valley & Ancient Sites Day Tour From Dublin
⭑ The Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour incl. Glendalough
Cultured Voyages Favourites Places to Stay in Ireland
→ Number 31 – my favourite place to stay in Dublin
→ Mount Juliet Estate – Kilkenny
→ Ballynahich Castle – Galway/Connemara
→ Parknasilla Resort & Spa – Ring of Kerry
So, what is there to see in Ireland?
For such a small country, Ireland really does have a lot to offer in the sightseeing department. Major selling points include sublime seascapes, a strong literary heritage, romantic castle ruins, lively towns and cities, ancient heritage sites and let’s not forget – a patchwork of luscious, emerald landscape.
Not always the most obvious, but the culinary scene in Ireland is absolutely buzzing too.
The fact that Ireland is an island lends itself to magnificent seafood and the quality of Ireland’s other food produce is second-to-none. Ireland is famous for its meat and dairy produce and there is a huge focus on local produce and sustainability amongst Irish establishments.
No matter its duration, any Ireland itinerary, especially for first-time visitors to Ireland, should incorporate a smattering of the above to cover off a range of Irish highlights.
That way, you’ll scratch the surface across a broad range and uncover where you would like to focus your efforts on your return visit to Ireland – trust me, you’ll be back!
Plan to under, rather than over-reach on what you see during your 7 days in Ireland. Ireland really is so achingly beautiful that you’ll find yourself compelled to stop more often than you think.
Even as a local, many’s the time where I stop to drink in a fluorescent sunset, or watch how the sun casts feathers of light across a distant hilltop – even when doing something as mundane as popping out to the shop for some milk – so if you’ve never been to Ireland before, well; you’re in for an assault of the senses!
How much should you fit in when in Ireland for 7 days?
Geographically speaking, then yes, Ireland is small and distances between locations fairly short, but driving times in Ireland are often longer than you would think.
The most beautiful parts of Ireland are often a bit remote and take the longest to reach (ie roads are bad and you will need to drive slowly). So in order to experience the country properly, then don’t expect to see all of Ireland in 7 days!
For that reason, I’ve decided to focus this Ireland 7 day itinerary on the eastern, south-east and south-west parts of the island, so that less time is spent driving and more time is spent having an immersive travel experience.
EDITOR’S NOTE | In what was a very tough call, I’ve excluded the areas of Galway and Connemara, as well as some equally popular local favourites like Sligo and Mayo (the town of Westport and the epic Croagh Patrick are both located in Mayo), Donegal and Northern Ireland from this 7 day tour of Ireland.
These areas are particularly suited to slow travel and deep immersion; you could easily spend a week in each of them (County Kerry and West Cork are the same, too).
The simple reason for their exclusion is that you will not have enough time to do them justice if you cram them in with the other locations listed in this itinerary if you are spending only one week in Ireland.
How to get around Ireland for this itinerary
Getting around Ireland by car
There are a number of ways to get around Ireland, but really, the best way to see Ireland in 7 days is by car, as you’ll have the flexibility to stop off along the roadside at whatever takes your fancy.
Much of the beauty in Ireland is seen on its smaller country roads, and you will miss out on this if you are constrained to public transport. And besides, what could be better than a road trip through Ireland?
So, is driving in Ireland difficult? As an Irish person, I would be inclined to say no. In general, main roads and motorways are in good condition and well marked. It’s when you find yourself on narrow countryside or coastal roads where you might find things a bit trickier.
In these instances, expect that you may have to pull in to let oncoming traffic pass, or that you may have to reverse a little back down the road.
When visiting Ireland from another country, the main thing for most people to overcome when touring Ireland by car is that we drive on the left side of the road – if you’re comfortable with that concept and the manoeuvring mentioned above then you will be absolutely fine.
To put driving in Ireland into context, if you’ve managed to drive around Italy on roads of varying conditions, then driving in Ireland will be an absolute breeze.
Irish drivers are rather polite and will pull in to let you pass on narrow roads if they have more space on their sides (you should also be prepared to provide the same courtesy).
If you’re driving really slowly, however, then don’t be perturbed if someone ends up driving very close to your rear – just pull over somewhere safe and let them pass you.
I always use rentalcars.com when hiring a car abroad. I like them for the following reasons:
- You can compare all car rental companies in a given destination. They also have superior filtering options too, so you really can drill down to what you’re looking for – even to the deposit amount and payment type.
- All the info you need for your relevant booking can subsequently be found in their convenient app – no print outs necessary.
- You can often amend/cancel your booking with no additional charges.
Getting around Ireland without a car
It is possible to get around Ireland without a car, but you may not be able to visit anywhere off the beaten path. You can navigate your time in Ireland by train and a combination of buses.
You may then also need to rely on some guided tours, private drivers, or taxis in order to reach some attractions during your 7 day trip to Ireland.
Getting around Ireland by train
Ireland’s train system is run by Iarnród Éireann with trains running, for the most part, quite frequently. The standard of trains is also decent, with WiFi onboard and comfortable seating. Many of Ireland’s major cities are connected by train (although some not by a direct train line).
Using this itinerary of Ireland as an example, you can easily get from Dublin to Kilkenny, for instance, but then getting onwards from Kilkenny to Killarney is a bit more of a logistical challenge that would eat into your precious holiday time.
