7 Day Ireland Itinerary You Should Steal

Are you planning a trip to Ireland soon? If yes, check out this 7 Day Ireland Itinerary to make the most of your time on the Emerald Isle.

I have traveled to Ireland by car several times with my family and can help you with the best route for your Irish road trip.

Although I would suggest you spend at least 2-3 weeks here, I understand that not everyone has the time or the resources to take such a long vacation.

This is why I recommend you plan to spend at least 7 days in Ireland.

In this article, I have shared an Ireland 1 week itinerary you can use. The amount of time to spend at each stop is completely up to you.

So, if you are overwhelmed about which places to visit in Ireland, read the below 7 Day Ireland Itinerary that you should use.

7 Day Ireland Itinerary You Should Steal

Day 1: Begin Your 7 Day Ireland Itinerary Exploring Dublin

Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and one of the top places to add to your 7 days in Ireland itinerary.

There are amazing things to do in Dublin in one day, making it the perfect destination to begin your Irish road trip.

Visit the Dublin Castle

I would suggest you begin your day in Dublin at Dublin Castle.

This historically rich Irish attraction is in the heart of Dublin. You can wander around on your own or take a guided tour by paying a nominal fee.

You can also explore the Dublin Gardens and the Charles Beatty Library, adjacent to the castle.

Tour of the Guinness Storehouse

After that, you enjoy a tour of the Guinness Storehouse which I found quite interesting.

The self-guided tour is through 5 levels of Guinness history and you cannot miss the Gravity Bar on the top floor with 360* views of Dublin. Yes, beer is included in the tour!

Trinity College and Book of Kells is a Must-visit

A not-to-be-missed attraction to add to your 7 day Ireland itinerary is visiting Trinity College and the Book of Kells.

I would skip the outdoor tour of the college and head straight to the Long Room Library and the Book of Kells!

End the Day at the Temple Bar Area

Of course, you have to check out the amazing pubs in Dublin, and what better place to do that than the trendy Temple Bar area?

The Temple Bar is very crowded, so if having a drink in this authentic Irish pub is on your Ireland travel itinerary for 7 days, please leave plenty of time.

Check Prices: Dublin: Fast-Track Book of Kells Ticket & Dublin Castle Tour

Check Prices: Dublin: Guinness Storehouse Entry Ticket

Day 2: Explore Ireland’s Ancient East

Begin the second day of your Ireland road trip by leaving Dublin to discover the treasures of Ireland’s Ancient East.

Start the Day at the Iconic Rock of Cashel

You can head to the iconic Rock of Cashel, in County Tipperary, where St. Patrick visited and baptized kings.

The Rock of Cashel sits high upon a hill and is one of the most visited Irish attractions.

To enter the castle, you must pay a fee which includes an informative guided tour. Trust me, for history buffs, this is a must-visit attraction in your itinerary for the Ireland 7 days tour.

Explore the Ruins of Hore Abbey

After the Rock of Cashel, make your way to the ruins of Hore Abbey which is located across the road.

Hore is Gaelic for ‘brown,’ the color of the outfits the monks wore when it was a working abbey.

Today it is an abandoned abbey that is a fraction of the size, yet full of history. It is situated on a large parcel of land and is a short walk from the road.

It is free and not considered an “official” attraction, so no guides or tours are offered.

But it is an authentic Irish attraction that I highly recommend you to visit.

Kissing the Blarney Stone is a Must On Your Ireland Itinerary

Any Ireland road trip by car is incomplete without a stop at Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone.

From Cashel, drive to Blarney which is 5 miles outside of Cork. There is an entry fee, but the grounds of Blarney Estate are stunning and well-manicured.

Honestly, I was surprised by the activities here and thought we would kiss the stone and then leave.

There is a long line to do this but once done, you can head to the gardens and explore the castle grounds.

I am getting into position (with a wary look) to kiss the Blarney Stone. One of my number one things to do on my own 7 day Ireland itinerary road trip!

To kiss the stone, you climb a steep winding stone staircase of the Blarney Castle. Once at the top, pause to enjoy the gorgeous countryside views.

After that, walk several steps to where the stone is. When it is your turn, there are assistants to help you sit down. You will then have to lie down, put your head backward, and kiss the stone upside down.

It is below where you are sitting and you must reach for it.  It is such a cool experience that I highly recommend adding it to your 7 day Ireland itinerary!

