Ireland itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

Rolling green hills dotted with sheep, cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic, and villages where music drifts from the pubs. The easiest way to see Ireland is to have a plan, and these Ireland itineraries, created by our local travel experts, are designed to guide you through the highlights.

You could explore castles and old monastic sites, stop for a pint in a pub, or follow the Wild Atlantic Way. Dublin has historic streets and museums, the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher show the rugged landscapes, and Galway has galleries, street performers, and craft shops to wander through.

If you’d rather keep it simple, Rough Guides’ local experts can also organize a custom trip, arranging accommodations and experiences so you can enjoy Ireland at your own pace without worrying about the details. 

Best Ireland itinerary at a glance

Most visitors to Ireland go for 7, 10, or 14-day itineraries, depending on how much they want to see and how much time they have. Ireland is compact, so even a shorter trip can include a lot, while a longer stay gives you time to explore towns, wander the countryside, and connect with local communities.

• 7 days in Ireland  itinerary: This itinerary covers the essentials for first-time visitors. Start in Dublin with its historic streets and museums, then head west to the Cliffs of Moher for dramatic coastline views. Drive the Ring of Kerry and spend a few days in Galway, where galleries, craft shops, and lively streets make it easy to explore on foot. Along the way, you can stop at Blarney Castle and the monastic site of Glendalough to get a sense of Ireland’s history.
• 10 days in Ireland itinerary: Add a few extra days to the 7-day route to slow the pace and explore more. Include Cork’s fishing villages like Kinsale, walk the rocky terrain of the Burren, or take a ferry out to the Aran Islands. This length allows you to mix well-known destinations with smaller towns and quiet landscapes.
• 14 days in Ireland itinerary: A two-week trip lets you cover both the south and the north in more depth. Along with the 10-day highlights, you can spend time in Belfast, explore the Giant’s Causeway, visit historic Derry, and linger in regions like Connemara and Donegal. With more time, it’s easier to follow quiet country roads, visit local towns, and enjoy outdoor activities without rushing.

Rather not deal with the logistics? Our Ireland travel experts can handle that part for you.

7 days in Ireland itinerary

How to plan a trip to Ireland that's only a week long? In this Ireland itinerary you’ll start in Dublin, head west to Galway for music and coastal landscapes, then make your way through cliffs, countryside, and medieval towns before looping back. There’s time for both the big sights and evenings in pubs listening to live music.

Day 1: Dublin

Start your itinerary in Dublin with a walk down O’Connell Street to check out the GPO and the Spire. Then head over to Trinity College. The Book of Kells is the big draw, but the Long Room Library is just as memorable, with its rows of old manuscripts under vaulted ceilings.

After that, go to the Guinness Storehouse. It takes you through the story of Ireland’s most famous beer and ends with a pint at the Gravity Bar, looking out over the city. In the evening, wander through Temple Bar. The streets are narrow and full of pubs where you’ll hear traditional music.

Insider’s tip: Skip the central square in Temple Bar. The Palace Bar on Fleet Street feels more authentic and the prices are better.
 

Day 2: Dublin to Galway

Travel time: 3 to 3.5 hours driving via M6

Pick up your rental car and take the M6 west. It’s a straight drive, but it’s worth breaking it up in Athlone with a short walk along the Shannon River. Keep going into Clare, where the Burren’s limestone landscape feels like another world.

Check out Poulnabrone Dolmen, a 5,000-year-old portal tomb, then swing by Kilfenora to see the cathedral ruins and its high crosses. Once you reach Galway, park near Eyre Square and head into the Latin Quarter. Shop Street is full of buskers, and if you want music later, Tig Coili or The Crane Bar are two good bets.

Insider’s tip: Book a table at Kai before you leave Dublin. It’s one of Galway’s best restaurants and it fills quickly.

Day 3: Galway and Aran Islands

Take the morning ferry from Rossaveel to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. The crossing takes about 40 minutes and drops you into a place where stone walls stretch to the sea and Irish is still widely spoken. Grab a bike near the pier and ride out to Dun Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort set on cliffs more than 300 feet (100 m) above the Atlantic. In the afternoon, check out the Worm Hole, known locally as Poll na bPéist, and the old monastic site at the Seven Churches. Back in Galway, Monroe’s Tavern is a reliable place to end the night with music.

