So you've got one week in Ireland? Good choice. I remember my first Ireland itinerary 7 days trip - rained every single day but still fell head over heels for the place. That's Ireland for you. This guide cuts through the fluff to give you a realistic 7 days Ireland itinerary that actually works, whether you're a solo traveler or dragging the family along.
Why This Ireland 7 Day Itinerary Actually Works
Most Ireland 7 day itineraries try to cram too much in. You'd spend half your trip in the car. Not fun when you're paying €1.70 per liter for petrol. This route sticks to the essentials: Dublin, the Wild Atlantic Way, and the Cliffs of Moher. You'll see the big sights without constant packing/unpacking.
Key Advantages of This 7 Day Ireland Itinerary
- Minimal hotel hopping (only 3 base locations)
- Balanced driving time (max 3.5 hours/day)
- Covers both east and west coasts
- Flexible options for different travelers
- Tested personally during rainy season (spoiler: survived)
Your Ireland 7 Day Itinerary Breakdown
Here's the core route for your Irish adventure. We'll dive into each day next.
| Day | Base | Key Stops | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Dublin | Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar | None (city exploration) |
| 3 | Killarney | Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle (optional) | 4 hours |
| 4 | Killarney | Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park | 1.5 hours |
| 5 | Galway | Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Burren Region | 3.5 hours |
| 6 | Galway | Aran Islands, Galway City | None (ferry trip) |
| 7 | Return | Drive to Dublin Airport | 2.5 hours |
Ireland in 7 Days: Detailed Day-by-Day Plan
Days 1-2: Dublin Dive
Fly into Dublin Airport (DUB). Skip the taxi queues - the Aircoach bus costs €7 and drops you downtown. First rule of Ireland travel: don't waste money on unnecessary taxis.
Where to stay? The Temple Bar area looks tempting but trust me, you won't sleep. Try The Morgan Hotel (€150/night) for central-but-quiet location. Budget option: Abigail's Hostel (€40/dorm) has surprisingly good private rooms.
Must-dos in Dublin:
- Guinness Storehouse (€25): Yes it's touristy but the Gravity Bar views are worth it
- Trinity College Library (€18): Book online to skip massive queues
- Kilmainham Gaol (€8): Book weeks ahead - sells out constantly
Food tip: Avoid Temple Bar restaurants. Walk 10 minutes to Fade Street Social for modern Irish food that won't bankrupt you. Their €15 lunch special is gold.
Jet lag hitting hard? Power through it. That first pint tastes better when you're running on fumes.
Day 3: Westward Bound to Killarney
Pick up your rental car around 8am. Warning! Manual transmissions dominate - specify automatic if needed. I use Europcar because their Dublin Airport desk opens early.
Drive highlights:
- Rock of Cashel (€8 entry): Allow 90 minutes. Those medieval ruins will make your Instagram pop.
- Blarney Castle (€18): Only if you really care about kissing stones. Frankly overrated but kids love it.
Reaching Killarney around 5pm? Perfect timing for music at O'Connor's Pub. Stay at McSweeney Arms Hotel (€110/night) - central location beats fancy amenities here.
Driving tip: When Google says 3 hours to Killarney, it means 4 with toilet breaks and photo stops. Irish roads aren't highways.
Day 4: Ring of Kerry Lite
The full Ring of Kerry takes 8+ hours. With limited time, do this instead:
- Gap of Dunloe early morning (free access)
- Ross Castle boat tour (€15, 1 hour)
- Muckross House gardens (€7.50)
Lunch at Kate Kearney's Cottage - touristy but solid Irish stew for €12.50. Skip if crowded.
Doing Ring of Kerry Lite Means
- More time actually outside the car
- Less stress about narrow roads
- Energy left for evening pubs
Full Ring of Kerry Problems
- Coach traffic jams in summer
- Can't stop spontaneously for photos
- Exhausting driving day
Day 5: Cliffs of Moher Day
Big driving day - 3.5 hours to Cliffs. Take N71 through Kenmare for killer coastal views. Stop at Doolin for lunch before the cliffs - Gus O'Connor's Pub does decent seafood chowder.
Cliffs of Moher entry is €10 (online booking essential). Pro tip: Walk south toward Hags Head for crowd-free views. That postcard shot? It's real.
Continue to Galway. Stay near Eyre Square - The Dean Galway (€170) has cool vibe, Jurys Inn (€120) is reliable.
