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Planning a 7 Day Ireland Itinerary can feel like a humungous task – but we assure you that it doesn’t have to be. While there is a lot that goes into planning an Ireland trip, we are sharing our top tips that will help you plan the absolute Best 7 Day Ireland Itinerary!
A few things travelers to Ireland need to determine is where to go, what to see and how long to stay. Plus, there are important details, like choosing when to go to Ireland, deciding whether or not to rent a car and when to start booking accommodations. In our week-long Ireland Itinerary, we cover the top trip planning essentials, plus our insider advice!
How To Plan an Ireland Itinerary
Ireland boasts a buzzing capital city, an astounding coastline and quaint villages. We believe the best way to plan a trip to Ireland is to experience a little bit of everything.
That said, how you plan an Ireland trip will come down to your overall interests, allowable time and travel budget.
We feel that our itinerary is the best way to see Ireland…but it may not be for everyone. Travelers looking to create their ideal Ireland vacation itinerary can use our outline as it’s written or as a starting point for their trip plan.
Planning the Best Ireland Itinerary 7 Days
Our itinerary of Ireland offers detailed information about visiting the Emerald Isle. However, visitors traveling to Ireland from overseas should read our How To Plan a European Vacation article.
Organizing Your Ireland Trip Ideas
As you plan your week trip to Ireland, organization is key! To stay on top of all the important details of your itinerary for touring Ireland, we recommend using our Printable Travel Planner. 
Ireland Itinerary 7 Days FAQs
Before we dive into our Best Ireland Trip Itinerary, we want to answer a few frequently asked questions. These need-to-know details will help you plan your 1 Week in Ireland Itinerary later!
How Many Days to Spend in Ireland?
For many travelers, how long to travel around Ireland is one of the biggest questions when creating a trip plan.
How long to stay in Ireland boils down to your specific interests, overall allotted time for the trip and budget. That said, it would be impossible to ‘see it all’ on a single visit. Unless you plan on touring Ireland for months on end!
We believe an Ireland 7 Day Itinerary is optimal for most travelers. Our proposed One Week Ireland Itinerary allows enough time to see the highlights at a reasonable pace.
When Should I Travel to Ireland?
The prime time to visit Ireland is when it is dry and sunny…which is pretty tough to predict! The best chance for ideal weather in Ireland, however, is late spring and summer.
In order to plan the best trips to Ireland, we recommend anticipating rain, wind and cloudy skies. Dress in layers (even in the summertime), bring a raincoat and always explore with a travel umbrella tucked into your day pack. In the summer, also pack sunscreen, as the sun can be deceptively strong even when the air is cool.
What Are the Best Places to See in Ireland in 7 Days?
Labeling attractions in any country as the ‘best places to see’ is, obviously, subjective. For our sample itinerary for Ireland, we include the spots that we believe are perfect for a 7-day trip.
The destinations that we include in our 7 Days in Ireland Itinerary are Dublin, Limerick, Doolin (to see Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands) and Galway.
Those exploring Ireland over a longer period of time can also include Cork (along with the Ring of Kerry and Killarney) and/or Belfast, Northern Ireland and Giants Causeway.
7 DAY IRELAND ITINERARY
Now that we’ve covered some basics, it’s time to dive into the day-by-day specifics of our Best Ireland Itinerary! We include everything you need for each day, plus a helpful Ireland Map at the end of the article.
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DAY 1: Discover Dublin Highlights
Kick off your 7 Days Ireland Itinerary in the capital of Dublin. The city has a long history and is home to many of the top attractions in Ireland.
After getting settled into your accommodations (recommendation: Temple Bar Inn), start your discovery of Dublin by getting your bearings on an Organized or Self Guided Dublin Walking Tour. The city is incredibly walkable and the best Dublin sights are easy to reach on foot.
In the afternoon, plan to see one (or more) of Dublin’s top attractions. The Guinness Storehouse, the Book of Kells at Trinity College and the Jameson Distillery are top picks. As these are the most popular sights in Dublin, it is best to book tickets in advance.
Use should also consult our complete Dublin Itinerary for more details of what to see and do in the city.
In the evening, sip a pint of Guinness at one of the Best Pubs in Dublin. We recommend enjoying music and imbibing in the always entertaining Temple Bar District.
