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Late updated: 10/31/23
The Perfect 7 Day Ireland Itinerary for First Time Visitors
If you’re headed to Ireland for a first-time visit but only have limited time, I’m coming to your rescue with the perfect 7-Day Ireland itinerary. Yes, you really can see the very best of the Emerald Island with just one week of vacation time!
I’ve been helping people plan amazing and rewarding trips to Ireland for nearly 20 years. In 2005, I was lucky enough to live in County Mayo on the Wild Atlantic Way in western Ireland. During that time I toured Ireland extensively and I’ve since returned twice. I’ve basically seen the entire island (excepting Donegal and Belfast . . . soon, soon.) so you can trust me when I tell you that this itinerary encapsulates the essence of Ireland.
In this itinerary, I break down your Ireland travel day by day. You’ll start by flying into Dublin, then rent a car to crisscross the Irish countryside.
Along the way, you’ll take in some of Ireland’s most famous castles and cathedrals, see “the Cliffs of Insanity,” and soak up Ireland’s varied and unique landscapes. By the time you return to Dublin, you’ll be well acquainted with Irish breakfasts, Irish humor, and you’ll probably know what craic is!
I’ve got you covered with maps, activity and restaurant suggestions, as well as lodging recommendations. This itinerary has even been “real-world” tested by a friend who used it for a first-ever visit to Ireland with her husband and father-in-law in June 2023 and said it was “perfect.”
So what are you waiting for? Let’s set some flight prices alert for Dublin and get planning! But first, read on for my full Ireland itinerary to create a week in Ireland you’ll never forget.
About my 7 Day Ireland Itinerary
No, you won’t get to every Irish site that makes most Ireland top 10 lists with this itinerary. There’s no Blarney Stone, Ring of Kerry, or Aran Islands. Sorry . . . not sorry.
I strove to create an itinerary that showcases all aspects of Ireland’s unique human history: from prehistoric times to medieval, through English occupation and the tragedies of the Great Famine and Troubles, right up to modern Ireland.
I also wanted to highlight this small island’s incredible variety of landscapes. With those two criteria, this itinerary knocks it out of the park. You’ll return from this trip having absolutely immersed yourself in Irish culture.
Just a warning: basically everyone who goes to Ireland decides they need to move there (cough guilty cough, cough) so don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your second trip to Ireland while still on your first one. You can see the Blarney Stone on that trip.
Day by Day One Week Ireland Itinerary
Day One: Arrive Dublin
Since you’ll likely arrive in the city in mid-morning, plan to leave your bags at your hotel. Then take yourself on a self-guided walking tour of Dublin’s highlights!
Some favorite points of interest during your Dublin wanderings include Trinity College (Book of Kells and Old Library), Temple Bar, St. Stephen’s Green, Christ Church Cathedral, Grafton Street, Dublin Castle, and the Molly Malone and Phil Lynott statues. Be sure to take the Ha’Penny Bridge over the Liffey to visit the GPO on O’Connell Street. You can still see bullet holes in the Post Office’s columns from the 1916 Easter Rising.
Consider popping into one of the city’s plentiful cafes and tea rooms (my favorite is Queen of Tarts near Dublin Castle) to grab lunch. When you’re ready to turn in for the night (which might be pretty early), head over to Temple Bar for dinner and a pint. Bad Ass Café is a fun dining option in that area.
Where To Stay in Dublin:
I’ve heard good things about the Trinity Townhouse Hotel and you can’t beat its central location. Another good central option is Grafton Hotel. If you’re a little more budget conscious, you’ll find a lot of affordable lodging options on Lower Gardiner St. Just know that it’s a bit of a trek across the Liffey from Lower Gardiner to the city centre and the nearby dining options aren’t great.
Day Two: Dublin Day or Day Trip to Giants Causeway
If you don’t think you’ll ever be back to Ireland, I’d use today to take a guided day trip (you know, the kind where a coach bus picks you up at your hotel) up to Northern Ireland and Giant’s Causeway. But my hunch is that yesterday’s jetlag made for a somewhat unsatisfying day of sightseeing. My recommendation is to stick around Dublin for another day.
It’s a great day to explore Dublin’s plentiful museums. No matter where your interests lie, Dublin probably has a museum for you. My personal favorites are the National Museums south of Trinity College. I haven’t been (yet), but have heard good things about EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum.