Day 6: Galway & Aran Islands
Choose your adventure:
| Option | Best For | Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aran Islands ferry | History buffs, photographers | €35 round trip | 6+ hours with ferry |
| Galway City exploration | Foodies, shoppers, relaxed day | Free (food extra!) | Flexible |
If choosing Aran Islands:
- Ferry from Rossaveal (30min drive from Galway)
- Rent bikes on Inis Mór (€15)
- See Dún Aonghasa fort (€5 entry)
Staying in town? Don't miss:
- Latin Quarter street performers
- Kai Restaurant for lunch (book ahead)
- Charlie Byrne's Bookshop - Ireland's best indie bookstore
Day 7: Return to Dublin
Drive back to Dublin Airport takes 2.5 hours via M6/M4. Allow 4 hours total with:
- Returning rental car (takes longer than you think)
- Security queues
Flight timing tip: Book afternoon flights. Morning departures mean leaving Galway at 5am - no thanks.
Alternative 7 Day Ireland Itinerary Options
- No-Car Version: Dublin (2d) → Galway (3d with Cliffs bus tour) → Dublin (2d). Misses Killarney but doable.
- Family Focused: Swap Aran Islands for Bunratty Castle folk park. Kids love the medieval banquets.
- Packed Pace: Add Belfast (requires extra 4hr drive). Only attempt if you thrive on chaos.
Real Talk: Ireland 7 Day Itinerary Costs
Let's break down the budget. Prices per person:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400 (hostels) | €900 (B&Bs/hotels) | €1,500+ (4-5 star) |
| Food | €200 (supermarket meals) | €400 (mix of pub/restaurant) | €700+ (fine dining) |
| Car Rental + Petrol | €250 (manual compact) | €400 (automatic sedan) | €600+ (SUV) |
| Attractions | €100 (select paid sites) | €175 (most major sites) | €250+ (all tours) |
| Total Estimate | €950 | €1,875 | €3,050+ |
Money saving hack: Get the Heritage Card (€40) if visiting 3+ paid heritage sites like Rock of Cashel or Glendalough. Pays for itself fast.
Essential Ireland Packing List
Forget fancy clothes. Based on getting soaked three times last trip:
| Item | Why Essential | My Recommended Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Jacket | Rain happens daily | Columbia Watertight II (€80) |
| Comfortable Walking Shoes | Cobblestones destroy feet | Ecco Soft 7 (€130) |
| Power Adapter | Type G sockets | EPICKA Universal (€15) |
| Portable Charger | Google Maps drains phones | Anker PowerCore 10000 (€25) |
| Reusable Water Bottle | Tap water is drinkable | Hydro Flask (€35) |
| Layers (sweaters/fleece) | Temperature swings | Uniqlo Heattech series |
Don't bother with umbrellas. Irish wind turns them inside out instantly. Ask how I know.
Ireland Itinerary 7 Days: Common Questions Answered
Is 7 days enough for Ireland?
Enough? No. Doable? Absolutely. You'll hit highlights but leave wanting more. Better than not going at all. Focus on one region rather than trying to circle the whole island.
Should I drive or use public transport?
For this Ireland itinerary 7 days route, driving wins. Buses connect cities but rural gems like Gap of Dunloe require wheels. Book automatics early if needed - they cost 30% more but worth it for stress reduction.
When's the best time for a 7 day Ireland trip?
May-June or September. July-August brings crowds and higher prices. Winter (Nov-Feb) means limited daylight and some attractions close. I went in April - rained daily but had sites to myself.
Can I do Northern Ireland in 7 days?
Technically yes, but you'll rush. Adding Belfast requires 2 extra days minimum. Giant's Causeway is stunning but the 4-hour drive from Dublin eats time. Save it for a longer trip.
Are the Aran Islands worth it?
If weather cooperates? 100%. But ferry cancellations happen. Have backup plans - Galway's museums or walking the Salthill Prom. Last trip we got fogged out - still enjoyed seafood in Doolin instead.
Mistakes to Avoid on Your Ireland Trip
After three Ireland trips and plenty of blunders:
- Booking distant hotels: That charming B&B 30km from town? Not worth it after long driving days.
- Ignoring booking requirements: Cliffs of Moher, Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol - all need advance tickets.
- Overpacking the schedule: Ireland's magic happens in spontaneous moments. Leave breathing room.
- Assuming card acceptance: Rural pubs and B&Bs often take cash only. Always carry €50 in notes.
Final thought? Slow down. That sheep blocking the road isn't a nuisance - it's your Irish moment.
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