Insider’s tip: If you’re going on a Saturday, bring a picnic from Galway’s market. Food is limited on the island, and this way you won’t waste time standing in line.
 

Day 4: Galway to Doolin

Travel time: 1.5 hours driving via N67 coastal route

The drive south through County Clare takes you along the Wild Atlantic Way, with the ocean on one side and small towns like Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna along the way. There are plenty of pull-ins where you can stop for a view of the cliffs and stone cottages.

The Cliffs of Moher are the highlight here. They rise 702 feet (214 meters) above the water and stretch for about five miles (8 km). Walk the path to O’Brien’s Tower for the best perspective, and keep an eye out for puffins and gannets. From there, make a stop at Spanish Point, where ships from the Spanish Armada wrecked in 1588. The small museum here tells that story. Doolin is where you’ll spend the night. It’s known across Ireland for traditional music, and the pubs (Gus O’Connor’s, McGann’s, and McDermott’s) have live sessions every evening.

Insider’s tip: Head to McDermott’s upstairs room. The music kicks off around 9:30pm, but go early if you want a good seat.

Day 5: Doolin to Kilkenny

Travel time: 2.5 hours driving via N18 and M7

Leaving the coast, you’ll pass through Limerick and then into Tipperary’s Golden Vale, some of the richest farmland in Ireland. The route also crosses the River Shannon, the longest river in the country.

It’s worth stopping at King John’s Castle in Limerick. The 13th-century fortress has exhibitions on medieval warfare and views from the towers. Continue on to the Rock of Cashel, a cluster of medieval buildings on a limestone hill. You’ll find a round tower, Cormac’s Chapel with Romanesque carvings and rare frescoes, and the ruins of a Gothic cathedral. By the evening, you’ll be in Kilkenny, a compact medieval city with plenty of pubs and restaurants in old stone buildings.

Insider’s tip: Enter the Rock of Cashel through the back gate near the car park. 
 

Day 6: Kilkenny

Kilkenny is one of the best places to see Ireland’s medieval past up close. Narrow passageways called “slips” link the main streets, making it easy to explore on foot. Start with Kilkenny Castle, where you can walk through the restored rooms and the Long Gallery. From there, follow the Medieval Mile to the Black Abbey, a Dominican priory from 1225 with a huge stained-glass rosary window. At St. Canice’s Cathedral, climb the round tower for views across the city.

In the afternoon, stop by the Kilkenny Design Centre in the castle’s old stables to see craftspeople at work. The Smithwick’s Experience is also worth a visit if you want to learn about Ireland’s oldest brewery.

Insider's tip:Take the Butterslip Lane, a medieval lane between High Street and St. Kieran’s Street. You’ll find small workshops where crafts are still sold directly.

Day 7: Kilkenny to Dublin Airport

Travel time: 2 hours driving via M9 and M50

The drive back to Dublin takes about two hours on the motorway. If you have extra time, detour to Glendalough. It adds about half an hour but it’s one of the most atmospheric places in Ireland.

Glendalough is a 6th-century monastic site in a glacial valley between two lakes. The round tower is 108 feet (33 m) tall, and the ruins include several churches, Celtic crosses, and St. Kevin’s Kitchen with its stone roof. Walk the boardwalk along the Upper Lake to Poulanass Waterfall, where a mountain stream runs through oak forest. Surrounded by the Wicklow Mountains, it makes a memorable last stop before heading to the airport.

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10 days in Ireland itinerary

Ten days is enough to get a real feel for Ireland without rushing. You’ll split your time between cities and countryside, with stops that mix castles, coastlines, and small towns.

Day 1: Dublin

Pick up your rental car at the airport and head into the city. Start with a walk down O’Connell Street, where the General Post Office still stands as a reminder of the 1916 Rising. From there, cross to Trinity College. The Long Room Library is one of the most atmospheric spaces in Dublin, and the Book of Kells is worth seeing up close.In the evening, make your way to Temple Bar. The cobbled lanes are touristy, but you’ll hear live music pouring out of pubs and catch plenty of street performers.

Insider's tip:  Trinity tickets sell out fast. Book online and try to avoid the midday hours when the tour buses arrive.

Day 2: Dublin’s revolutionary history

Spend the day following Dublin’s history of resistance. Dublin Castle gives you a sense of how British power operated in Ireland, while the Chester Beatty Library nearby is packed with rare manuscripts.

