Ireland in 7 days: our ideal one-week itinerary

Do you have a week to spare and dream of the Emerald Isle? A trip to Ireland in 7 days It's enough to discover Dublin, the cliffs of the west coast, the landscapes of Kerry, and the atmosphere of the pubs. You just need to choose your stops carefully, because the country roads take time.

In short: To visit Ireland in 7 days, follow a loop: Dublin – Kilkenny – Killarney (Ring of Kerry) – Cliffs of Moher – Galway – Dublin. Rent a car, limit yourself to 2 or 3 hours of driving per day, and spend at least two nights in Killarney and Galway. Connemara and Northern Ireland require a few extra days.

Our Ireland itinerary in 7 days

Day 1: Dublin

Start in the capital: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, then an evening of live music in Temple Bar. To plan your visit, consult our guide for visit Dublin.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Ireland in 7 days: our ideal one-week itinerary "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

On the road, you're more of a…

Fewer stops, more time on siteMore steps to see more

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You mainly stop to…

The beautiful viewpointsVillages and good places

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Your ideal route?

Scenic country roadsSimple journeys between stages

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Stay 2 or 3 nights in the same placeChange often to move forward

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An impromptu detourA favorite stop

Day 2: Kilkenny and the Rock of Cashel

Then take the southern route towards Kilkenny, Explore its medieval town and castle. Then stop at the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular collection of ruins perched on a hill. Overnight in Cashel or Cork.

Days 3 and 4: Killarney and the Ring of Kerry

Join Killarney and its national park, ideal for a horse-drawn carriage ride to the lakes. The next day, take a tour of the Ring of Kerry, one of the most beautiful roads in Ireland. If you prefer a wilder route, opt for the Dingle Peninsula.

Day 5: The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren

Head up the west coast by taking the ferry from Tarbert to Killimer, then explore the Cliffs of Moher. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. Continue through the lunar landscapes of the Burren to Galway.

Day 6: Galway

Spend the day at Galway, A very lively student city. Stroll through the Latin Quarter, then enjoy an evening of traditional music in a Quay Street pub.

Day 7: Return to Dublin

Reach Dublin in about 2 hours 30 minutes by car, via the motorway. If your flight is late in the day, consider a detour to Clonmacnoise Monastery, on the banks of the Shannon.

Which variant should I choose?

• Nature version : replace Kilkenny with one more day in the Connemara.
• Northern Ireland version Dublin, Belfast and the Giant's Causeway, then Donegal and Galway.
• Car-free version Dublin and excursions by train and bus, or our trip Ireland by train, from Dublin to Connemara.

Do you have more time? Follow our itinerary from...’Ireland in 10 days or our road trip on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Our tips for a week in Ireland

• Rent a car: it's the most liberating way to travel. Driving is on the left.
• Allow plenty of time: 100 km often takes 1 hour 30 minutes on small roads.
• Book your accommodation in advance during the summer, especially in Killarney and Galway.
• Pack rain gear, even in July.
• Keep an evening free for a pub with live music: it's the heart of Ireland.

When is the best time to go to Ireland for a week?

The best time to visit is from May to September, with long days and milder weather. September is our favorite month: the weather is still pleasant, and the roads are quiet. For more details, read our guide. when to go to Ireland.

What budget is needed for 7 days in Ireland?

Generally, expect to spend between €1,200 and €2,200 per person, excluding flights, based on two travelers, depending on the level of accommodation and the season. This budget includes a car, B&Bs or boutique hotels, and the main attractions. Our guide to budget for a trip to Ireland details each position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 7 days enough to visit Ireland?

Yes, to discover the essentials of the south and west. However, to add Northern Ireland or Donegal, plan for 10 to 14 days.

Should we rent a car?

This is highly recommended, as the most beautiful scenery is in the countryside. Our guide to rent a car in Ireland gives you all the advice.

Do I need a passport?

For the Republic of Ireland, a national identity card is sufficient for French citizens. For Northern Ireland, however, a passport and an ETA authorization are required. Consult our guide to... formalities for Ireland.

Plan your week in Ireland with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we design tailor-made trips to Ireland. We adapt the itinerary to your pace, book the car and accommodations, and remain available throughout your stay. Discover our Self-drive tour in Ireland or our Tailor-made trips to Ireland. For more information, please also consult the official website. Ireland.com.

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