Public Transit Options for Day 1
It’s fairly easy to get around Dublin on foot. However, there is also an extensive public transit system that includes buses, trams and trains. Check the TFI Website for complete route and fare info. Alternatively, you can use the Hop On Hop Off Bus to conveniently get to top Dublin tourist attractions.
DAY 2: Explore More of Dublin and the Irish Coast
On the second day of your Ireland in 7 Days Itinerary, explore more of Dublin in the morning. Then, set off for a short excursion to one of the best coastal towns.
Dublin is teeming with sights and attractions – so pick one or two to see in the morning. There are a copious number of museums and, when the weather cooperates, the outdoor spaces are nothing short of spectacular.
We loved the Little Museum of Dublin (especially the U2 exhibit), but the National Gallery of Ireland is a good choice, as well. Plus, it offers free admission, making it one of the Best Free Things To Do in Dublin!
Visitors who would rather spend the morning outdoors will find ample green spaces in Dublin. Our favorite spot is Phoenix Park, where deer roam the meadows, but the National Botanic Garden is a lovely place to explore, too.
Take a short trip in the afternoon to one of the picture-perfect towns on along the coast – like Howth, Bray or Malahide.
On a day trip to Howth, gorge on fresh seafood and then stretch your legs on the stunning coastal walk. Alternately, travel south to the seaside resort town of Bray, where you can put your feet in the sand and then hike to the top of the hill for phenomenal panoramas. The highlight of a trip to Malahide is the impressive and mighty Malahide Castle, but leave enough time for a stroll through the picturesque town, too!
End the second day of your travel itinerary for Ireland at the oldest bar in Dublin, The Brazen Head. Here they serve exceptional Irish stew, pour a very tasty pint of Guinness and often have live music.
Public Transit Options for Day 2
All three coastal towns are easy to get to by the DART public transit train line. Tickets are inexpensive and fares can be paid with a Leap Card or purchased at kiosks located at most stops.
DAY 3: Spend a Day in Limerick
On Day 3 of your One Week in Ireland Itinerary, travel west from Dublin to the city of Limerick. It’s a great place to stop to break up the journey across the country. Limerick, which sits on the banks of the River Shannon, is steeped in history and has a handful of sights that are well-worth seeing.
Once you get checked (recommended: Limerick City Hotel), set off to see the two top and historic Limerick attractions: St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John’s Castle.
The Cathedral was founded in the year 1168 and features exquisite stained-glass windows, ancient artifacts and a small cemetery.
Next, step inside the landmark King John’s Castle, which marks the heart of the city’s Medieval quarter. The interactive museum features exciting displays that showcase the interesting history and great importance of the 800-year-old castle.
If time allows, cross over the bridge to the opposite side of the river. There you will find the Treaty Stone (where the 1691 Treaty of Limerick was signed) and fabulous views of the castle and church.
Stop at Treaty City Brewery for a locally crafted brew. They make excellent IPAs…or you can sample them all with a flight. For dinner, go to The Locke Bar. Eat al fresco at one of the riverside tables, but duck back inside for the live music after your meal. Just don’t stay out too late, as tomorrow is a big day!
Public Transit Options for Day 3
Visitors can travel to Limerick from Dublin via bus or train. The Dublin Coach Bus 300 M7 Express Service from Dublin City Burgh Quay departs multiple times daily. To allow plenty of time for sightseeing in Limerick, we recommend being on one of the morning departures. Find timetables and more info.
The first direct train from Dublin Heuston to Limerick Colbert Station departs at 3:30pm. This is too late to enter the sights in Limerick, but a good option for travelers who’d prefer to spend a few more hours sightseeing in Dublin. There are earlier trains, but they require a switch at Limerick Junction. See the timetable and fare info.
DAY 4: Travel to Doolin and Walk the Cliffs of Moher
Get an early start on Day 4 of your 7 Day Itinerary Ireland and travel to the dramatic Irish West Coast and the charming Village of Doolin.
Inquire if early check in is available (recommended: Hotel Doolin or Oar Rooms) – or at the very least if you can store your luggage. Once you have that sorted, immediately set off on an absolutely epic coastal walk to the famous Cliffs of Moher.