Getting around Ireland by bus
Ireland is also well connected by bus routes, through a range of public and private operators. Ireland’s public bus company is Bus Éireann, who cover a range of routes between major cities and towns, as well as some of Ireland’s smaller, regional destinations – check out the website for further details.
There are also lots of private bus operators in Ireland, too many to go into in this post. If looking for something specific, the best way to see if a private route exists is to take to Google – “bus from [x] to [y]” should do it!
Booking a taxi in Ireland
There will more than likely come a time when you will require a taxi during your one week Ireland trip. While Uber is a thing in Ireland, the best way to get a taxi in major cities like Dublin is through the Free Now app (which is basically the same as Uber).
Outside of Ireland’s main cities (Dublin, Cork, Galway etc), then in order to find a taxi, Google is your friend.
Taxis will usually have to be pre booked and if your Google session is not fruitful and you cannot find a taxi company listed in the area, then ask at your accommodation, who will likely have some local taxi drivers’ details to hand.
If you’re looking for a taxi or transfers over longer distances (ie an airport transfer or something along those lines), then my go to around all of Europe is Welcome Pickups.
You input a start and end point of your journey and receive quotes from drivers who are signed up to their platform, with everything being handled through their secure website.
An overview of your 7 day Ireland itinerary
In this itinerary, you’ll start off in the capital city of Dublin.
From here, you will begin to make your way south, working in a clockwise direction through a looped route that will bring you through the south-eastern and south-western parts of Ireland, before finishing up once again in Dublin.
Overview of your 7 day Irish road trip
- Day 1: Dublin
- Day 2: Glendalough & Kilkenny
- Day 3: Thomastown, Waterford, Lismore
- Day 4: Killarney National Park
- Day 5: Dingle, the Slea Head Drive & Adare
- Day 6: Lahinch, The Cliffs of Moher, Doolin & The Burren
- Day 7: Back to Dublin
The above route comprises a healthy mix of historical treasures, stunning scenery that includes parts of the Wild Atlantic Way and some off-the-beaten track hidden gems.
I will go into each day of this one week Ireland itinerary in more detail below, but in terms of what to expect I’ve included a foodie tip for each day, as well as what to do, where to overnight and some recommendations for accommodation.
Map of your 7 days in Ireland route
So that all of the above Ireland itinerary makes sense, I’ve included on a handy Ireland road trip map below so you can see your one week in Ireland itinerary in a more visual way.
Your 7 day Ireland road trip in full
Day 1: Dublin (overnight in Dublin)
Day 1 of this itinerary for Ireland 7 days, starts you off bright and early in Dublin’s fair city.
Is Dublin worth it? I certainly think so. There are simply so many things to do in Dublin and depending on your interests, what you should do is going to be quite subjective. To tackle this, I’m going to let you choose yourself!
I’ve included two lists of things to do in Dublin that I would recommend – those that are more ‘touristy’ and those that are a little more off the beaten track. Choose around 3 – 5 between both of the lists based on your interests and you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.
The best tourist attractions to visit in Dublin
Guinness Storehouse
Yes, here is a giant cliche (and I absolutely hate cliches), but the Guinness Storehouse is actually a wonderfully fun and interesting experience! If you want to visit the home of the black stuff, and learn how to pour your own pint, then book your Guinness Storehouse entrance tickets here.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
For anyone with Irish ancestry, a visit to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is an absolute must. Winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction in both 2019 & 2020, this is a fully interactive learning experience that explores the issue and impact that Irish emigration had on Ireland and the rest of the world.
Book your skip the line EPIC ticket here.
Trinity College & the Book of Kells
Ireland is known as the land of saints and scholars, and our literary heritage started all the way back with the production of the 8th century AD Book of Kells. Extremely ornate, with beautiful illustrations, this illuminated manuscript is housed in the Old Library of the illustrious Trinity College Dublin.
Book your early access, fast track entry ticket here.
Kilmainham Gaol
An extremely important talisman in Irish political independence is Kilmainham Gaol. Here, the rebels of the 1916 Rising were imprisoned and executed and many other important political prisoners were incarcerated here during its lifetime.
A spine-tingling visit, but for me, one of the best things to do in Dublin, with a great exhibition that takes you succinctly through Ireland’s history and quest for independence from Britain.
The National Gallery
I love the Irish National Gallery. Set within the beautiful, Georgian architecture of Merrion Square, the gallery is home to the best collection of Irish art in the world.
There is also an impressive set of European art and, set over four floors, the National Gallery often features extremely worthwhile travelling exhibitions. The best thing is that entrance is free – so you can spend as little, or as long as you want here without feeling guilty.
Dublin off the beaten track – exploring some Dublin hidden gems
MoLI – Museum of Literature Ireland
Located in a classical Georgian building home on St. Stephen’s Green, the Dublin Writers Museum is the place to go if you’re keen to deepen your knowledge of Dublin’s literary heritage.
Experience Ireland’s literary history through engaging exhibitions showcasing the nation’s renowned writers, including an in-depth exploration of James Joyce’s Dublin.
Discover rare and significant pieces from the National Library of Ireland, offering a glimpse into the country’s literary past. The journey culminates in peaceful gardens, where you can relax and reflect on Ireland’s rich literary contributions.
There’s also a lovely café on site (worth popping in for alone), and they also run historical house tours, as the building the museum in housed in is historically significant, featuring stuccowork by the famous Lafranchini brothers, and having included amongst its past residents the infamous Buck Whaley.
