Ireland is all about driving and exploring in between the cliffs, which a fantastic experience that you should not miss in any way; even the breathtaking sights and ancient castles all add up to an incredible trip altogether. From the past year that I’ve spent here and the beautiful places in Ireland that I’ve visited, I can conclude that you can never get enough of this majestic place, and a seven days Ireland itinerary will feel like a short trip.
Ireland is famous for many things, from its magnificent historical castles to music festivals. The song Galway Girl by Ed Sheeran was shot in Galway, displaying the fantastic nightlife of Galway city. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you will be amazed to see so many shooting locations in Ireland.
And if you want to cover all of this in just 7 days, then this is the ideal Ireland Itinerary that you can follow.
Travel Ireland Itinerary Map
| Day | Location |
| 1 | Dublin- Kilkenny- Kinsale |
| 2 | Kinsale- Killarney- Ring of Kerry |
| 3 | Ring of Kerry- Kerry Cliffs- Dingle |
| 4 | Dingle- Cliffs of Moher- Galway |
| 5 | Galway- Aran Island- Dublin |
| 6 & 7 | Dublin 2 Days Itinerary |
How To Reach Ireland (Dublin Airport)
Dublin has an international airport which is the biggest airport in Ireland. It is located in Collinstown, Fingal.
There are some more international airports that you can consider:
- Weston Airport in South Dublin
- Cork Airport in County Cork
- Galway Airport in County Galway
- Kerry Airport in County Kerry
- Shannon Airport in County Clare
I would suggest you get to the main Dublin Airport as all the popular tourist attractions are nearby. Also, you can get many accommodation options while you’re here.
To get the list of some other airports, click here.
Best Time To Visit Ireland
Summer has to be the best time to visit and explore Ireland. The sun in this season sets around 8 or 9 pm, so you have pretty much the whole day to visit many sites. Always try and keep the whole Ireland Itinerary in place, according to the weather conditions as they are pretty unpredictable.
Also, the place is always rainy, so you might want to be precautious about it beforehand.
To get detailed information about the weather, click here to get on my blog.
Things To Do Carry With You In Ireland
Here’s a list of some essential items that you would need in Ireland:
- Umbrella: The weather here is unpredictable and it can rain at any time, so make sure that you carry an umbrella with you at all times.
- Light sweaters and waterproof shoes: Sweater and waterproof shoes can be for everyday use. As mentioned earlier, it can rain any time here, so having water-resistant shoes on you at all times will help you keep your feet as dry as possible.
- Universal Adapter: Every country has a different plug-in port, so carrying a universal adapter with you is the safest and the best option.
- Irish sim card: You can buy any plan depending on the length of your trip at the airport itself. To know about the reliable networks in Ireland, click here.
To know about some more essential things that you need to carry in Ireland, click here to get a detailed article on my blog.
Transportation In Ireland
You can find many travel options in Ireland, from buses to bicycles, everything is available. So many options make it easy and save a lot of time.
Buses in Ireland
DublinBus– Visitors can easily bus around the sights as its route, timetable, fare details, and a real-time information service shows when buses are due to arrive at stops and thus making the whole process a lot quicker.
GoBus– It is the best option when you want to travel between cities. And there’s a daily depart facility between Dublin City and Dublin Airport.
Aircoach– It covers the major route between the city and the airport. It also stops all the famous hotels and the popular tourist attractions of the city.
Trains in Ireland
DART is the speediest way to travel around the city. It covers some amazing scenic views and starts from the two main stations- Heuston and Connolly.
Motorbikes and bicycles: DublinBikes is for someone who loves cycling and wants to explore the nature trails. It is a nice option if you have your friends to join in and you all can have a lot of fun.
Cars in Ireland
I would suggest you rent a car and then drive around and explore Ireland; it is the best and the cheapest way to visit all the tourist attractions. The services of Europcar and Enterprise Cars are good; they are very professional with their work. Other car renting brands can be Budget Cars; I have not faced any problem with them, but there’s a lot of negative feedback on their official Facebook account, so you might want to look into it before booking.
As we will spend 2 days in Dublin, wherein many other travel services like Luas (tram network) is available for traveling in the city. You can also download the Journey Planner App for all the details related to travel, available with their timings and charges.
You should look at the traffic rules that prevail here beforehand. Click here to get to the official Road Safety Authority site.
Essential Information For Travelers
Currency – What is the currency used in Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland’s currency is the euro, which is subdivided into 100 cents. One US dollar is currently 0.82 euros.*
You can also use revolut, this application is helpful in managing your everyday spending, transfer, and sending money abroad, and exchange your currencies without any extra charges. Click here to download the application and get a sign-up bonus using my referral link.