Many people are keen to visit the Guinness brewery during their time in Dublin. Just know that Guinness Storehouse will feel like a carefully curated museum rather than a brewery. In general, people have a better experience on the Jameson Distillery Tour, although you can’t beat the 360 degree view from the Gravity Bar at the end of the Guinness Storehouse Experience. People also really enjoy the Whiskey Museum. Personally, I’d choose tour the distillery of my favorite Irish whiskey – Teeling.
If you don’t like museums or adult beverages, Kilmainham Gaol is well worth a visit. You could also take a walking tour.
Ireland has a fantastic legacy of theatre. Be a part of it tonight by grabbing tickets to Dublin theatre like the Abbey (the national theatre of Ireland) or the Gate.
Day Three: Mountains and Monasteries – Wicklow, Glendalough, Cashel
You might not feel like you’re truly in Ireland until you rent a car and head south to Wicklow Mountains National Park. There’s a good reason for this. The striking landscapes of Wicklow are frequently used by filmmakers to portray rural Ireland.
Along the way, if you like big houses as much as I do, consider a stop at Powerscourt. (I’ve never been, but it’s been on my “must see” list forever.) Considered one of the top mansions in the world, Powerscourt served as the Count’s opulent home in the 2002 version of The Count of Monte Cristo. Countless other films have also been filmed on the Powerscourt grounds.
Although you can’t really go inside, you can wander the manicured gardens, or play a round of golf at the adjacent course. The nearby Powerscourt Waterfall is another favorite Wicklow stop.
You can’t leave Wicklow without visiting the Glendalough Monastic Site. This idyllic monastery dates back to the 6th century. You can learn all about the monastery’s important contributions to early Irish life in the visitor centre. For me, the real draw at Glendalough is the walking trail around Glendalough Upper Lake.
After Glendalough, hit the road for a two-hour drive to Cashel. This small town is dominated by the stunning Rock of Cashel that overlooks the town from its perch on a rocky knob. If you want to tour inside, you’ll need to arrive by 3:30 p.m. Since the exterior is the real draw, I wouldn’t get too hung up on going inside, especially if you’ve just toured Glendalough.
(One fun fact: the Rock of Cashel was an important site for St. Patrick. It’s where he first used the shamrock analogy for the Holy Trinity!)
We had more fun exploring Hore Abbey, an abandoned 13th century Ciscertian abbey, in the field below the Rock. Hore Abbey also happens to be free and open 24/7.
Where To Stay in Cashel:
You can’t go to Ireland and not stay in a bed and breakfast! I’d opt for Rockville House, although you have plenty of B&Bs to choose from in Cashel. The town has a lot of dining options. I have really fond memories of exploring this accessible small town.
Day Four: County Clare and Galway Town
Head straight to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most iconic sights in Ireland and about a two-hour drive from Cashel. It will probably be very, very windy. Wear a headband or tightfitting hat! And yes, these are the “Cliffs of Insanity” from The Princess Bride film. 
After seeing Ireland’s mountains, dramatic cliffs, and green hillsides, the Burren might not be what you’re expecting as you drive north from the Cliffs of Moher. Often described as a moonscape, the Burren is a stark 96-square-mile region that appears paved in slabs of limestone. This “one of a kind” landscape hosts a unique blend of flora and fauna.
Context is key to really understand the Burren. To better understand what makes this region, swing by the Burren Centre in Kilfenora. I remember having a really nice lunch here at Vaughan’s Pub. You might want to do the same.
Kilfenora’s also known for its ancient high crosses. Five of these massive carved crosses – the tallest is over 14’ tall! – are now preserved in the Kilfenora Cathedral.
On your way out of Kilfenora, be sure to stop at the Poulnabrone Dolmen, an ancient portal tomb that’s at least 5000 years old. Yep, it’s older than Stonehenge.
To end the day, continue to Dunguaire Castle. This 16th century castle overlooks Galway Bay and from April – October offers a medieval banquet. Yes, this four-course meal with medieval entertainment is kitschy and touristy, but it’s also really fun. Definitely book in advance.
If you don’t think you’d like a medieval banquet, you can just tour the castle. It’s open for tours until 4:30 p.m. every day during the summer.
Whenever you wrap up at Dunguaire Castle, drive about 45 minutes to Galway to turn in for the night.