If you want to discover more of Dublin’s literary heritage and have a bit of craic at the same time, then check out this Dublin literary pub crawl.
National Museum of History and Archaeology
The National Museum of History and Archaeology is a history lover’s paradise, and has to rank amongst the top things to do in Ireland for history lovers.
Featuring displays that include prehistoric Ireland, the museum is home to some of Ireland’s ‘bog bodies’ (ie Iron Age bodies found perfectly preserved in bogs), together with impressive Viking gold hordes and church treasures, such as the Ardagh Chalice.
If you’d like to tour the museum under the tutelage of an expert guide, you can book a guided tour here.
Dublin Docklands
This is the more modern part of Dublin that I referenced earlier on in this post! To soak up some of Dublin’s more modern architecture, walk along the Liffey to Dublin’s Docklands, taking in features such as the Samuel Beckett Bridge, the Convention Centre and the Famine Memorial.
Walk to Grand Canal Dock (especially cool when lit up at night), where you’ll find the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, as well as the European headquarters of tech giants like Google and Facebook.
14 Henrietta Street
Dublin’s finest Georgian streets started their lives as homes for the elite, before many eventually became slums for Dublin’s poorest citizens. Visit 14 Henrietta Street for a tour to understand how and why, along with what life was like in these redbrick homes.
You can learn more and book your tickets here.
The Grand Canal and Merrion Square
My favourite parts of Dublin are the area that runs along the Grand Canal, from Leeson Street Bridge to Mount Street Bridge, along with Merrion Square. No matter what time of year, I’d highly recommend taking a stroll as the colours and foliage are always different.
Just before you reach Mount Street Bridge, take a left at Huband Bridge, making your way past the Pepper Canister Church and along the wonderfully Georgian Mount Street Upper. You’ll reach the beautiful Merrion Square, where you can enjoy the park and admire the doors of the houses that line the square.
FOODIE TIPs for dublin
For glorious, upmarket toasties made with artisanal ingredients, along with a curated selection of natural wines, head to Loose Cannon on trendy Drury Street. In the evening, get settled in Delahunt, a relaxed, contemporary restaurant in a restored Victorian building.
When you’ve eaten, head to the Living Room bar upstairs, a delightful speakeasy complete with antique wooden bar and bay window seats. I’ve also written an in-depth article on the best restaurants in Dublin for foodies, which you can read here.
Where to stay in Dublin
Lap of Luxury
The Shelbourne
The Shelbourne is an institution in Dublin and is also absolutely timeless. This Grand Dame with old world style occupies one of Dublin’s most prime pieces of real estate, right on St. Stephen’s Green with views onto the park.
*****
Boutique Bolthole
The Wilder
A beautiful, four star boutique hotel with gorgeous interiors that is conveniently located a 5 minute walk from St. Stephen’s Green.
*****
Luxe for less
Number 31
For a stylish stay in a gorgeous Dublin townhouse, opt for the splendid Number 31, voted as having the best Guesthouse breakfast in Ireland and located close to St. Stephen’s Green.
When to pick up your rental car
If you’ve chosen to rent a car (which I recommend), then it’s up to you as to whether you want to pick it up from Dublin Airport or City Centre.
The airport will be more convenient, but you’ll have to factor in parking in Dublin (most accommodation will have parking facilities closeby they can direct you to, some (although rare enough) may offer their own parking).
You will likely not need your car while in Dublin, though.
Driving in Dublin isn’t any worse than in other cities (and it’s nothing like Rome, for example) – but there are some narrow streets and some one-way routes to manoeuvre, however.
Day 2: Glendalough, Kilkenny (overnight in Thomastown or Kilkenny)
Glendalough
(Driving time from Dublin: 1 hour)
I’d suggest starting off early on day 2 of your Ireland 7 day itinerary. Your first stop is Glendalough in County Wicklow and I’d allocate a good portion of your morning to discovering this serenely beautiful spot.
It was here, at the base of a glaciated valley, that one of Ireland’s most famous saints – Saint Kevin – founded a monastery in the 6th century, that soon became one of the most important religious centres in Europe. Its ruins, including a fantastic round tower, are now dotted around the site.
The real cherry on top, however, are the astoundingly beautiful natural surroundings of the area.
Steep forest looms over a misty lake below and there are numerous walking trails of various lengths to be discovered. Try and do the loop that brings you up through the forest and around the perimeter of the lake – it takes around 1.5 – 2 hours to complete.
Kilkenny
(Driving time from Glendalough: 1 hour 20 minutes)
Provided that you went to Glendalough early, you should reach Kilkenny around, or a little after lunchtime.
Kilkenny is a unique town to Ireland, in that many of its medieval features are extremely well preserved and so visually, it is different to other towns and cities in Ireland.
Is Kilkenny Ireland worth visiting? Absolutely, especially if you appreciate well-preserved medieval charm and a unique atmosphere.
After a solid feed (see foodie tip below), your first port of call should be the majestic Kilkenny Castle, a former Norman stronghold and former home to the Butler dynasty that ruled much of the South East of Ireland for many centuries.
Tour the inside of the castle and explore the extensive grounds of the Castle Park, a walled demesne that extends to 50 acres and includes a mixture of formal and informal parkland and terraced gardens.
Pop across the road afterwards to the Kilkenny Design Centre for a browse and grab a scone and a quick cup of tea to keep you going.