Power – What are widely used power plugs in Ireland?
Plugs with three prongs and plug adapters are widely available. It’s always a good idea to carry a travel adapter if your chargers do not have type G plugs.
Safety – How safe is Ireland for Women & Traveller?
Ireland is a safe country, so you don’t need to worry much. It is very convenient even for solo travelers and women to explore the place without any difficulty. The place is very peaceful and the people are super friendly, so there will always be someone who’s ready to help you whenever you’re in any sort of trouble or need assistance.
But on the other hand, I would suggest that you should take all the precautions from your side and avoid any shady place and keep your belongings safe with you.
Mobile Network – What are the best & reliable mobile networks in Ireland?
EIR, Three, and Vodafone are the best mobile network connection in Ireland. To read a detailed article on mobile networks based on my personal experience, click here to get redirected to the blog.
Travel Applications
There are so many travel applications which can help you to make your travel more convenient.
You can use TripIt to create a detailed itinerary for your trip and the app will also give you alternative suggestions if any place or restaurant is shut at the moment.
Google Lens and Google Maps will also help a lot to navigate and know about any place, building, or even to identify any unique plant or animal that you come across.
To get a list of some more useful travel applications that can ease your travel queries, click here to get to my blog.
Must-Try Cafes And Restaurants In Ireland
The Woollen Mills Eating House, Dublin
Address: 42 Ormond Quay Lower, North City, Dublin, Ireland
It is a place that is known to be an icon for modern Irish culture. It is a two-floor building that serves all kinds of food. It was also a store for many years and thus gives you an experience of dining in a historic building.
There are some more cafes in Dublin that you can try out:
If you want to get information about more restaurants and cafes in Dublin, then click here to read about it on my blog.
Kai Café and Restaurant, Galway
Address: 22 Sea Rd, Galway, H91 DX47, Ireland
It is a perfect place for a daytime coffee, as the ambiance is set up so that the site has a very fresh aura that you would like to visit in the daytime. They also have many varieties of seafood.
If you want to check out some more cafes in Galway, then here’s a list:
There are so many incredible restaurants here that I’ve created a separate article for the best cafes in Galway on my blog; click here to head on to the article.
The Fumbally, Dublin
Address: 8 Fumbally Ln, Merchants Quay, Dublin, Ireland
This place is trendy among locals. They have a bunch of options for the menu for breakfast and lunchtime. You can get many types of sandwiches here.
Campagne, Kilkenny
Address: The Arches, 5 Gas House Ln, Highhays, Kilkenny, R95 X092, Ireland
It is a must-visit food place if you like to try the authentic taste of any cuisine. The location is famous for many traditional dishes with a little touch of French accent to them.
Gally’s Bar & Restaurant, Kerry
Address: Castlemaine Rd, Ballymullen, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 DF38, Ireland
It’s an amazing place, and known for its takeaway services. The staff is very helpful and polite. If you’re running out of time, then stopping by here for a quick takeaway is the best option.
The Lemon Leaf Cafe, Kinsale
Address: 70 Main St, Sleveen, Kinsale, Co. Cork, P17 PN28, Ireland
It is a nice cozy place, wherein you have many healthy meals in your menu. I would recommend this cafe for breakfast or lunch time as they serve fantastic coffee.
Pantri Cafe, Dingle
Address: Lower Main St, Grove, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland
It’s a small cafe but serves amazing food. They are known for their vegan meals and pleasant environment. I would definitely recommend you to visit the cafe once.
Day 1
Dublin – Vibrant City Of Ireland
After you reach Dublin airport, you can rent a car and start your road trip to Ireland from here.
It is one of the most amazing places in Ireland, and you will spend wholesome time here of 2 full days, which is the longest time in one city in this whole Ireland itinerary. And in these two days, you will get a chance to cover some fantastic tourist attractions and learn more about the authentic Irish culture.
But I want you to explore Dublin at the end of your trip so that it will be an easy travel for you, as to return back to your home country. So do not waste your time exploring Dublin city at the beginning of your trip and head to Kilkenny after renting a car.
The first stop is Kilkenny which is a drive of about 1hour 30minutes from Dublin.
Kilkenny
This Ireland itinerary is full of breathtaking monuments, ancient castles, and warm cafes, and Kilkenny has it all. Some of the popular tourist attractions are:
I have listed must-visit tourist attractions in Kilkenny in a separate article. and to read them, click here.