Kilmainham Gaol is the most powerful stop, with stories of prisoners who became leaders of Irish independence. Christ Church Cathedral has a vast medieval crypt with some odd artifacts, including a mummified cat and rat. In the afternoon, stroll through Merrion Square to see the Georgian architecture and the park where Oscar Wilde’s home still looks onto the gardens. End at the GPO’s Witness History exhibit, which puts you right in the middle of the Easter Rising.

Insider's tip: Go for the Kilmainham Gaol audio guide. It’s narrated by descendants of former prisoners.
 

Day 3: Dublin to Medieval Kilkenny

Head south into Wicklow. Glendalough is the main draw here, a monastic site from the 6th century set in a valley with two lakes. The round tower is still standing, and there are plenty of walking trails that take you past ruins, crosses, and caves. Continue on to Kilkenny, a compact medieval city with narrow lanes and half-timbered houses. Kilkenny Castle dominates the center, rebuilt in Victorian times but still showing traces of its Norman beginnings.

Travel time: Around 2.5 hours. The drive takes you south via the M50, then through the Wicklow Mountains before reconnecting with the motorway to Kilkenny. If you have time, make a quick stop at Powerscourt Waterfall. 

Insider's tip:  Skip the crowds at Glendalough by walking the Upper Lake trail. It’s quieter and has better views.

Day 4: Kilkenny to Cork via Cashel

Travel time: About 2.5 hours total

On the way to Cork, stop at the Rock of Cashel. The cluster of ruins includes Cormac’s Chapel with its Romanesque carvings and faded frescoes. From the cathedral walls you’ll get wide views across the Golden Vale. Once in Cork, head to the English Market, where locals shop for produce and traditional foods. Around Shandon, climb St. Anne’s Church and ring the bells yourself before looking out across the city. Cork is easy to get around on foot, with the River Lee splitting the center into islands that keep you oriented.

It’s less than an hour from Kilkenny to Cashel, then another hour to Cork. Parking is limited in the city, so use Park and Ride or a garage near the center.

Insider's tip: The Farmgate Café inside the English Market makes their dishes with produce from the stalls below. Try the lamb stew if it’s on the menu.
 

Day 5: Cork and Blarney Castle

Take the short drive out to Blarney Castle. It’s touristy, but beyond the stone there’s plenty to explore. You can wander through the castle’s defensive features and gardens, which range from a fernery to a poison garden. The stone-kissing ritual itself is quirky, involving leaning backwards over a drop.

Back in Cork, check out the City Gaol for a sense of Victorian prison life. St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral is worth stepping inside for the carvings and stained glass, and University College Cork has a surprisingly peaceful campus along the river.

Insider's tip:  Get to Blarney Castle right when it opens at 9am. By mid-morning the line for the stone gets long, especially in summer.

Day 6: Cork to Killarney

Travel time: 1.5 hours

Killarney National Park covers over 26,000 acres of lakes, woodland, and mountain trails, and it’s also where you’ll see Ireland’s last herd of wild red deer. At Muckross House you’ll step into a Victorian mansion, then head over to the farm to see how rural life worked before electricity.

The walk up to Torc Waterfall is short but steep, and if you keep going above the falls you’ll get sweeping views across the lakes. Boats leave from Ross Castle to Innisfallen Island, where the ruins of a 7th-century monastery sit quietly by the shore. Back in town, Killarney feels touristy at first, but the pubs and nightly music sessions more than make up for it.

Insider's tip: Head downstairs at Muckross House to see the servants’ quarters. It’s a side of history most tours skip.
 

Day 7: Killarney to Doolin via Dingle

Travel time: 4 hours total driving

You’ll get some of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal driving on the Dingle Peninsula. Slea Head takes you past stone beehive huts, Iron Age forts, and long sandy beaches. Dunbeg fort feels especially raw, perched on a cliff edge.

In Dingle town you’ll find colorful shopfronts, a busy harbor, and plenty of pubs for a coffee or pint. The road north cuts through the Burren, a limestone plateau where alpine and Mediterranean plants grow side by side. Doolin is small, but it’s one of the best places in the country for traditional music. You’ll have no trouble finding a session once evening comes around. IIf the day feels too packed, consider staying the night in Dingle before heading north.

