Welcome to Ireland, a land of rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, and a rich history that makes it an unforgettable destination. Whether you’re drawn to historic castles, breathtaking landscapes, or lively pubs with traditional music, this 7 day itinerary to Ireland will take you through some of the country’s most spectacular sights. From where to stay on the the vibrant streets of Galway, Ireland to the scenic beauty of the Dingle Peninsula Drive, this trip is designed to showcase the very best of the Emerald Isle. Venture out to see beautiful castles from old ruins to the famous Kylemore Abbey in the Connemara region of Ireland. Now, let’s hit the road and explore!
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Table of contents
- A 7 Day Ireland Itinerary Road Trip Map
- Day 1: Arrival in Dublin for our 7 Day Ireland Itinerary
- Day 2: Discover Dublin’s Charms then Drive to Clifden for Castles and Coastal Views
- Day 3: Exploring Connemara & Kylemore Abbey one of Ireland’s Iconic Castles
- Day 4: Galway to Cliffs of Moher to Killarney , An Iconic Stop for a 7 Days in Ireland
- Day 5: The Dingle Peninsula Drive(Favorite Place on this Ireland Itinerary) with Map of Dingle Peninsula Attractions
- Day 6: County Kerry & Ring of Kerry Adventure
- Day 7: Farewell, Ireland: Last Day on the Itinerary
- Final Thoughts & Travel Tips for this 7 Days in Ireland
A 7 Day Ireland Itinerary Road Trip Map
Day 1: Arrival in Dublin for our 7 Day Ireland Itinerary
Our adventure kicked off in Dublin, Ireland’s buzzing capital. After landing from our overnight flight, we picked up our rental car and headed into Dublin’s city center to find our accommodations. Due to jet lag, we started our travels with a short snooze before diving into this city’s charms. Exploring Trinity College and the stunning Book of Kells exhibit is a great place to start your adventure. Stroll through Temple Bar, where cobblestone streets lead to lively pubs serving up traditional Irish fare.
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.
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.
Day 2: Discover Dublin’s Charms then Drive to Clifden for Castles and Coastal Views
Explore the historic Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that played a significant role in Ireland’s fight for independence, offering a deep dive into the country’s history. Book tickets in advance, as this attraction does tend to sell out. For a peaceful escape from the city’s lively streets, take a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, a picturesque park filled with lush greenery, winding paths, and charming fountains. No visit to Dublin is complete without a stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the brewing process, enjoy interactive exhibits, and sip a perfectly poured pint while taking in panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar. Pair the Guinness tour with the Jameson Distillery. We did both and highly recommend.
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!)
Head out of Dublin:
After soaking in the city vibes, it’s time to head west toward the breathtaking Connemara region. The drive to Clifden is filled with scenic landscapes, charming villages, and castle ruins dotting the countryside. If you have time stop into Galway Ireland for a little shopping, coffee, or to check out a classic Irish Pub. One of the highlights of this journey is a stay in an authentic castle hotel—The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Clifden offers a magical overnight experience. If staying in an Ireland castle hotel is on your bucket list, this is your chance!
Day 3: Exploring Connemara & Kylemore Abbey one of Ireland’s Iconic Castles
Today, set off to explore the rugged beauty of Connemara National Park, home to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes.
Here are some tour ideas if you’re not planning on driving in Ireland during your 7 day stay. 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.
Take a scenic drive along Sky Road for breathtaking coastal views. Having a rental car is the best way to tour this area (and the rest of Ireland. 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.
Kylemore Abbey is one of the most picturesque castles in the country of Ireland. This fairy-tale-like castle is surrounded by lush gardens and a peaceful lake, making it a must-see stop on your 1 week itinerary Ireland adventure.
After touring Ireland’s famous castle, Kylemore Abbey, 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 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: Galway to Cliffs of Moher to Killarney, An Iconic Stop for a 7 Days in Ireland
Galway is a town in Ireland that is full of charm, and its colorful streets are perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. Explore the Latin Quarter, listen to live music from talented street performers, and grab a bite at a cozy café.
During this region of our trip, we chose to stay in Clifden, which is more quaint and small compared to Galway. If you’re looking for a little bigger town, with more options, Galway is a great choice for a place to stay in Ireland. Wondering about Galway Ireland where to stay? The Hardiman offers a stylish and central option, while The House Hotel provides a boutique experience.
After soaking in Galway’s lively atmosphere, take a drive to the legendary Cliffs of Moher for a breathtaking sunset view before heading toward Killarney for the night. 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! We spent the next two nights 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 5: The Dingle Peninsula Drive(Favorite Place on this Ireland Itinerary) with Map of Dingle Peninsula Attractions
One of the most unforgettable experiences in Ireland is the Dingle Peninsula Drive, a winding coastal route packed with jaw-dropping scenery, ancient ruins, and charming seaside villages. Drive past Inch Beach, explore historic beehive huts, and stop at Slea Head for some of the best panoramic views in the country. Explore Dingle, a lively town known for its friendly pubs and fresh seafood.
Inch Beach is a stunning beach.
The scenery in Dingle, Ireland is filled with lush green landscapes, sheep and scattered castle ruins.
Looking for where to stay in Dingle on your 7 day itinerary to Ireland? The Dingle Skellig Hotel offers fantastic views, while Greenmount House provides a cozy and welcoming stay.
Day 6: County Kerry & Ring of Kerry Adventure
Today, take a scenic drive through the famous Ring of Kerry, a route filled with rugged coastal cliffs, rolling mountains, and picturesque villages. If you loved the Cliffs of Moher, you’ll be blown away by the quieter but equally stunning Kerry Cliffs. This hidden gem offers fewer crowds but just as much dramatic beauty.
County Kerry is home to breathtaking landscapes beyond the famous Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry. Explore the stunning Gap of Dunloe, a glacial valley with dramatic mountain scenery, winding roads, and picturesque lakes best experienced by hiking, cycling, or a traditional jaunting car ride. Visit the charming town of Kenmare, known for its colorful streets, artisan shops, and fantastic seafood restaurants. For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to Valentia Island, where you can discover ancient tetrapod footprints, visit the Skellig Experience Centre, and take in sweeping coastal views. And don’t forget about Killarney National Park. There is so much to see and do in County Kerry. We only had 2 nights here, but could have easily used more time.
Day 7: Farewell, Ireland: Last Day on the Itinerary
On your final day, take in any last-minute sights, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and reminisce about your incredible journey through Ireland. Whether you fell in love with the charm of Galway Ireland where to stay, were mesmerized by Kylemore Castle Ireland, or were captivated by the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula Drive, this 1 week itinerary to Ireland guide has taken you through the very best of this magical country. Until next time, Ireland!
Final Thoughts & Travel Tips for this 7 Days in Ireland
This itinerary is designed for travelers who want a mix of adventure, history, and stunning landscapes. Renting a car will give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace, and staying in a mix of castle hotels, boutique inns, and charming guesthouses will add a special touch to your trip. Whether it’s your first visit or a return journey, Ireland’s beauty and warm hospitality will leave you longing for more. Safe travels, and enjoy your unforgettable Irish road trip!
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!