Kilkenny Castle and Park
Ireland is home to most of the historical castles, Kilkenny Castle is one of them. The tremendous majestic story that the place beholds tells a lot about this place’s history and culture. It is astounding that even after so many refurbishments, the Castle stands still.
There’s a Park beside the Castle and is a favorite place for the kids. You will see different types of flowers in the Park, mainly the rose garden. You can also check out the lake here.
Timings for Kilkenny Castle and Park:
Open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm
Charges for Kilkenny Castle and Park:
Adult: € 8
Senior: € 6
Children under 12: Free
Students: € 4
To know more about the Castle, click here to get on my blog.
From here, your next stop is Kinsale, which is a 2-hour drive from Kilkenny.
Kinsale– Strikingly Beautiful Place
Kinsale is a gorgeous place, and your Ireland itinerary cannot be completed if you miss this town. It is a colorful town situated in County Cork with so many amazing things to do. I would like to suggest some additional places like:
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the sea food while you’re here, as it serves some mouthwatering dishes and is known as the fishing town for the same.
To know about more things to do in Kinsale, click here.
Kinsale Loop
Kinsale Loop is a stunning place and offers terrific views. The Loop is surrounded by water on all three sides. Old Head of Kinsale Loop is a 6 km walk and the ‘Old Head Lighthouse’ there is the nearest point of land to one of the most famous historic shipwrecks.
To get a list of hotels in Kinsale, click here.
Day 2
Your next stop from Kinsale is Killarney, which is a 1hour 30-minute drive from here.
Killarney
Killarney is a fascinating place in this whole Ireland itinerary when it comes to scenic beauty. You can visit so many charming places and have your Instagram feed filled with beautiful travel pictures. You can visit Torc Waterfall and also do Kayaking in the lakes of Killarney. This is the best place to spend some quality family time.
Killarney National Park
This is a small town loaded with many things to do, lakes and castles here offer an incredible view. There are many national parks here, and Killarney National Park is the most popular one.
Make sure that you visit the Park, kids are very fond of this place. Wild Red Deer is the main herd of animals here, and the National Park is known for this around the globe.
Timings for Killarney National Park:
8 am to 6 pm
The next stop is Ring of Kerry, which is a 1-hour drive from here.
Ring of Kerry– One Of The Top Tourist Attractions
Located in County Kerry, it is a 180km long drive that offers astounding landscape views. If you want to cover the whole Kerry then it can be a 2-day long trip. The drive has so many places to visit in between like:
- Carrauntoohil
- Valentia Island
- Inch Beach
- Skellig Island
- Muckross House
- Ross Castle
To know about all of these places in detail, click here to head on to my latest Kerry article.
If by any chance you happen to have some extra time and can extend your trip, do spend some more time in Kerry, as this is one of the best places in this Ireland itinerary and have so many tourist attractions to visit.
Wild Atlantic Way Drive
This is a must-visit place in Ireland. It is a 180 km drive known as the Wild Atlantic Way; it is one of the world’s best drives. The view from the drive is genuinely divine, and you will cross many small towns in your way, and this will make your Ireland itinerary more authentic in terms of the Irish culture.
Check out 15 reasons why you should not miss going to this place, click here.
To get a list of hotels in Ring of Kerry, click here.
Day 3
Your next stop is Kerry Cliffs which is a 1-hour drive from here.
Kerry Cliffs
You cannot skip this place; it is the most crucial place to visit in this whole of Ireland itinerary. The cliffs are fantastic and are said to be formed around 400 million years ago. You can also spot some more tourist attractions from this place.
Your next stop is Dingle, which is a 2-hour drive from Kerry Cliffs.
Dingle
Dingle is a charming little town where you will have so many places to visit and a lot of friendly people to meet. Your Ireland itinerary cannot be complete if you miss this unavoidable tourist attraction.
To know more, click here to get to my blog.
Dingle Peninsula
I don’t think that this place needs any introduction. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland. The scenic beauty that this place offers is magical and perfect for your Instagram aesthetics.
You can drive through the way down and take a halt at the viewpoints like Inch Beach or the Dingle Town; they both are some wholesome spots that will enhance your entire Ireland itinerary.
Dingle Beach
If you happen to have some extra time, you can visit this beach. It is not crowded, so it is the best place to have some relaxing time with your friends or family.
Most people skip visiting the beach, but I would suggest you make a point to see it. As it the best place where you can enjoy a calming sunset, in this fulfilled Ireland itinerary.
To check out the hotel options in Dingle, click here.
Day 4
The next stop is Cliffs of Moher, which is a 3-hour drive from Dingle.
