Welcome to Ireland, a land of lush green landscapes, enchanting castles, lively cities, and warm-hearted people. Whether you’re dreaming of historic sites, dramatic coastlines, or cozy pubs, this one-week Ireland itinerary will help you uncover the best this captivating country has to offer. Designed as a comprehensive Ireland road trip guide, this itinerary is packed with unforgettable stops, from Ireland castle hotels to the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula. Discover the charm of castles in the Connemara region, explore vibrant cities, and navigate your journey with our detailed Dingle Peninsula attractions map. Let’s dive in and make your Irish adventure truly magical.
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Our Ireland Road Trip Guide
Day 1: Arrival in Dublin for our One-Week Ireland Itinerary
Your one-week Ireland itinerary begins in the bustling capital of Dublin. Arrive, get settled, and explore the city’s vibrant streets. Start with a visit to Trinity College to marvel at the Book of Kells. Wander through Temple Bar for a taste of Dublin’s nightlife and creative energy. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local pub. Rest up for the adventure ahead!
I often use Expedia to book my flights, this trip was no different. I booked a non-stop flight to Dublin. We flew Aer Lingus and give it a high rating. We had no problems and the staff was friendly and welcoming.
For accommodations, consider The Westbury for luxury or the Dublin Citi Hotel for a budget-friendly stay. Both are close to major attractions like Trinity College and Temple Bar, making them perfect starting points for your Ireland road trip guide.
The Westbury is a 5 star, luxury hotel located in the heart of Dublin. It has air conditioning, which is an amenity that you will not always find in Ireland and it important to some people.
For those who still want to be in the city center but aren’t looking for luxury and want to spend less than you would at The Westbury, look into the Dublin Citi Hotel. You won’t get all the amenities that you’d find at The Westbury, but the hotel has a great location to several of Dublin’s attractions.
If you’re interested in more city-centered hotels in Dublin, this post has some of Dublin’s best accommodations, close to restaurants, shops and attractions.
Day 2: Discover Dublin’s Charms
We toured the Guinness Brewery and Jameson Distillery. I highly recommend both locations. After doing a little city tour, we high-tailed it out of town to see the countryside of Ireland. We drove about 4 hours to our castle hotel, The Abbeyglen in Clifden, Ireland. For a truly unique experience, stay in one of the Ireland castle hotels in the Connemara area. The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Clifden offers the perfect combination of historic charm and modern comfort. Relax with a traditional Irish breakfast and take in the serene surroundings.
A popular tour for your Ireland itinerary is The Book of Kells and Dublin Castle. The below tour combines them and fast tracks them. A great way to make this your go-to tour in Dublin.
Looking for more things to do while in Dublin? Here are other tours to add to your Ireland itinerary. We really liked the Guinness and Jameson Tours. A Hop-on Hop-off tour is always an excellent way to get around the city. If you have never done one, basically you buy the ticket and there are certain stops the bus makes throughout the city. You can get on or off at any of those stops. We have done these several times in several different cities. The third link is a walking food tour. Again, I LOVE LOVE walking food tours! You get a taste of what is in the city you’re in. I have done these several times (even in my own hometown!)
Day 3: The Wild Connemara Region
Dedicate your third day to exploring the unspoiled beauty of Connemara. Hike the trails of Connemara National Park or take a leisurely drive along Sky Road, where you’ll encounter breathtaking vistas and plenty of opportunities to spot sheep grazing near castle ruins. This is one of the highlights of any one-week Ireland itinerary and an essential stop in your Ireland road trip guide.
Here are some tour ideas if you’re not planning on driving in Ireland. We rented a car, but since this isn’t an option for everyone, it’s great to have tours available. Be sure to see the castles in this region of Ireland. The Aran Islands is another popular thing to do.
We did a little driving around the Connemara region on this day. That is what is nice about getting a rental car. We were free to design our own itinerary and spend as much time as we wanted at each location. We drove on Sky Road, saw many sheep, and many castles, often just ruins.
For dinner, head to Clifden’s charming town center and enjoy a meal in a cozy Irish pub. Be sure to sample the local whiskey—a perfect way to toast to your adventures in the castles in the Connemara region.
Ireland’s Castle Hotels Including in the Connemara Region
A castle hotel was an experience we had on our Ireland itinerary. We chose The Abbeyglen in Clifden. We had a great stay here. This castle hotel was unique, beautiful and had a great Irish breakfast. I loved the key to our room (pictured below). Abbeyglen is an affordable option, if a castle hotel is on your Ireland itinerary.