Insider's tip: On Monday nights, McGann’s pub is where you’ll hear some of the best sessions

Day 8: Aran Islands day trip

Travel time: 30-minute ferry each way

From Doolin you can catch the ferry to Inisheer, the smallest of the Aran Islands. As you approach, you’ll see the limestone terraces rising straight from the sea. The island is known for the Plassey shipwreck, left stranded in 1960, and O’Brien’s Castle at the top, where you get views across to the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara.

St. Kevin’s Church is half buried in sand, and locals still hold Mass there once a year. Life here moves slowly, with Irish as the main language and traditional currach boats still being built. The whole island can be explored on foot or by bike in a day.

Insider's tip:   Doolin Ferry runs several services daily from April to October. The crossing can get rough in westerly winds, so pack seasickness tablets if you’re prone.

Day 9: Cliffs of Moher to Galway

Travel time: 1.5 hours

The Cliffs of Moher run for about five miles and reach over 700 feet at their highest point. You can climb O’Brien’s Tower for the best view, or just follow the trail along the edge for shifting perspectives. Puffins nest here from April through July, so bring binoculars if you want a closer look. From the cliffs, the drive north cuts through the Burren, where you’ll spot ancient tombs and stone forts among the limestone pavement. Galway is your final stop for the day. The city is lively with buskers on Shop Street, pubs in the Latin Quarter, and reminders of its past in places like the Spanish Arch.

Insider's tip: Walk south along the path toward Hag’s Head if you want fewer crowds.

Day 10: Connemara day trip

Travel time: 3 hours total driving for the loop

Connemara is rugged and beautiful, with a mix of bogs, coastline, and mountains. Start with the Sky Road loop outside Clifden for wide Atlantic views. If you want a walk, Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park is straightforward and gets you above the Twelve Bens range.

Kylemore Abbey is another highlight, built in the 1800s and later turned into a convent. You can visit the walled garden, the Gothic church, and the abbey itself, all in a striking lakeside setting. On the way back, stop in Cong village for its abbey ruins and walking trails that pass Ashford Castle. Head back to Galway for one last night in the west.

Insider's tip:  Kylemore has a shuttle bus from the car park up to the entrance. It saves you a steep uphill walk.

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14 days in Ireland and Northern Ireland itinerary

You’ll spend two weeks moving through Ireland and Northern Ireland, splitting time between cities, coastline, and countryside. Expect Dublin’s literary history, Belfast’s layered past, the Giant’s Causeway, and drives through places like the Ring of Kerry.

Day 1: Dublin

Pick up your rental car and head into Dublin. Walk down O’Connell Street to see the GPO and the Spire, then cut across to Grafton Street for buskers and shops. At Trinity College, the Old Library houses the Book of Kells, which is worth the queue. The Guinness Storehouse walks you through the story of the country’s most famous beer, finishing with a pint in the Gravity Bar overlooking the city. In the evening, head into Temple Bar.

Day 2: Dublin to Belfast

Travel time: About two and a half hours

Leave early and stop at Newgrange, a 5,000-year-old passage tomb that lines up with the winter solstice sunrise. In Drogheda, you can see St. Oliver Plunkett’s preserved head in St. Peter’s Church. Continue north to Downpatrick, where the St. Patrick Centre tells the story of Ireland’s patron saint. End in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, where Victorian warehouses now hold galleries, restaurants, and the MAC arts center.

Insider's tip: You can’t just show up at Newgrange. Access is only through the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre with timed tickets.

Day 3: Belfast to Derry

Travel time: About an hour and a half direct, closer to four hours if you take the coastal road with stops.

Follow the Causeway Coastal Route. Stop at Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, swaying above the sea, then head to Giant’s Causeway with its basalt columns tied to the Finn McCool legend. Check out Dunluce Castle, where part of the kitchen once fell into the sea. Finish in Derry, walking the old city walls with their watchtowers and cannons still in place.

Day 4: Derry to Westport

Travel time: About three and a half hours

Start the day with Derry’s Bogside murals and the Peace Bridge. Driving south, stop at Drumcliff to see W.B. Yeats’ grave under Ben Bulben. His chosen epitaph reads, “Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Horseman, pass by!” Continue to Westport, a town with Georgian streets, tree-lined squares, and pubs with live traditional music most nights.

The N15 through Sligo combines coast and mountain scenery. Mullaghmore makes a good stop for a view of Classiebawn Castle.

