How to Plan a Trip to Ireland: A Realistic Guide for an Epic 1-Week Road Trip

Let’s be honest—how to plan a trip to Ireland might sound simple at first (rent a car, drive around, see castles, grab a pint), but once you start looking at maps, Googling scenic drives, and trying to piece together a 1 week itinerary Ireland, the whole thing can feel like a logistical headache wrapped in foggy cliffs and sheep crossings.

Especially if you’re trying to pull off an Ireland trip from the USA—that time zone change, the left-side driving, the narrow roads (more like goat paths in places), and the abundance of “you can’t miss this!” recommendations can be a lot to juggle.

But you know what? With a little bit of honest guidance and the right mindset, self drive trips to Ireland can be some of the most freeing, memorable adventures you’ll ever have. Let’s walk through this together—realistically, not Pinterest-perfect. You ready?

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First things first: Is one week enough for an Ireland road trip?

Yes—but only if you’re smart about it. You won’t see everything, and honestly, that’s the point. You’re better off seeing fewer places well than trying to speed through the whole island like you’re competing in the Tour de Ireland.

For a solid 1 week itinerary Ireland, you’ll want to choose one half of the country—the west and south coasts are ideal for a first-timer. That way, you’re not spending your entire trip in the car or checking in and out of hotels like it’s your job.

Start With the Map—But Don’t Get Stuck There

Planning an Ireland road trip starts with some general geography. If you’re flying into Dublin (most common for an Ireland trip from the USA), you have two options:

1. Do a loop: Dublin > Galway > Dingle > Killarney > Kilkenny > back to Dublin
2. Head west and backtrack: Dublin > Galway > Doolin > Killarney > Cork > back to Dublin

The truth is, either works—but don’t fall into the trap of trying to add Northern Ireland and the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher and everything else in between. Keep your sanity. Pick 3-4 key destinations max.

Renting a car: Embrace the chaos

Let me be upfront: You will be driving on the left. You will also probably scrape a hedge or two. It’s fine. Everyone does it.

Manual cars are cheaper, but unless you’re extremely confident with a stick shift—especially on narrow country roads with oncoming tractors—just splurge for the automatic. You’ll thank yourself in Connemara when you’re not accidentally shifting into third instead of turning on the wipers.

Some quick rental tips:

• Rent directly from Irish rental companies if you want clearer insurance policies (NewWay and My Irish Cousin are two solid picks).
• Add Super Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage—just do it.
• Use a credit card that covers car insurance abroad, but double-check it includes Ireland. Weirdly, many don’t.

The real joy of self drive trips to Ireland? The in-between moments.

You know that feeling when you’re driving through a place you’ve never been and stumble across a random beach, or a pub that looks like it’s been there since 1740, or a field full of baby lambs? That’s the soul of Ireland road trip magic.

Yes, plan the main stops—but build in time to get a little lost. Some of our favorite moments came from just pulling off at a brown tourist sign and seeing where it led. Brown signs are your best friend.

Pro tip? Bring a physical road atlas. The GPS won’t always pick up that scenic overlook just off the main drag.

Suggested 1 Week Itinerary Ireland (That Won’t Burn You Out)

Here’s a relaxed route that balances driving with actually enjoying your trip.

Day 1: Land in Dublin (early AM), grab your rental car, and head west to Galway

• Stop at Clonmacnoise Monastic Site on the way
• Wander Galway’s Latin Quarter and grab fish and chips

Day 2: Explore Connemara or take a ferry to the Aran Islands

• This is one of the most underrated parts of Ireland—rugged, moody, stunning
• You’ll start to understand why self drive trips to Ireland are so beloved

Day 3: Head south to Doolin, stopping by the Cliffs of Moher

• You can also take a coastal detour through The Burren
• Catch some live music in a Doolin pub—cozy, communal, unforgettable

Day 4: Drive to Dingle Peninsula

• Skip the Ring of Kerry this time—it’s gorgeous but crowded
• Dingle is full of charm, cliffs, and seafood chowder you’ll dream about later

Day 5: Explore Slea Head Drive and relax

• It’s arguably the most beautiful loop drive in Ireland
• Take it slow—stop at beaches, ancient beehive huts, and scenic turnouts

Day 6: Head to Kilkenny

• Walk the medieval streets, tour the castle, grab a pint
• This is a perfect last-night town before returning to Dublin

Day 7: Return to Dublin, fly home

• If you’ve got time, swing by the Rock of Cashel or Glendalough en route

Traveling from the USA? Some quick sanity-savers

Jet lag hits hard—especially when you’re expected to function on 3 hours of sleep and drive a stick shift on the “wrong” side of the road.

Here’s what works:

• Take the red-eye from the East Coast so you arrive in the morning
• Don’t nap right away—just power through the day and go to bed early
• Bring snacks, especially for rural areas—gas stations can be sparse

Oh, and your plug adapters? You’ll need the Type G (UK-style, three-pronged). And no, your hair straightener from the States probably won’t survive the voltage—leave it home or buy one there.

Little things that make a big difference

• Don’t rush your pub visits. It’s not about the food (though it’s getting better); it’s about the people and the storytelling.
• Dress in layers. Ireland’s weather has mood swings. Sun, drizzle, mist, wind—all in an hour.
• Google Maps is great—but offline maps are better in places like the Wild Atlantic Way.
• Bring waterproof shoes. Even in summer. Even if the forecast says dry. Trust me.