Later, learn more about Kilkenny’s medieval history in the Medieval Mile Museum and wander the atmospheric streets and alleyways. You can buy your Medieval Mile Museum tickets in advance here.
Related reading for Kilkenny:
For the beer fans out there, visit the Smithwick Experience to learn how Kilkenny’s famous (and Ireland’s oldest!) ale is brewed.
If you have time, pop into Rothe House, a 16th century former merchant’s house. Kilkenny is also famous, too, for Saint Canice’s Cathedral and its 100ft round tower, which is Ireland’s best preserved and most impressive medieval cathedral.
If you’re interested in learning more about Kilkenny’s history in a fun and engaging way, you can check out this highly popular Kilkenny walking tour here.
Foodie tips for kilkenny
For a reasonably priced Michelin-star lunch, head to Campagne, which offers French inspired fare.
Those seeking a more brunch-like option should visit Aran Artisan Bakery & Bistro, while those on the hunt for a good steak should visit the aptly named Butcher. New on the scene to Kilkenny, and exceptionally good, is Nóinín.
Kilkenny’s most elegant dining experience is located 20 minutes’ drive away in the manor house at Mount Juliet Estate in Thomastown. The one Michelin star Lady Helen Restaurant offers an exquisite setting, with equally exquisite food.
Where to stay in Kilkenny
Lap of luxury
Mount Juliet Estate
For a grand, Irish country estate experience, I’d strongly encourage you to book a night at the Mount Juliet Estate, located on the outskirts of Thomastown (which is 20 minutes from Kilkenny). This five star luxury resort boasts a stunning manor house, a championship golf course and hundreds of acres to explore.
Boutique Bolthole
Butler House
Set in the former dower house of Kilkenny Castle, this elegant manor house is now a four star, boutique hotel and places you in Kilkenny city centre close to everything you could wish to see.
Day 3: Thomastown, Waterford, Lismore -> Killarney (overnight in Killarney)
The third day of your trip is going to feature several hidden gems that you are unlikely to see on other itineraries.
You will encounter these under the radar spots as you make your way from the south east to the south west of Ireland, passing through quaint Irish villages and resplendently raw Irish countryside.
Thomastown
(Driving time from Kilkenny: 20 minutes/ driving time from Mount Juliet: 5 minutes)
On the morning of day 3 of your itinerary in Ireland, you’re going to start in the small market town of Thomastown in County Kilkenny.
In recent decades, Thomastown has become known as somewhat of an artistic hub. Home to the Grennan Mill Craft School and a range of artisanal stores such as Brid Lyons Ceramics, it’s well worth spending some time in the town.
On the banks of the river Nore at Thomastown are the evocative ruins of Grennan Castle, which are easily reached at the starting point of the Grennan Loop Walk (called Nore Valley Loop Walk on Google Maps).
This walk is also beautiful to take on a nice day and will take you around an hour, bringing you down along the river bank past Grennan Castle and through some gloriously unspoilt Irish woodland.
Close to my family home, it’s one of my favourite places in the world and it’s a secret I am letting you in on!
The majestic ruins of Jerpoint Abbey are also located a couple of minutes drive from Thomastown (on your route to Waterford). Founded in the 12th century, the abbey is one of the best examples of a medieval Cistercian Abbey in Ireland, offering intact ruins and a good visitor centre experience.
Waterford
(Driving time from Thomastown: 35 minutes)
Like Dublin, here is another instance on this Ireland 7 day itinerary where I present you with a choice.
Option one is to visit the Viking city of Waterford. Located on the sea and recognised on the worldwide stage as the hometown of Waterford Crystal, what makes Waterford particularly interesting is its Viking heritage, having been founded by the Vikings in 914AD.
Spend some time in the Viking Triangle, located in Waterford’s city centre to stop off to take in Reginald’s Tower a memory from your 7 days in Ireland that you won’t forget, undertake the Viking Experience, which is the world’s first virtual reality viking experience that takes place in a reconstructed Viking long house.
Take this guided tour of the Viking Triangle if you’d like to learn more about Irish invasions and battles and to see some of Waterford’s most important archaeological treasures.
Option 2 is to skip the city of Waterford and make your way, instead, to the gardens at Mount Congreve, situated just on the outskirts of Waterford city.
Appended to a grandiose Georgian manor, these spectacular 70 acres of woodland gardens offer 16km of walking trails and different garden sections, including a Georgian glasshouse, a classical temple and a Chinese pagoda, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the river Suir.
Lismore
(Driving time from Waterford: 1 hour)
From Waterford (or Mount Congreve), you will next make your way to the heritage town of Lismore, passing through some sublime parts of the Irish countryside.
Foodie tip for waterford
40 minutes into your drive to Lismore, make a quick detour into the seaside town of Dungarvan for lunch at The Tannery.
Located in a former leather factory, The Tannery packs some hefty credentials, being owned and operated by famous Irish chef Paul Flynn and his wife Máire and serving up a constantly changing menu that reflects seasonal ingredients and top quality, local produce.
After you pass through the lovely little hillside village of Cappoquin, you will shortly enter Lismore. The first thing you will notice on your left is the dominant edifice that is Lismore Castle hovering mightily against a cloud of greenery above the river and town below.
Instead of continuing straight over the bridge and into the town, however, you are first going to take the road to the right, that after a couple of minutes, leads you down to the carpark at Ballysaggartmore Towers.