Insider's tip: Matt Molloy’s pub in Westport has nightly sessions 
 

Day 5: Westport to Galway

Travel time: About an hour and a half

Spend the morning in Connemara National Park. Diamond Hill is the main hike, with views across the Twelve Bens and the coast. Then head to Kylemore Abbey, known for its lakeside setting and Victorian Walled Garden. Stop in Clifden, a small town with colorful shopfronts and a link to the first transatlantic flight. End in Galway, where the Latin Quarter is full of street performers and pubs with live music.

Insider's tip:  Take the longer route through Roundstone if you want more coastal views.

Day 6: Galway to Doolin

Travel time: 45-minute ferry each way, 1.5 hours driving

Catch the morning ferry from Rossaveel out to Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands. Irish is still spoken every day here, and you’ll notice the rhythm of life feels different from the mainland.

Walk out to Dun Aonghasa, where the stone walls stop right at the edge of 300-foot (100 m) cliffs. Around the island you’ll see currach boats pulled up on the shore and small stone-walled fields that haven’t changed much in centuries. Back on the mainland, head south to the Cliffs of Moher.

The cliffs run for about five miles (8 km) and rise more than 700 feet (214 m). If you’re here between April and July, look for puffins nesting on the ledges. Stay overnight in Doolin, where the pubs fill with music every night.

Day 7: Doolin to Killarney

Travel time: 3 hours including peninsula drive

Start at Spanish Point, where bits of the 1588 Spanish Armada wrecks are still visible when the tide is low. Then drive onto the Dingle Peninsula. You’ll come across beehive huts known as clochán and Dunbeg Fort, which has guarded its clifftop since the Iron Age.

The Slea Head loop is worth the drive for its views of the Blasket Islands. The islands were left behind in the 1950s when families couldn’t sustain life there any longer. From Dingle, continue to Killarney National Park. It covers 26,000 acres of lakes and mountains and is the only place in Ireland with a wild herd of red deer. 

Day 8: Ring of Kerry from Killarney

Drive the 111-mile (179 km) Ring of Kerry for a mix of mountains, lakes, and coastline. Stop in Waterville, where a statue on the promenade remembers Charlie Chaplin’s family holidays. Take the Skellig Ring detour for views of Skellig Michael, where monks once lived in stone huts on the steep rocks.

Daniel O’Connell’s home, Derrynane House, is another stop worth making. The gardens grow surprisingly lush here thanks to the mild Gulf Stream. End the day back in Killarney, where you can still take a jaunting car ride through the town or into the park.
 

Day 9: Killarney to Kenmare

Travel time: 45 minutes direct, a full day if you do the Beara loop

If you’ve got the time, loop out onto the Beara Peninsula. It’s quieter than the Ring of Kerry but just as scenic. Healy Pass zigzags up and over the mountains with wide views back to the valleys. Kenmare itself has Georgian streets filled with galleries, shops, and good restaurants.

You can take a boat trip into the bay to look for dolphins and seals. Just outside town, the Kenmare Stone Circle has 15 standing stones and is known locally as “The Shrubberies.” Lace-making is still demonstrated here, a tradition that came to the town in the 19th century.

Insider's tip: Book a table at Purple Heather in advance if you want their early bird menu, which is good value.

Day 10: Kenmare to Cork

Travel time: 1.5 hours via N71

The drive to Cork takes you through small towns and farmland before you reach the city. Stop at the English Market, which has been running since the 1700s. Under its Victorian roof you’ll find stalls selling everything from black pudding to farmhouse cheese.

St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral stands out with its spires, and inside you’ll find gilded angels and mosaics. At the Shandon Bells tower you can climb up, ring the bells, and look out across the rooftops. Walk through the Huguenot Quarter too, where French Protestants settled in the 1600s and left their names on streets like French Church Street.

The N71 passes through Kilgarvan and Ballyvourney, towns in the Gaeltacht where Irish is still spoken. Gougane Barra is worth a stop, with its small lakeside church surrounded by forest.

Day 11: Cork to Waterford

Travel time: 2 hours via N25

Most people head to Blarney Castle to kiss the stone, which involves leaning backwards from the battlements. You don’t have to do it if that’s not your thing, the gardens are worth your time on their own. You’ll find a poison garden, ancient yews, and odd corners like the Witch’s Kitchen and Druid’s Circle.