Where To Stay in Galway
I’ve always stayed in a B&B in Galway’s Salthill neighborhood, just across the River Corrib from Galway’s Latin Quarter. If you like this option, you have plenty of Salthill B&Bs to choose from, but it is about a 25 minute trek by foot to reach the city centre. If you prefer a hotel, I’d try Hyde Hotel or the Galmont Hotel and Spa.
Day Five: Day in Galway
After two days pounding the Irish pavement, it’s time to take a little breather in Galway. Sure, you could head off to the Aran Islands on a day trip, but honestly, I don’t think they’re worth it for a first-time Ireland visit. Instead, let’s spend the day exploring the charming cobblestone streets of Galway town.
This city of about 80,000 is known for its excellent dining and happening live music scene. Today’s a great day to do a little shopping and maybe take a food tour. Some Galway must see sites include Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter, Galway Market, Spanish Arch, the Long Walk, and Galway Cathedral.
Day Six: Driving Tour of Connemara
Connemara’s not just a type of pony. It’s a region of Ireland that stretches from the northern tip of Galway Bay up to the southern shore of Clew Bay in County Mayo. This rugged, beautiful corner of Ireland has carefully preserved its Gaelic heritage. You’ll find the highest concentration of Gaelic speakers in the country here.
It’s also the area of Ireland I’m the most familiar with. Not only did I live in Louisburgh during college, my paternal great-grandfather immigrated from Castlebar, County Mayo to Chicago at the turn of the 20th century!
Obviously, one day really isn’t enough time to do this fabulous region justice. If you want more ideas, check out my Things To Do in Louisburgh, Ireland post.
My Perfect Connemara Driving Tour
Start the day in Cong. If you’re a fan, you can stop at the Quiet Man Museum right in town. If not, head straight for the nearby Abbey ruins. Don’t miss the fishing house in the river!
Since you’re already in the area, swing by Ashford Castle. Yes, this is a real castle and yes, it was owned by the Guinness family (that Guinness family) for a period of time. Now it’s a luxury hotel known for its pricey suites and beautiful golf course.
Continue on to a couple scenic roadside stops. Aasleagh Falls is a small, but attractive waterfall in the River Erriff that’s a great place to stretch your legs. At this point, either continue on to Kylemore Abbey or take a boat tour of Killary Harbour. Personally, I’d opt for the boat tour. Although Kylemore’s a pretty photo op, that’s all it is – you can’t go inside.
From Killary, head north through one of the most striking landscapes in Ireland. You’ll pass through Delphi, where King Charles stayed in 1995 on a fishing trip. Despite the area’s beauty, it’s still haunted by the Great Famine as you’ll learn at the Doolough Famine Memorial.
Beaches in the Louisburgh area are popular among surfers. The crown jewel of this area’s beaches is Silver Strand. It’s well worth a stop, even if you didn’t pack your board.
Stop at Murrisk on the southern shore of Clew Bay (said to have 365 islands – one for each day of the year) to take in the National Famine Memorial. You’ll also get an up close and personal view of Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain of Ireland. You can hike to Croagh Patrick’s summit, but be warned, this is no stroll. You need a full afternoon for this arduous 7 km hike.
Spend the night in Westport
Quaint is the word that comes to most minds when describing Westport. A big contributing factor to the town’s tidy appeal is the fact that it’s a planned town. The town was developed in the mid-1700s and still has many good examples of Georgian architecture. Spend a little time checking out the town centre shops and don’t miss the picturesque Carrowbeg River. If you’re looking for a longer walk after spending all day in the car, head down to the Quay and loop back into town past Westport House.
Where To Stay in Westport
If I were to book a night in Westport, I’d stay at Castlecourt Hotel. The Wyatt and Westport Plaza Hotel are good options too.
Day Seven: Drive from Westport to Dublin
Today, your major task is to get yourself from Westport back to Dublin. It’s only about a 3.5 hour drive. If you like, you could sneak in hike up Croagh Patrick before you depart Westport, or make it an all-day driving day by jaunting out to Achill Island and Rockfleet Castle on the north shore of Clew Bay before doubling back towards Dublin.
I’ve always taken the train from Westport to Dublin, so I don’t have any great stops along the way! If you’re not tired of abbeys yet, consider a stop at Ballintubber Abbey outside of Castlebar.
Athlone has always looked so tempting to me from the train. Maybe try lunch there?