After a short stroll through rustling Irish woodland, you will stumble upon both the gothic towers, which were built as elaborate entrance gateways, and a separate folly located a short distance away.
The story of the towers is a sad one – built by a social climbing Anglo-Irish landlord who was attempting to upgrade his house, he bankrupted himself while building just the gates and ended up evicting many tenants in the midst of the Great Famine in the 1840’s in order to try and pay for them.
Plan to spend around an hour at the towers if the weather is good, before making your way back into Lismore town (where you are allowed to cross the bridge this time!). You will be making your way to visit Lismore Castle, which is the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire.
The castle still operates as a private home (although available for exclusive rent, should you have a large budget), but you can pay a visit to the Lismore Castle Art Gallery, which is housed in the once-derelict West wing of the castle.
There is one major exhibition hosted there per year, as well as tours, workshops and other arts related events throughout the year. Visitors can also enjoy a walk through the castle gardens, where several pieces of contemporary sculpture have been installed on permanent display.
EDITOR’S NOTE | I’ve included this day 3 in place of the popular detour of Blarney Castle (which I don’t entirely rate, personally – I think it’s a bit of a tourist trap).
If you still want to incorporate an iconic Irish site, then I’d highly recommend you visit the Rock of Cashel instead.
It would mean skipping your morning in Thomastown and or Waterford/Mount Congreve, but if you don’t dally too much, you’ll be able to take in Lismore Castle and Ballysaggartmore as well.
It would take your road time from Kilkenny to Killarney from around 3 hours to 3.5 hours (plus time for sightseeing) if you incorporate Lismore.
Onwards to Killarney
(Driving time from Lismore to Killarney: 1 hour 45 minutes)
It will be close to evening by now and you are going to finish out day 3 of your 7 day tour of Ireland with a drive to Killarney.
The drive will take you from the county of Waterford, through the county of Cork, before you cross the border into Kerry and arrive at Killarney in time to grab something to eat and settle into your accommodation.
Where to stay in Killarney
Lap of luxury
Aghadoe Heights
Aghadoe Heights is a 5 star hotel in Killarney that offers outstanding views and extremely attentive, friendly service. I had a fantastic, relaxing stay at this hotel. For unparalleled views of the lakes of Killarney from the comfort of your own bedroom, I would highly recommend booking a lake view room.
*****
Boutique bolthole
Cahernane House
If you’re looking for a boutique, manor house hotel option in Killarney, then I would highly recommend Cahernane House Hotel. You can read my review here. I had an amazing stay at this refined, classy hotel, located just on the edge of Killarney National Park close to the Killarney lakes.
*****
Luxe for less
Killarney Glamping at the Grove
Those looking for somewhere a little more rustic, but still a little bit luxe to stay in Killarney should consider Killarney Glamping at the Grove. Aimed towards couples, it’s a romantic spot to soak up the beautiful natural surroundings of Killarney National Park.
Day 4: Killarney National Park (overnight in Killarney)
Killarney National Park
(Driving time: nil, as you’ll already be there!)
The Killarney National Park offers up some of the best scenery that you are likely to encounter during your 7 day trip to Ireland.
I’ve extensively covered the best things to do in Killarney in another post. You should refer to this to choose what you would best like to cover off during your day in Killarney.
Truth be told, Killarney and its surroundings almost deserves a week in Ireland in itself, but you can get a decent taste of what this beautiful region of Ireland holds in a day.
If you’d like something a little more prescriptive, then below is a one day Killarney National Park itinerary to maximise your time and see many of Killarney’s key highlights:
- Start off with a visit to the Gap of Dunloe. Get this tour in the morning. You will see the Gap of Dunloe and get a lake tour, with no faffing around with logistics, which the tour operator will sort for you.
- The boat will let you off at Ross Castle. If interested, do a quick tour to see what life in a medieval Irish castle was like.
- By now, it will be early afternoon. Make your way into Killarney town, grab something super quick for lunch and then hire a bike.
- Make your way down Muckross Road and enter Killarney National Park.
- Stop off at Muckross Abbey to have a look and take some pictures.
- Next up is Muckross House & Gardens and/or Muckross Traditional Farms, depending on opening hours (check these before going!!), time of day and your own personal interests.
- From here, you’re then going to cycle the Muckross Loop. This will take you around an hour, maybe a bit longer depending on how much you stop.
Take in some of the sandy beaches, Bricin Bridge, Dinis Cottage, Old Weir Bridge and the Meeting of the Waters. If you need refreshments, Dinis Cottage is a good option. - Finally, once you end the Muckross Loop, you’ll stumble upon the entrance to Torc Waterfall – use this as your opportunity to view the same!
I recognise that the above is quite jam-packed and if you’d like a slightly more relaxing time in Killarney during your 7 days in Ireland, then cut out one or two stops in the above.
You’ll likely spend much of your day outdoors exploring, especially in summer when it will be bright until 9/10pm.
Taking the above into account, you will overnight once more in Killarney.
OPTION TO EXTEND YOUR TIME | The Iveragh Peninsula (where Killarney is located) is a great point at which to extend your trip, if you have the opportunity.
This I would do to drive the Ring of Kerry. Most of its highlights can be seen in a day, but I’d recommend staying a night or two somewhere along the peninsula if you can afford the time in your itinerary for a greater immersion.