Final thoughts on how to plan a trip to Ireland—without losing your mind

Self drive trips to Ireland aren’t just about logistics. They’re about being surprised. About trusting that sometimes, the best stop of the day won’t be on your itinerary. And yeah, planning your Ireland trip from the USA takes some work—but once you’re there, with the window down, sheep dodging your bumper, and the sea just over the stone wall, it’ll all be worth it.

You don’t have to see it all. Just see it well.

Now go pour yourself a cup of tea (or a Guinness), pull up Google Maps, and start sketching out that 1 week itinerary Ireland. Just remember to leave a little space for the unexpected—that’s where the real magic happens.

Research and Map Your Route

When planning an Ireland roadtrip itinerary, the first step is deciding on your route. A good option for many travelers is starting in Dublin and heading south or west. This gives you the chance to explore the famous Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, and other must-see spots. While an Ireland travel agent can provide guidance, planning your own route offers flexibility and a more personalized experience. Ensure your Ireland travel itinerary for 7 days includes both bustling cities and peaceful countryside retreats.

Below is a map of our Ireland roadtrip itinerary and our plan for our 7 day trip. We stayed 2 nights in Dublin, 2 nights in Clifden and 2 nights in Killarney.

Research hint 1: Join Facebook groups that are geared for travel tips to your destination. You will learn SO much. You can either ask your own questions or maybe read others’ questions you didn’t even think about.

Research hint 2: Buy or checkout a book from the library about your destination. I have used books from Rick Steve’s, Lonely Planet, and Fodor’s in the past. All seem to have useful information. Even though I mentioned I like Pinterest/blogs more, I do like having written material and maps with me as I’m looking through blogs. I usually use them together when I am just starting my travel research.

Book Accommodations Early

If you’re planning an Ireland trip from the USA, be sure to book accommodations ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons. Whether you prefer cozy bed-and-breakfasts, hotels, or vacation rentals, having reservations in place ensures your Ireland roadtrip itinerary runs smoothly. Staying in smaller towns will give you a more authentic feel, but keep in mind that options can fill up fast. Pre-planning your lodgings is a great way to plan an Ireland trip in 7 days without any last-minute stress.

We stayed in Dublin, Clifden and Killarney.

Dublin

Location is key. In Dublin, we wanted to stay in the heart of the city. A hotel where we could easily walk to popular sights and great restaurants. Below is a map of the heart of Dublin. This is a great place to find a hotel.

Here are some hotel choices:

#1 The Clarence

#2 Hard Rock Dublin

**If you want to learn about more hotel options in the city center of Dublin, this link will take you to a detailed article with a map of where some of Dublin’s best hotels are located in relation to popular sights.

Clifden/Galway

Next accommodation sight is somewhere near Galway or Clifden. We love home rentals and typically, I would look a little out of town and a place with a view. I will post some excellent options, and I will post some that are in the heart of the city, walkable to the pubs and shops.

**If you’re wanting more information on other castle hotels in Ireland, this article will detail some of Ireland’s best castle hotel stays.

Killarney/Dingle Area

Killarney is a perfect central location to sights like Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park and Dingle Peninsula. It’s a lovely town with great pubs and restaurants. You can easily drive to Dingle or Ring of Kerry from that location. We stayed in Killarney and it was wonderful, however, I fell in love with Dingle, so next time I know I would stay somewhere on the Dingle peninsula and for several days.

Renting a Car for the Ultimate Flexibility

Renting a car is essential for a successful Ireland roadtrip itinerary, as public transport won’t get you to the more remote areas. When you plan your Ireland trip from the USA, make sure to book a car rental that is suitable for Ireland’s narrow roads. Being able to explore at your own pace is one of the best reasons to plan an Ireland trip in 7 days by yourself, as you’ll have the freedom to stop at scenic viewpoints, quaint villages, and historic landmarks along the way.

Don’t Miss Ireland’s Top Attractions

When organizing your Ireland travel itinerary for 7 days, prioritize a mix of tourist hot spots and hidden gems. Of course, you’ll want to visit iconic places like the Giant’s Causeway, Blarney Castle, and the Dingle Peninsula, but leave room for spontaneous adventures. By handling the planning yourself instead of using an Ireland travel agent, you can adjust your schedule based on how you’re feeling each day. With proper planning, your Ireland trip in 7 days can encompass both famous sites and off-the-beaten-path wonders.

Pack for the Weather

Packing for your Ireland roadtrip itinerary requires preparation for unpredictable weather. Ireland’s climate can change quickly, so bring layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy walking shoes. When you plan an Ireland trip from the USA, it’s helpful to pack light but smart—being ready for all weather will ensure you enjoy your trip regardless of rain or shine.

Planning an Ireland vacation on your own is not only feasible but can make your trip even more enjoyable. From curating your own Ireland roadtrip itinerary to making sure you get the most out of your Ireland travel itinerary for 7 days, the key to a successful trip is thoughtful planning and a spirit of adventure. Whether you’re tackling your first solo-planned trip or you’re an experienced traveler, taking control of your journey ensures it will be perfectly tailored to your interests. So skip the Ireland travel agent this time, and relish the adventure of planning your Ireland trip from the USA on your own terms