If you want to stretch your legs before returning your rental car in Dublin, I highly recommend a long stroll through Phoenix Park!
If you need to do some souvenir shopping, swing by a Carrolls Irish Gifts and Trinity Woolen Mills. Just know that the Dublin Aiport has an amazing shopping area once you clear security. You can honestly do all of your souvenir shopping as you wait for your flight. Don’t forget to grab some duty-free whiskey!
Best Resources for a First-time Trip to Ireland
Although Ireland often gets lumped in England and Scotland as part of the British Isles, Ireland truly has a vibe all its own. Despite centuries of English oppression, Ireland has retained a strong cultural identity. However, if you expect your Irish travels to be all leprechauns and rainbows, you’re going to be in for some serious culture shock.
I highly recommend doing a little reading and watching before your Ireland trip to get the most out of your Irish travels.
Fiction Books To Read Before Visiting Ireland
Short of visiting the country itself, I think the best way to learn about another part of the world is through their literature. Happily, Ireland has an amazing legacy of literature. Before your trip, I recommend reading:
The Year of the French by Thomas Flanagan – This fictionalized retelling of the 1798 Irish uprising is a slow, but rewarding read. I consider it a must read if County Mayo’s on your Ireland itinerary.
Classic Irish Short Stories – selected by Frank O’Connor – If The Year of the French is little too much for you to bit off before your trip, check out this collection of short stories from Ireland’s most renowned writers.
The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats – I’m pretty sure its heresy to travel to Ireland and not be familiar with Yeats!
An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor – Want a cozy, fast read? These books are often described as Jan Karon meets James Herriot in rural Northern Ireland. Don’t worry, if you get attached to the characters this is just the first in an 18-book series!
Nonfiction Books To Read Before Visiting Ireland
We Don’t Know Ourselves by Fintan O’Toole- If you only read one book before traveling to Ireland, have it be this one. As an American of Irish descent, it’s easy to glorify Ireland, but let’s be honest, there’s a reason why our ancestors left! O’Toole’s We Don’t Know Ourselves is part memoir, part history and provides a raw, honest look at modern Ireland.
The Pirate Queen of Ireland by Anne Chambers – Granuaile was a contemporary of Queen Elizabeth I. She also happened to be a pirate.
How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill – This title sounds hyperbolic, but this book’s actually a fascinating look at how Irish monasteries preserved important texts during the “Dark Ages.” Definitely give it a skim if you’re headed to any ancient Irish sites like Glendalough or Rock of Cashel.
A Traveller’s History of Ireland by Peter Neville – Look, Irish history is complex. I lived in Ireland and I don’t think I’d pass an Irish history pop quiz. If you’re baffled by Irish history, especially all the uprisings, this concise history helps.
Movies to Watch Before Visiting Ireland
If you don’t have time to read, you can give yourself a crash course in Irish culture in a few evenings with these films.
The Quiet Man (1952) – Yes, this John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara film can be really cringy. However, it’s basically required watching if you’re headed to Connemara.
P.S. I Love You (2007) – Worth watching just for the scenery. Spoiler alert, you’ll get to enjoy some of the same Irish landscapes that Holly visits with my Ireland itinerary!
In The Name of the Father (1993) In my opinion, this is the best film adaptation of the 1970s Irish Troubles.
My Favorite Ireland Guidebook
It might not be the best Irish guidebook out there, but my DK Eyewitness Ireland guidebook was my faithful companion for all my Irish travels. It feels like cheating to recommend anything else.
Conclusion: 7 Day Ireland Itinerary
I seriously had the best time pouring all of my Ireland knowledge into this post. If you couldn’t tell, I’m passionate about all things Ireland.
With its ancient sites, fascinating and troubled history, and unparalleled landscapes, a trip to Ireland is a must for any world traveler. Since it’s an English speaking country just a short plane ride from North America, it’s the perfect place to dip your toe into international travel. And chances are, you’re a little Irish yourself. More than 50 million Americans claim Irish heritage, while the Republic of Ireland has a population of just 5 million.
I worked really hard to craft an Ireland itinerary that provides a full immersion into Irish culture. From cities and churches to castles and countryside, there’s so much to see. Whether you follow this 7 Day Ireland itinerary exactly or just use it to inspire your Irish travels, I hope I’ve helped you fall in love with this beautiful island.
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