Once you reach Waterford, start in the Viking Triangle. It’s compact, and you can walk through a thousand years of history inside the old walls. The Waterford Crystal factory is fascinating if you like watching skilled work: glassblowers and engravers are still using techniques that go back centuries. Reginald’s Tower has stood here since 1003 and now displays Viking coins and sword fittings.

Insider's tip: Book your Waterford Crystal tour online. They sell out, especially if you want to watch the craftsmen at work.

Day 12: Waterford to Kilkenny

Travel time: 45 minutes via N10

On your way to Kilkenny, stop at Jerpoint Abbey. Even in ruins, you can clearly see the medieval carvings of knights, bishops, and Celtic designs. From there, the road winds through farmland in the Nore Valley. Kilkenny itself feels like a proper medieval town. The castle has been guarding the river for centuries, and the Long Gallery is filled with portraits under a painted ceiling. Climb St. Canice’s round tower if you don’t mind heights! The views stretch across the whole city. The Black Abbey is quieter, and the Rosary Window fills the interior with colored light when the sun hits.

Insider’s tip: Head down to the Medieval Room in Kilkenny Castle’s basement. It has archaeological finds that most people miss.
 

Day 13: Kilkenny to Dublin

Travel time: 2.5 hours total driving

Break up the drive with a stop at the Rock of Cashel. The ruins stand above the plains of Tipperary, with a round tower, Gothic cathedral, and Cormac’s Chapel, which still has rare frescoes and Romanesque carvings. Further on, Glendalough is worth the detour. The monastic city spreads between two lakes, with stone churches and a round tower still standing from when St. Kevin lived here in the 6th century. As you drive north, you’ll cut through Wicklow Mountains National Park, where trails range from flat lakeside paths to mountain climbs.

Insider’s tip: Skip the busy lower paths at Glendalough and walk the Upper Lake trail. It’s quieter and still full of ruins.

Day 14: Dublin

If you’ve got a free morning, the National Museum of Archaeology is worth it. You’ll see prehistoric gold and the bog bodies that have been preserved for thousands of years. The Treasury holds the Ardagh Chalice and Tara Brooch, both fine examples of early Christian craftsmanship.

Before you leave, walk through any Dublin corners you didn’t get to. Trinity College’s grounds and the Georgian squares are good for a last stroll. Grafton Street is lively with shops and buskers. Brown Thomas is where you’ll find Irish designer labels, and Avoca mixes a café with crafts. Return your car with extra time at the airport.
 

Personalize your Ireland travel itinerary

Everyone experiences Ireland differently, which is why Rough Guides' local experts can design an itinerary based on your interests and travel style. You could trace your family roots, hike sections of the Kerry Way, or follow in the footsteps of Joyce and Yeats. The routes focus on what you want to see and do.

The experts handle the practical details too. That includes booking accommodations, from historic castles to small bed-and-breakfasts, and arranging private guides who can share local stories and take you to places most visitors miss. With 24/7 support while you travel, you can explore knowing help is just a phone call away.

If you want to shape your Irish trip, our local travel experts can create an itinerary that matches your pace and interests. Reach out to start planning and to get a free trip plan.
 

Other Ireland travel itineraries

Ireland’s compact size makes it easy to combine coasts, countryside, and cities. ou could spend a week driving the Wild Atlantic Way, hopping between cliffs, beaches, and small villages, or focus on the interior for castles, lakes, and quiet walking trails. Dublin and Cork work well as city bases if you want history, pubs, and local markets. Here are other Ireland itineraries.

Best Ireland hiking itinerary

This trip strings together Ireland’s best mountain and coastal walks. You’ll climb Carrauntoohil, wander through old monastic valleys, hike sea cliffs, and even head out to the Aran Islands. It’s a mix of mountains, islands, and coastline that keeps the walking fresh and varied the whole way through.