Posts to read:
- Driving the Ring of Kerry: top tips and advice
- Ring of Kerry highlights: what you must see on the route
Day 5: Dingle Peninsula (overnight in Adare)
Dingle town
(Driving time from Killarney: 1 hour 5 minutes)
On day 5 of your 7 day itinerary for Ireland, you will depart Killarney and make your way around the Wild Atlantic coast to the charming seaside town of Dingle.
On your drive to Dingle, I would implore you to stop off at the magnificent Inch Beach, which without shadow of a doubt, is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Ireland.
No matter what kind of weather, the colours here are always absolutely incredible and it is a sight that is good for the soul!
This 5km sand spit is home to a surf school, and a whole range of other seaside-related sports and activities including windsurfing, kayaking, kite surfing…even hangliding.
When you arrive in Dingle, take a little bit of time to wander its colourful streets and pop into some of it’s wonderfully artisanal local stores. Grab a cup of coffee, and then get read to hop back into the car, as you’re next heading on a Slea Head Drive road trip!
Foodie tips for dingle (part 1)
If you are seeking some quality coffee and/or brunch, then Dingle has two awesome choices in My Boy Blue and Bean in Dingle.
Those who are fiends for some cheese, will find a brilliant Irish cheese store in The Little Cheese Shop.
Right next door is Bácús Bakery, which sells delicious sourdough bread – these two are a match made in heaven, methinks!
Slea Head Drive
Many visiting Ireland choose to skip the Slea Head Drive in place of the Ring of Kerry, and why you would do so is really beyond me. One of those places that you have to see in person to fully appreciate, this relatively short stretch of road along the Atlantic coastline is one of the best scenic loops in Ireland.
There are lots of things to see along the way while driving the Slea Head Drive, which I will outline below and I would suggest factoring in around half a day at least to explore.
First up, are the Fahan Beehive Huts. These are ancient houses made solely from stacked rings of stone without any mortar.
The fact that they are still standing, perhaps more than 1,000 years after they were built is truly remarkable, especially when you factor in the often harsh weather conditions along the Atlantic coast.
Admission is handled by the landowner and it costs a couple of Euros to visit – make sure to have spare change.
An important relic from Ireland’s Iron Age, Dunbeg Fort is a dramatic promontory fort that juts out over the churning waves below. Dating from 500BC and with panoramic views of the sea, there is also an audio-visual visitor’s centre should you wish to learn more.
Possibly the best place to stop off for exceptional views of the Atlantic ocean and the jagged coastline is Slea Head itself. Marked by a crucifix and with beautiful views of the Blasket Islands, be careful pulling over here as it’s on a bend.
Next up are Coumeenole Beach and the closely located Dunquin Harbour. A gloriously picturesque beach, sheltered amongst soaring cliffs topped with a patchwork of field and stone, Coumeenole is famous for the part it played in 1970’s movie Ryan’s Daughter.
Dunquin, meanwhile, is probably the most identifiable spot along the Slea Head drive and fans of Star Wars may be quick to recognise it. There are also a number of scattered ruined cottages around here that were abandoned during the famine.
From Dunquin, you can get a ferry out to the Blasket Islands – however, with only 7 days in Ireland, it is unlikely that you will have time for this if you would like to complete this 7 day itinerary, Ireland in full. An extremely worthwhile stop off, however, is the Blasket Centre, located at Dunquin too.
The Blasket Centre documents the lives of the islanders on this harsh, beautiful isle before it was abandoned in 1953 as conditions became more and more inhospitable and as the island saw a mass exodus of its younger population.
The centre explores the rich, literary legacy that was left by the islanders and explores the impact of migration, both to the island and on the places these resilient islanders ended up (many in the United States).
A fascinating couple of hours that are definitely worth factoring in to your Slea Head Drive itinerary.
Finally, as you begin to complete the loop and face back towards Dingle, you will find Gallarus Oratory sitting in the shadow of Mount Brandon. Shaped like an upturned boat, it is one of Ireland’s best preserved early Christian churches.
Back to Dingle
Depending on how long you spent along the Slea Head Drive, you’ll probably be back in Dingle from early- mid afternoon.
The Dingle Distillery produces an award winning whisky, along with a highly successful gin as well. Their distillery tour and tasting is extremely informative, good fun and you also get to sample some products!
Otherwise, Dingle is renowned for its pubs and you’ve without a doubt earned one after your day of sightseeing (unless you’re the designated driver – sorry)!
Two of Dingle’s best pubs are Dingle institution Dick Macks, along with Foxy John’s, a hardware-store-come-pub. Both are traditional Irish pubs and are great craic!
Foodie tips for dingle (part 2)
For the freshest of Irish seafood that you’re likely to sample during your Ireland 7 day road trip, I have two recommendations. Firstly, is Out of the Blue.
This restaurant serves up only fresh fish caught from Dingle Harbour, with an ever changing menu that never fails to delight.
Secondly, is the more casual option of The Fish Box.
The best ‘fast food’ you are ever likely to have, the menu features a vast range of seafood prepared in umpteen different ways (crab spring rolls, anybody?!), all caught in Dingle Bay from the family’s fishing trawler.
Onwards to Adare
(Driving time from Dingle to Adare: 1 hour 50 minutes)
While it might be very tempting to lose yourself in the lively atmosphere of Dingle’s pubs, you will be spending the night in Adare. In doing this, you save yourself a 3+ hour drive to the Cliffs of Moher in the morning.