The well-marked Doolin to Cliffs of Moher Trail follows the coastline, passing by grazing cows and horses. Hikers can walk all the way to O’Brien’s Tower, the Visitor’s Center and beyond.
Although we believe the best views of the Cliffs of Moher are during the hike, not from the top. While not technically difficult, the round-trip is about 10 miles in length and will take about 5 hours to complete.
When you finish the hike, have dinner, drinks and enjoy the craic in Doolin at one of the town’s best bars: McGann’s Pub, Fitzpatrick’s Bar or McDermott’s Pub.
Top Tip: Use our guide of the Top Things To Do in Doolin for more tips and details about the hike, sights, restaurants and bars.
Public Transit Options for Day 4
To get from Limerick to Doolin, we recommend using a combination of train and bus. There is no direct route between the two locations.
From Limerick, take the train to Ennis. Be on the 9:20am train in order to catch the 10:30am Route 350 Bus to Doolin (the two stations are connected). Fares for the bus to Doolin are paid via a Leap Card, cash or online ticket.
DAY 5: Take a Day Trip to the Aran Islands
On Day 5 of your 7 Day Itinerary for Ireland embark on memorable excursion to the rustic and fascinating Aran Islands. The three islands sit just offshore and boast centuries of history and tradition.
Take the morning ferry from Doolin to Inis Oirr – the closest, smallest and in our opinion the best Aran Island to visit on a day trip.
Once on the island, rent a bicycle for the day and pedal your way to the top sights. The top things to see on Inis Oirr are the Plessey Shipwreck, the sunken church and the lighthouse. There’s also a lovely sandy beach and of course of few pubs to choose from!
Return to Doolin in the late afternoon and hop on the Cliffs of Moher Scenic Tour Boat (book both boat trips together and save a bit of money). The boat ride features stunning views of the cliffs from sea level. This offers quite a different perspective from hiking on top of them!
Once back in Doolin Village, stop at the famed Gus O’Connor Tavern for a beverage, a bite to eat and the nightly music session.
Public Transit Options for Day 5
The only way to get to the islands is by public ferry. The ferries do fill up, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance.
There is no bus service to get around Doolin. Travelers without a car will need to walk from their accommodations to the ferry dock, which is about 1 mile from the heart of the village.
DAY 6: Go to Galway via the Wild Atlantic Way
The next stop on your Ireland Travel Itinerary is Galway…but getting there is half the fun! The route from Doolin to Galway is along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the most iconic coastal routes in the world.
After a leisurely breakfast, depart Doolin and navigate through the rocky terrain of The Burren. Continue through the countryside and small villages to Dunguaire Castle. Here you can spend a couple hours touring the impressive stronghold and eating lunch in the village of Kinvara.
The charming castle sits right on Galway Bay and is open to visitors for a small fee. For lunch, indulge in a steamy bowl of creamy seafood chowder at The Pier Head or one of the fun pubs on Main Street.
After the stop in Kinvara, continue your journey to Galway City – the final destination on your Itinerary for Ireland. Check into your accommodations (recommended: Thirteen on the Green or Skeffington Arms), then enjoy a leisurely evening of Galway sightseeing.
Walk through Eyre Square and follow Williamsgate Street into the tangle of pedestrian-only Medieval lanes in the Galway Latin Quarter. Listen to buskers, pop into shops and simply enjoy the jubilant atmosphere!
For dinner, get a woodfired pizza from The Dough Bros (ranked one of the best pizzas in Europe) or feast on a classic meal of fish and chips at the family-run McDonagh’s. End the day at one of Galway’s best taverns – like Tigh Choili or Tigh Neachtain – where you can catch a live Irish Traditional Music Session.
Public Transit Options for Day 6
Doolin is connected to Galway via Bus #350 (the same route used to get to Doolin from Ennis) and there are several daily departures.
Travelers who want to make the stop at the Dunguaire Castle can take the 8:30am or 11:30am Route 350 bus and stop at Kinvara. Just keep in mind that the castle does not open until 10am and is about a 15-minute walk from the bus stop.