• Days 1 & 2: Wicklow Mountains
  • Start off easy in Wicklow. The Glendalough Lakes are a good warm-up, with trails that loop through forests and past streams before opening up to ancient monastic ruins. The walks aren’t tough, but they get your legs moving and give you time to settle into the pace of the trip.
• Days 3 to 5: Kerry Mountain
  • Kerry is where the big climbs begin. Carrauntoohil is the target here, usually done via the Devil’s Ladder. It’s a challenging route, but the views from the top stretch across lakes and rugged peaks. While you’re in the area, walk the Gap of Dunloe. The trail runs between steep mountains with glacial lakes scattered along the way.
• Days 6 & 7: Dingle Peninsula
  • On the Dingle Peninsula, the hikes follow sea cliffs and quiet beaches. The Dingle Way takes you through Irish-speaking villages and past stone ruins that sit right on the edge of the Atlantic. It’s less about the climb here and more about the mix of coastline and culture.
• Days 8 & 9: Galway and Aran Islands
  • From Galway, head to Inishmore on the Aran Islands. Bring a bike or just walk the trails across the island. Dun Aonghasa, a stone fort that ends at a sheer cliff, is the big highlight. The island feels slower than the mainland and gives you a different side of Ireland to take in.
• Days 10 to 12: Connemara
  • Wrap things up in Connemara. The trails here cut through bogland and wide-open spaces, with mountains in the distance. Then make your way to the Cliffs of Moher. The clifftop path runs for about 4 miles (8 km) above the Atlantic, a fitting last walk before circling back to Dublin.

Best Ireland culture itinerary

This trip takes you through Ireland’s culture step by step. You’ll move from Dublin’s writers and revolutionaries to Cork’s markets, Galway’s music, the Irish-speaking Aran Islands, and Belfast’s history. It’s a mix of big city energy and small community traditions.

• Days 1 & 2: Dublin
  • Start in Dublin with the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Stop at the Writers Museum or follow James Joyce’s trail through the city. Kilmainham Gaol shows you the fight for independence in a direct way. At night, find a pub with live traditional music. It’s easy to hear a good session in the city.
• Days 3 & 4: Cork
  • Head south to Cork. The English Market is a must for local produce and food culture. Take a side trip to Blarney Castle, where history and folklore mix. Around the city, you’ll come across craftspeople and musicians who keep older traditions alive.
• Days 5 to 7: Galway and Aran Islands
  • Spend time in Galway’s medieval streets before heading out to the Aran Islands. Irish is spoken daily there. You can watch sweaters being made, try out a few Irish phrases, or join a set-dancing class. The islands give you a clear sense of traditions that still carry on.
• Days 8 & 9: Belfast
  • Travel north to Belfast. Titanic Belfast lays out the story of the ship built here. A mural tour explains the city’s more recent past. Traditional Ulster music and folk traditions show you how Northern Irish identity has its own character.
• Day 10: Dublin
  • End the trip back in Dublin. A countryside train ride is a good way to wind down before your flight. Have one last traditional meal and think back on the different regions and cultures you’ve crossed through.

Best Dublin itinerary

A week in Dublin gives you time to cover the big landmarks while also seeing how the city really works. You’ll dig into its history, spend time with its writers, get out to the coast, and explore a few neighborhoods where people actually live.

• Days 1 & 2: Dublin
  • Start at Trinity College. The Book of Kells is worth seeing, and the Long Room Library is one of those places that sticks with you. From there, head to Dublin Castle, then make time for Kilmainham Gaol. Walking through it gives you a clear sense of Ireland’s fight for independence. Stroll along O’Connell Street to take in the main monuments.
• Days 3 & 4: Literary Dublin and Guinness
  • Dublin takes its writers seriously, and you’ll notice it everywhere. Joyce, Yeats, and Beckett all have museums, plaques, or pubs tied to them, so plan a route that follows their trail. After that, head to the Guinness Storehouse. It’s touristy but fun, and you get to pour your own pint. Spend the rest of the afternoon in Phoenix Park. It’s massive, with walking paths and a chance to see deer roaming around.
• Days 5 & 6: The coast
  • Take the DART train to Howth. The cliff walk is straightforward and the sea views are great. Grab seafood in the village before heading back. The next day, skip the center and check out neighborhoods like Rathmines or Stoneybatter. They’re full of cafés, markets, and local shops, and you’ll get a much better feel for how Dubliners spend their time.
• Day 7: Last day open
  • Keep your last day open. Revisit a favorite, do some shopping, or take a short train ride to Sandymount or Dun Laoghaire for one more walk along the coast. End with dinner in a pub or restaurant that’s been around a while and raise a glass to the week.
     

Ireland travel itinerary FAQ

Knowing how travel works in Ireland, and what to expect from roads and towns, helps you enjoy your visit without surprises. Here are some frequently asked questions when planning your Ireland itinerary.