Adare is a heritage town in County Limerick, that boasts thatched cottages and a position as one of Ireland’s most prettiest villages.
Where to stay in Adare
Lap of Luxury
Adare Manor
Adare Manor is a grand, neo-Gothic mansion that is one of Ireland’s most luxurious 5 star hotels. Boasting a Michelin star restaurant, golf course and a range of outdoor activities, a stay here will really not fail to impress.
*****
Boutique Bolthole
The Dunraven
Situated right in the heart of Adare village, this family run hotel is cosy and inviting. Impeccably furnished with antique pieces, rooms offer a view over the thatched cottages of Adare.
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher, Doolin & the Burren (overnight in County Clare)
Lahinch
(Driving time from Adare to Lahinch: 1 hour 5 minutes)
The beach at Lahinch is a surfer’s paradise.
Located a few minutes’ drive from the Cliffs of Moher, this is a must-do for any surfer on your Ireland 7 day itinerary, as at Lahinch, you will experience some of the best waves in the world.
There are plenty of vendors to rent boards from and prepare to wrap up and wear a wetsuit if you plan on hitting the waves!
Note: you may very well have to skip the Burren, or have a very early start from Adare if you want to fit this in.
(Driving time from Lahinch to the Cliffs of Moher: 12 minutes)
Cliffs of Moher
One of your final port of calls on your 7 day Ireland road trip are the Cliffs of Moher. Let’s call a spade a spade; if visiting from abroad, images of these majestic, sweeping cliffs and the churlish, churning waters that lie at their feet are likely one of the main things that brought you to Ireland.
A rather nice way to approach the Cliffs of Moher, rather than arriving at the manic car park and visitor centre, is via the Cliffs of Moher Liscannor Walk (Google coordinates here).
You can park your car for about €3 and it will take you around 15 minutes to walk to the viewing point at Hag’s Head – you can also continue further along the cliffs towards the visitor centre if you like.
An unforgettable way to view the cliffs is from the sea. You can book a Cliffs of Moher Cruise here.
Doolin
(Driving time from the Cliffs of Moher to Doolin: 10 minutes)
Gateway to the Cliffs of Moher, is the lively and extremely colourful village of Doolin. Renowned as a center of traditional Irish music, you can also walk from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher via the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Route, a spectacular cliff walk of about 16km.
The Burren
(Driving time from Doolin to The Burren: 10 minutes)
The Burren is Ireland’s most famous geopark and is an area that is covered in a vast karst landscape of bedrock. An area of extreme biodiversity, it is also home to over 70% of Ireland’s flora and fauna.
The Buren is also of extreme archaeological importance documenting the evidence of some of Ireland’s earliest settlers, with over 2,700 documented monuments in the area, with some of these being an incredible 6,000 years old.
Discover the diverse flaura and fauna under the tutelage of an experienced guide with this Burren walking tour.
u003cstrongu003eFoodie Tips for Clareu003c/strongu003e
The Wild Honey Inn is Ireland’s only Michelin-starred gastro-pub and this well priced menu showcases the best of Irish produce, with ingredients sourced locally from land and sea.
Head to the Burren Smokehouse to pick up incredible smoked salmon and mackerel. You can even learn how to smoke your own salmon there, should you wish!
You’ll also find some of Ireland’s best crab and lobster at Vaughan’s Anchor Inn in Liscannor, amongst other Irish seafood that includes prawn, scallops and oysters – making it a wonderful pitstop.
Where to stay in Clare
Lap of Luxury
Dromoland Castle
Dromoland Castle is a luxurious, 5 star castle hotel in County Clare. Classically finished, there is a spa that includes a pool, sauna and steam room and a range of outdoor activities to keep you occupied.
*****
Boutique Bolthole
Gregan’s Castle Hotel
Gregan’s Castle Hotel is actually not just a castle, but a 15th century tower house and Georgian house combined. Together, these make for an extremely charming combination, offering spectacular views across the Burren.
*****
Luxe for Less
Spanish Point House
Spanish Point House is a gorgeous luxury guest house that is located right beside the beach in County Clare’s Spanish Point. Family run, its beautifully appointed rooms and common areas are exceptionally well finished. It also comes with rave reviews from past and returning guests.
Day 7: Back to Dublin
(Driving time from The Burren to Dublin: 3 hours)
Day 7 marks the final day of your journey through Ireland. Make your way back to Dublin at your leisure. Depending on your flights home, you may have accounted for an additional night in Ireland.
If so, great! You’ll have time to explore some more of Dublin as per my recommendations above.
If you’re all toured out, then no problem!
Simply wander the streets of Dublin city centre to soak up the lively atmosphere – I’d recommend the area of Grafton Street, South Anne Street, George’s Street, Drury Street and Fade Street for the best buzz.
Depending on how your first day in Ireland fell, or if you want to spend more time outside of Dublin, you could also use this additional time to extend your visit anywhere in the destinations I’ve included.
Options to extend your 7 day Ireland itinerary
You may find yourself in Ireland for 10 days, or even longer you lucky thing you!
If you are seeking ways to extend your 7 day trip, one option is to spend more time in one of the destinations I have mentioned above.
For this, I’d recommend spending more time in Kerry, which would allow you to explore more of the Iveragh Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry (go, for example to see the Skellig Islands and Kerry Cliffs), or the Dingle Peninsula.