Watch the time throughout the afternoon and either catch the 2:57pm or 4:57pm bus to Galway. The ride to Galway City from Kinvara takes about 40 minutes.
DAY 7: Enjoy Galway Sights
On the last day of your One Week in Ireland Itinerary, spend a full day sightseeing in Galway. Use our guide of Things To Do in Galway to plan your adventure!
Start the day in the Latin Quarter checking off the sights that you didn’t see the day before, like the Spanish Arch, Lynch’s Castle and the St. Nicholas Church. Stop by the excellent (and free) Galway City Museum and then walk along the riverside path north to the Galway Cathedral. If time allows, wander through the University of Galway campus.
In the afternoon, either walk the seaside promenade to Salthill – a fun entertainment district and home of the National Aquarium of Ireland – or take a leisurely river cruise on the Corrib Princess.
End the day in Galway’s Westend, where there are ample trendy cafes, hip restaurants and fun pubs. Enjoy one last pint of Guinness at Monroe’s, where there will almost certainly be live music and a fun crowd to wrap up your 1 Week Vacation in Ireland!
Public Transit Options for Day 7
No public transit is needed for Day 7 of our Ireland sample itinerary – everything can be reached on foot!
Ireland Itinerary Map
Use this Google Map for an online version of our Ireland Travel Itinerary 7 Days below.
Tips for your One Week Ireland Itinerary
We have outlined our Perfect Ireland Itinerary, but have some more advice to help you make the absolute most of your trip!
How To Get to Ireland
In our Ireland suggested itinerary, we start in Dublin and end in Galway. Therefore, you could book flights into Dublin (DUB) and out of Shannon (SNN). That said, it only takes about 2 hours to get back to the Dublin Airport from Galway.
For your 7-Day Ireland Itinerary from Dublin, we recommend searching for fares from both cities to see which one offers the best prices and schedules.
Using a airline booking tool, like Skyscanner, can help you narrow down the options. We provide more tips in our article about Finding the Best Flights for Cheap.
Tips for Ireland Accommodations
Throughout our 7 Nights in Ireland Itinerary, we shared our top picks for where to stay in each destination. Most of the recommendations are well-priced and near the center of town. However, we have a few more tips about finding places to stay in Ireland.
Hotels in Ireland are expensive – especially in Dublin. Expect rates for average hotels to be priced close to $200 per night. Be sure to use our Tips for Finding Cheap Hotels before booking!
The best value hotels get booked early, so we recommend starting your search for accommodations early in your Ireland trip planning process.
Typically, we enjoy staying in Airbnb apartments when we travel. However, for our Seven Days in Ireland Itinerary – we believe hotels are a better option. They typically have a more lenient check-in/check-out policy and are likely to have luggage storage, if need be.
What To Pack for a 7 Day Ireland Tour
Our final advice is about what to pack in your suitcase or backpack. So grab our FREE Checklist for Packing and let’s get you to Ireland!
Walking Shoes for Ireland
It is oh-so-important to have the right shoes for your trip! We advise wearing lightweight, versatile and comfortable shoes – like everyday trainers or these trail shoes. You can find more specifics in our reviews for The Best Travel Shoes.
Weather Gear for a 7 Day Trip to Ireland Itinerary
We already mentioned that the weather in Ireland can be quite wild, so it’s essential to pack accordingly! Layers are ideal – even in the summertime. Wet weather gear are a must for any season.
Travel Camera for your Tour of Ireland Itinerary
The landscapes in Ireland are unbelievably beautiful! We highly recommend upgrading to a true travel camera.
There are many great (and some very expensive) cameras out there, but we suggest starting with a Canon Rebel. It’s what we use, along with a 18-135mm lens. We believe it’s a great camera for budget travelers because it’s well-priced, takes quality photos and comes with many super accessories.
Day Pack
With long days of sightseeing, you will want to make sure you can carry everything you need. There are numerous styles – like the backpacks we use to cross-body bags to hip packs. We detail many of the top options in our post on the Best Day Packs for Travelers.
European Travel Insurance
Regardless of how well you plan, things can go wrong. Flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage and illness abroad are just a few of the unexpected things that can happen while traveling. A trip insurance policy might help cover the costs. Check the affordable rates and coverages at World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Ireland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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