There are other castle hotels in this region of Ireland, near Connemara. If you’re not on a budget, you could consider staying at Ashford Castle. This majestic castle is located north of Galway. This 5-star hotel is nothing but amazing. You will be awe-struck by the scenery, the service, and luxury of this lakefront estate.
Day 4: Kylemore Abbey, Galway’s Charismatic Charm, and Cliffs of Moher
If you wish to see an amazing castle in Ireland, the Kylemore Abbey, located in the Connemara region, is beautiful and a great addition to your one-week itinerary. Kylemore Abbey is a stunning Gothic Revival castle and former monastery established by Benedictine nuns. Originally built by Mitchell Henry as a romantic gift for his wife, the estate features a beautifully maintained gardens and even a church. I love going to places like this and just imagining what it was like living there all those many years ago.
We had lunch and walked around Galway for a while, discovering all the charm this Ireland village has to see. Galway is a city brimming with bohemian spirit, colorful storefronts, and a lively arts scene. Explore Galway’s Latin Quarter, shop for unique handicrafts, and savor the fresh seafood in the city’s excellent restaurants. Oh how I loved Galway. Next time I will spend a little more time here.
Next on the itinerary, venture to witness one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks – the Cliffs of Moher. Marvel at the sheer cliffs plunging dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean and soak in the awe-inspiring natural beauty. They were truly amazing and pictures do not do them justice.
And on we went to Killarney… The best part of the trip!
Day 5: The Dingle Peninsula (Favorite Place on this Ireland Itinerary) with Map of Dingle Peninsula Attractions
No one-week Ireland itinerary is complete without exploring the Dingle Peninsula. Use our Dingle Peninsula attractions map to plan your day and ensure you don’t miss highlights like Inch Beach, Slea Head Drive, and the charming town of Dingle. The rugged coastal scenery and rich Gaelic heritage make this a favorite destination for travelers. Be sure to keep an eye out for castle ruins along the way.
Inch Beach is a stunning beach.
The scenery in Dingle, Ireland is filled with lush green landscapes, sheep and scattered castle ruins.
Spend the night in Killarney, where you’ll find excellent accommodations like the Fairview Boutique Hotel. For a luxurious option, consider the Muckross Park Hotel and Spa.
Interested in other hotels in the Killarney area? Consider the Muckross Park Hotel and Spa. This 5 star hotel offers hiking, a gym, 2 restaurants and, of course, a spa.
Another great option is the Killarney Towers Hotel. This 4 star hotel is centrally located and offers comfortable rooms.
Day 6: The Mystical Beauty of County Kerry
Your Ireland road trip guide now takes you along the Ring of Kerry, a scenic route filled with dramatic landscapes and charming villages. While the Cliffs of Moher are spectacular, many travelers prefer the quieter beauty of the Kerry Cliffs. Enjoy the stunning views, fewer crowds, and the serene atmosphere of this hidden gem.
We really did like the Cliffs of Moher, but we LOVED the Kerry Cliffs. They are just as dramatic, but less of a tourist attraction. We gravitate towards things that are less popular, so that would explain it.
Some of Ireland’s best excursions are in County Kerry. If you’re wondering where to visit in Ireland, County Kerry is not to be missed.
Day 7: Farewell, Ireland: Last Day on the Itinerary
Day 7: Farewell, Ireland
On your final day, take time to revisit your favorite spots or enjoy a leisurely morning exploring a nearby village. As your one-week Ireland itinerary comes to a close, let the memories of Ireland’s castles, landscapes, and warm hospitality linger in your heart. From the castles in the Connemara region to the attractions outlined in the Dingle Peninsula map, this trip has showcased the very best of Ireland’s charm and beauty.
Pack your bags, set your GPS, and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime. Whether it’s your first visit or a return journey, Ireland’s magic will have you yearning to come back again and again.
10 Responses
Loved the itinerary, however, this is our 1st trip to Ireland and we would like to explore the northern border part of the country. Flying into Dublin and flying out of Dublin 8 days later.
Any chance you might have an itinerary for that region?
Unfortunately, not yet. I will be exploring Northern Ireland in the fall, so I will have one in several months. I never like to put out itineraries, unless I’ve personally been there, so stay tuned!
So u cannot help me with my trip on the northern and western coast?
This itinerary is perfect for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Ireland’s natural beauty and culture. You’ve provided a well-rounded mix of iconic sites and hidden gems, making it ideal for both first-time visitors and repeat travelers!