Another option if you find yourself with 10 days in Ireland is to add Galway, Connemara and/or the Aran Islands to your Ireland itinerary.
Finally, if you find yourself with 2 weeks in Ireland (or more), then make your way further north along the Wild Atlantic Way through Mayo and Sligo, until you reach Donegal and the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland.
For further inspiration and to see all the posts I’ve written on my homeland to date, check out the Ireland page on this blog.
Practical tips for your 7 days in Ireland
When is the best time to go to Ireland?
Only a madman or an eskimo would come to Ireland for the weather, so with that in mind – there’s no real bad time to visit Ireland.
That being said, winter in Ireland can get pretty cold and also features a lot of rainfall. What is the rainiest month in Ireland? That would be a tie between December and January!
Some tourist attractions might have limited opening hours and daylight hours are seriously limited late November through to mid January too. So I’d probably steer clear of winter.
Spring in Ireland is really quite beautiful. Technically February through April, early spring is still cold and wet but blooms burst forth in Ireland come April time and the country is a riot of green.
In terms of daylight, the longest days for sightseeing are May/June/July but come July and August, all schools are on summer holidays in Ireland. It is also Ireland’s busiest time for tourists making things a little bit, well, crowded and definitely more expensive (some of Ireland’s hotels, in fact, eye-wateringly so).
So that leaves us, then, with the very best months to visit Ireland: May, June and September. Weather will be pleasant (but very rarely scorching, 22 degrees celsius would be close to a heat wave in Ireland!).
Daylight will last well into the evening – as late as 10pm in June. All hotels, attractions, restaurants etc will be open but not quite at full capacity, meaning you’ve hit your sweet spot for when to visit Ireland.
What should I pack for Ireland
Your personal fashion tastes aside, I would at the very least ensure that you are prepared for the weather!
The weather in Ireland is very changeable and there is of course, plenty of that rain that Ireland is famous for. If you’re spending a week in Ireland, it would be highly unusual if at least one day of that week didn’t feature at least a bit of rain (why do you think the place is so green?!).
Make sure to pack a waterproof jacket. Here, I would defer you to my cherished Lululemon, whose jackets are functional but oh so stylish.
Secondly, make sure your feet won’t get wet. Pack a good pair of flat boots for walking in, or better yet, combine style with practicality and bring a pair of Hunter wellies with you (who also have some snazzy rain jackets too, by the way)!
Tips for booking the right accommodation in Ireland
I wholeheartedly stand over all suggestions in this post for accommodation – all of them are fabulous choices for the luxury traveller that also make sense for this itinerary. They also take into consideration options for when you might want to reign in the budget, but also those where you can go all out!
The standard of hospitality in Ireland is great, whether that’s in a five star hotel or a family run guesthouse and popular accommodation books up fast. When you find somewhere you like, make sure to act on it quickly to save disappointment at a later date, as where you stay can really make or break a trip.
You’ll find the majority of Irish hotels and guesthouses will be listed on booking.com ahead of any other platform, so this is the best place to start any search. You can check reviews and also see if properties are listed on any other hotel booking search engines that you’d prefer to book with on Tripadvisor.
How to fly into Ireland
The vast majority of visitors coming to Ireland from abroad will arrive into Dublin Airport, which is located just to the north on the outskirts of Dublin city.
Note that there is no train from the airport to Dublin City Centre, but there are plenty of buses and gazillions of taxis, which cost around €25-30 to get you into Dublin city centre.
You may also end up flying into Dublin from Shannon Airport. Shannon is located in County Clare and if that is the case, start your 7 day Ireland itinerary there and work your way around my suggested route in reverse.
Better yet, if you can fly into Dublin Airport and out of Ireland via Shannon, then you save yourself the drive from Clare to Dublin Airport – it’s not the end of the world if you can’t, however!
Travelling to Ireland? You might also like:
Dublin
- DUBLIN ITINERARY| Best 2 Days In Dublin Itinerary – A Local’s Guide To Dublin’s Fair City
- DUBLIN FOOD GUIDE | Insider’s Guide: The Best Restaurants In Dublin For Foodies
- IS DUBLIN WORTH VISITING | Is Dublin Worth Visiting? A Local’s 17 Pros (+ 5 Cons)
Killarney & Ring of Kerry
- KILLARNEY | A Curated Guide Of The Best Things To Do In Killarney Ireland
- RING OF KERRY DRIVE | Driving the Ring of Kerry – How to Plan the Ultimate Road Trip
- RING OF KERRY HIGHLIGHTS | Ring of Kerry Highlights – Best Stops & Map [+ bonus detours!]
West of Ireland
- CONNEMARA | The Best Things To Do In Connemara – A Local’s Guide
- SKY ROAD | Driving The Sky Road Clifden – A Short Guide
- WESTPORT | Things To Do In Westport, Ireland – An Irish Heritage Treasure
- CROAGH PATRICK | Essential Tips Before You Climb Croagh Patrick [2024] – Conquer The Reek
General
- IRELAND SHORT BREAK IDEAS | 7 Blissful Ideas For A Wonderful Short Break In Ireland
- IS KILKENNY WORTH VISITING | Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting? A Local’s 16 Pros (+5 Challenges)
- HISTORICAL SITES IN IRELAND | 13 Underrated Historical Sites in Ireland That Tourists Often Miss
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