Our One Week Ireland Itinerary

Welcome to Ireland, a land of lush green landscapes, enchanting castles, lively cities, and warm-hearted people. Here is our one week itinerary to Ireland, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery and castles. Ireland is a destination that captivates travelers from all over the world. If you are planning a week-long adventure in Ireland, this guide will help you make the most of your visit and create unforgettable memories. Find the best places to stay (including castle hotels), discover things to do and what sights to see on your Ireland road trip.

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Day 1: Arrival: Our Ireland Itinerary Begins!

Begin your Irish journey in the bustling capital city of Dublin. The day we landed we were pretty jet-lagged. We chose to spend the day getting settled, walking the city a little and finding a nice dinner. We had an early night so we could be refreshed and ready to rock the next morning.

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.

Where to stay while you’re visiting any country is one of the biggest questions and that’s no different for Ireland. Here are a couple hotel options for those who want to be where a lot of the action is. These two hotels are close to popular attractions like Temple Bar and Trinity College.

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.

Day 2: Discover Dublin’s Charms

Onto day 2 of our one week itinerary to Ireland. Spend the day exploring its historic sites, cultural landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere. Visit Trinity College and gaze upon the awe-inspiring Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating back to the 9th century. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar, known for its lively pubs, street performances, and art galleries. 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.

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

The wild Connemara region has some of Ireland prettiest countryside and is a popular place for sightseeing. Here, you’ll encounter rugged landscapes, serene lakes, and a sense of tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. Explore Connemara National Park, go for a hike in the Twelve Bens mountain range, or take a leisurely drive through the picturesque countryside. Make sure to try some Connemara whiskey, known for its peaty flavor and distinctive character.

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.

After spending the day hiking and driving around, we walked to town (Clifden) and roamed the town and ate supper in an Irish pub.

Ireland’s Castle Hotels

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. 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 is beautiful and a great addition to your 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.

Packing Guide to Ireland [With a Free Printable Packing List]

And on we went to Killarney… The best part of the trip!

Day 5: The Dingle Peninsula (favorite place on this Ireland itinerary)

The Dingle Peninsula is a stunning and rugged region located in County Kerry, Ireland, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its breathtaking coastal scenery, picturesque villages, and rich Gaelic heritage, it offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking along the dramatic cliffs, exploring ancient archaeological sites, and enjoying traditional Irish music and culture. The peninsula is also home to the charming town of Dingle, famous for its vibrant arts scene and its resident population of friendly bottlenose dolphins. My favorite stop along the Dingle Peninsula was Inch Beach. This day was my favorite by far on our whole Ireland itinerary. Next time we come, we will spend a lot more time in Dingle.

Inch Beach is a stunning beach.

The scenery in Dingle, Ireland is filled with lush green landscapes, sheep and scattered castle ruins.

Here is our hotel in Killarney. We stayed here two nights. It was a nice stay. Again, yummy breakfasts (which we found was a theme throughout Ireland).

Fairview Boutique Hotel

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

Our last full day on our one week guide to Ireland, we decided to see what the Ring of Kerry has to offer. In true Irish form, it rained most of the day on our Ring of Kerry day. The Ring of Kerry is a scenic route that winds through rugged mountains, picturesque lakes, and dramatic coastal cliffs. We really did like the Cliffs of Moher, but we LOVED the Kerry Cliffs. We liked them so much more. They are just as dramatic, but less of a tourist attraction. We gravitate towards things that are less popular, so that would explain it.

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

As your week in Ireland comes to an end, take some time to reflect on the wonderful experiences you’ve had in this enchanting country. Spend your last day revisiting your favorite spots, shopping for souvenirs, or simply strolling through the charming streets. Ireland’s magic will linger in your heart long after you leave.

A week in Ireland is just enough to scratch the surface and see the country’s rich tapestry of history, nature, and culture. From vibrant cities to awe-inspiring landscapes, Ireland offers a plethora of experiences that will leave you yearning to return. So, pack your bags, embrace the Irish spirit, and get ready to explore the Emerald Isle – a place that will forever hold a special place in your heart.