Cliffs of Moher
This is the best place in Ireland; also, Ireland is known for this place. The amazing views that you get here are mesmerizing. Your trip can never be completed if you don’t visit the Cliffs of Moher, and your whole seven days Ireland itinerary will not be worth it in the end.
Millions of tourists come here every year, and pictures can never do any justice to the beauty of this place. So do check it out by yourself. To know more about the cliffs, click here to get to my latest travel guide for Cliffs of Moher.
Your next stop is Galway, which is a 1hour 30minutes drive from Cliffs of Moher.
Galway
I have lived in this city for the longest time in Ireland and can make sure that skipping this place in your Ireland itinerary will actually make you miss the welcoming Irish culture. Galway has its own unique charm, which is unavoidable.
To know about a detailed travel guide for Galway, click here.
Salthill Promenade
After Cliffs of Moher, you won’t have much time left for the day. So you can enjoy a 20 to 30-minute walk here at Salthill.
It offers the city’s best views and is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset with your friends. It’s a go-to hangout place for most people living nearby. There are a couple of cafes nearby, so you can also have a quick meal or a cup of coffee.
You can also check out some famous pubs if you are willing to see Galway’s nightlife, like:
To check out a list of hotels and some more tourist attractions in Galway, click here.
Day 5
Your next stop is Aran Island, and you can thereby take a ferry ride and click here for bookings.
Aran Island
It is a treasure of the rich cultural heritage in this Ireland itinerary. It is also in the top 10 best ocean views in the world, says National Geographic. It has three islands, and all of them is the most accurate form of Irish culture. There are many forts and different kinds of historic buildings to visit here. You can get to the island by ferry.
There are so many things to do here, check out my detailed article for the same. (Click here)
The next stop is Dublin, and for returning, you will need a ferry ride, click here for bookings.
Day 6 & 7
Dublin
By this, we come to the end of our Ireland itinerary; you can end your trip by spending two whole days in this lively city and exploring all the tourist attractions and enjoying the nightlife of the place.
Dublin is a welcoming place and you will meet so many friendly people. Plus the stories that all of the travel destinations hold, are a reflection of the true Irish culture. From castles to pubs, you name it and Dublin has everything.
Some top tourist attractions in Dublin:
There's a detailed 2- day itinerary for Dublin, click here to get to my blog.
Conclusion
I have tried to cover almost all of the top tourist attractions in this 7 Day Ireland Itinerary. I can assure you that you might want to extend your trip after these wonderful seven days in Ireland. The place has a lot to offer; the best part is the subtle blend of modern and traditional culture. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets right away and get ready to get one of the most incredible travel experiences ever.
Many other beautiful places like Donegal, Cork, and Sligo were not in this Ireland itinerary to satisfy the time limit. But, if by any chance you extend your trip or want to know more about Ireland, you can check out my blog.
I hope that this article was helpful to you. Visit my blog to check out some more places, click here.
Let me know in the comment section about the place that you enjoyed the most from all of the places listed in the above Ireland itinerary.
I’ve been blogging for a year now, and I’ve covered many places in Ireland with a detailed travel guide, including accommodation, places to eat, and popular tourist attractions. I’ve linked all of them down below, do check them out if you want to know more about Ireland. Also, click here to connect on Instagram and DM me for any queries.
Dublin– Latest Travel Guide (2021) – Places To Visit In Dublin, Amazing Cafes & Pubs In Dublin
Galway– Accommodation, Things To Do, Top Places To Visit, & Top 5 Bars & Cafes
Cork– Things To Do In Cork (2021) | Tourist Attractions In Cork, Pubs & Budget Stays In Cork
Cobh– Tourist Guide 2021 | Things To Do In Cobh & Tourist Attractions In Cobh Ireland
Mayo– 8 INCREDIBLE Things To Do In Mayo, Ireland
Kerry– Travel Guide 2021 | 15 Amazing Things To Do In Ring Of Kerry
Kinsale– 10 Best Things To Do In Kinsale
Dingle– 10 AWESOME Things To Do In Dingle Ireland
Sligo– 11 Breathtaking Things To Do In Sligo, Tourist Attractions & Sight Seeing’s
Donegal– 8 Amazing Things To Do In Donegal Ireland – Awesome Donegal Tourist Attractions Guide
Kilkenny– 7 Things To Do, Tourist Attractions In Kilkenny Ireland | Travel Guide
Wexford– 10 AWESOME Things To Do In Wexford
Mizen Head– Travel Guide For Mizen Head | Tourist Attractions In Mizen Head, Cork Ireland
Tipperary– Historic Rock Of Cashel, Tipperary