How many days do you need in Ireland?

Seven to ten days is enough to cover Ireland’s main highlights. Two weeks lets you add Northern Ireland, like the Giant's Causeway and Belfast, or explore the Beara Peninsula. For a shorter five-day trip, focus on Dublin plus one region such as Cork and Kerry in the southwest or Galway and the western coast. Distances are short and manageable, usually three to four hours between major attractions.

What is the best time to visit Ireland?

May through September is generally the best time to visit Ireland. It has the warmest, driest weather, with temperatures around 60-70°F (15-20°C). July and August have the longest daylight, up to 18 hours, but also the most visitors.

Shoulder seasons like April-May or September-October have decent weather and fewer tourists, and the countryside is very green. Winter means shorter days and frequent rain, but popular sites are quieter and pubs feel particularly welcoming.

How do you get around Ireland?

A rental car is the easiest way to explore the countryside, castles, and coastal villages. Trains work well between major cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Belfast. Bus Éireann reaches smaller towns and villages.

Many travelers use a combination: trains for city-to-city travel and day tours for places like the Cliffs of Moher or Giant’s Causeway. Coach tours handle logistics but leave little room for stopping along the way. Some places, including the Dingle Peninsula, Skellig Ring, and remote beaches, really need a car to reach.

Should I pick up my rental car at the airport or in the city?

Picking up at the airport usually has better rates, more car options, and avoids driving through city traffic at first. Dublin Airport is easy to navigate and has clear signs to the main motorways. If you plan to spend a couple of days walking around Dublin first, picking up in the city avoids daily parking costs of €20-35 and gives you time to adjust to driving on the left.

Cork and Shannon airports are less busy and easier to use. Most people find airport pickup worthwhile, especially if returning the car at the same location. Book early if you need an automatic, as they sell out quickly in summer.

How scary is driving on the left side/narrow roads really?

Most people adjust within an hour, though rural roads and roundabouts take some care at first. Countryside lanes are often narrow and bordered by stone walls. Locals are patient and pull into lay-bys to let faster traffic pass.

Practicing in a lot helps, and avoid driving on your first day if you are jet-lagged. Once you get used to it, you can stop at beaches or ruins along the way whenever you want.

How much does a trip to Ireland cost?

Budget €200-300 per person per day for mid-range travel including accommodation, meals, and activities. B&Bs usually cost €70-120 per room, hotels €100-250. Pub meals run €15-25 and restaurant dinners €30-50. Cars cost €200-400 per week plus petrol, often €1.70 or more per liter. Attractions include free churches and hiking trails, or around €20 for the Cliffs of Moher or Book of Kells. Saving money is easier during shoulder season, staying in smaller towns, or using early-bird restaurant specials. Dublin is expensive, but rural areas are more affordable.
 

Can I skip Dublin entirely and just focus on the countryside?

Yes, many visitors fly into Dublin and head straight west or south, especially on shorter trips. The countryside has cliffs, ring forts, and village pubs with live music. Dublin is worth a day if you want to see Trinity College, Temple Bar, and museums on history and literature, which give context to what you see outside the city. If time is tight, you could do a brief morning in Dublin before picking up a car, or spend your last night there.

Which is better - the Ring of Kerry or the Wild Atlantic Way?

The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile (179-kilometer) loop that can be done in a day, passing through Killarney National Park and villages like Kenmare. The Wild Atlantic Way runs 1,550 miles (2,500 kilometers) along the west coast from Cork to Donegal. It includes the Ring of Kerry and other routes that take weeks to explore fully.

First-time visitors usually drive the Ring of Kerry and choose a few highlights from the Wild Atlantic Way, such as the Cliffs of Moher or Dingle Peninsula. Repeat visitors can go to Beara Peninsula or Slieve League cliffs in Donegal, which are the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

What are the absolute must-dos if I only have one day in Dublin?

Trinity College is a must for the Book of Kells and the Long Room Library. Temple Bar is lively, but skip the touristy spots and wander the side streets for smaller pubs with local music. Kilmainham Gaol gives a clear picture of Ireland’s history and is more memorable than the usual attractions. St. Stephen's Green and the Iveagh Gardens are quiet escapes in the city. For live music, O'Donoghue's and The Cobblestone feel authentic without the crowds.

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