I did it! I am kissing the Blarney Stone upside down, lying down with my head back. Yes, it was worth it and I suggest you add this memorable experience to your Ireland itinerary! 

Spend Some Time in Cork

Another great place to add to your Ireland by car tour is Cork. It is just a few hour’s drive from Dublin and quite colorful, making for a great photo opportunity.

We spent the night at the Hayfield Manor, an excellent choice to add to your Ireland itinerary when selecting hotel accommodations.

Check Prices: From Dublin: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour

Check Prices: Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

Day 3: Drive The Ring Of Kerry As Part Of Your 7 Day Ireland Itinerary

Of course, when traveling to Ireland by car, you cannot miss out on driving the famous Ring of Kerry.

This road offers the most stunning panoramic views and is a dream for all road trippers.

However, please remember that the roads are narrow and winding and you must drive carefully. Slow down when you see a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

I was overcome with a severe case of motion sickness when I traveled the Ring of Kerry during my own Ireland road trip.  And sadly I was not prepared.

If you also suffer from motion or car sickness like me, then carry anti-nausea acupressure wristbands.

Another option is to curb the symptoms with a motion sickness patch.

Or by taking Bonine tablets or Dramamine tablets.

Admire the Kerry Cliffs

Plan a stop to admire the Kerry Cliffs on your Ireland 1 week itinerary. They resemble Cliffs of Moher and look marvelous!

You can view them on the Skellig Ring Road which is directly off the Ring of Kerry and easy to reach.

When viewing The Kerry Cliffs, look for the Skellig Islands out in the distance. This is where a Star Wars movie was filmed.

Valentia Island is less than two kilometers from the Kerry Cliffs and Skellig Ring Road.

It is home to charming Irish seaside towns and an iconic lighthouse (admission fee required). This is also a wonderful location to add to your 7 day Ireland itinerary.

Check Prices: Kerry: Full-Day Tour from Dublin

Check Prices: From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

Day 4: Explore  Killarney For Shopping And Outdoor Fun During Your 7 Day Ireland Itinerary Road Trip

Situated off the Wild Atlantic Way and The Ring of Kerry, there is a wide range of things to do in Killarney that everyone on your Ireland road trip will be satisfied.

Hike in the Killarney National Park

If you include Killarney in your Ireland 1 week itinerary, spend some time at the Killarney National Park. Here, you can enjoy Irish activities such as hiking, and kayaking.

At the entrance to the park, you will see Killarney House and Gardens. You can enjoy a free entry to the house and wander through the beautifully manicured gardens.

Along the Kerry Road, as you are driving in the Killarney National Park, you will find Torc Waterfall. It is a must-see on your 7 day Ireland itinerary because it is beautiful and easily accessible.

You will need to climb uphill to reach the waterfall but it is worth it.

For the adventurous, some moderate hikes will take you up the mountain above the falls.

Learn the History of Killarney

Apart from hiking, Killarney also has a rich history.

Did you know that Queen Victoria visited Killarney? Yes, that’s right and she stayed at Muckross House, a very popular Irish national treasure.

You can wander the grounds and farm of Muckross House, but there is a small entry fee to tour the house.

Ross Castle is also in Killarney just as it meets the national park. Situated on a beautiful lake it is free to wander the grounds, but a small fee is required to tour the inside of the castle.

You can also spend some time in downtown Killarney home to world-class shopping outlets and restaurants.

Check Prices: Killarney: Killarney National Park Private Tour

Check Prices: Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

Day 5: Visit The Stunning Dingle Peninsula

I find the Dingle Peninsula at the top of my must-visit places in Ireland.

Drive on the Slea Head Loop

One of the most fun things to do in Dingle is drive on Slea Head Drive. It is a loop drive of the Dingle Peninsula and offers unforgettable memorable seascapes.

Thankfully, I did not get carsick while driving on Slea Head. But the road is one-lane narrow, and plenty of tour buses barrelling along to watch out for!

Visit Star Wars Filming Locations

Along the Slea Head drive, you want to stop and pull over for the stunning sea cliff views, two Star Wars movie locations, and the epic Irish countryside!

Whether you are a Star Wars movie buff or not, the locations are spectacular and make for postcard-worthy photographs.

Walk Around the Town of Dingle

You can also explore the charming downtown Dingle which is quaint and has plenty of pubs and shops. 

Walk and explore the area and indulge in fun activities in and around Dingle.

Check Prices: Ireland: Dingle Peninsula Day Tour

Check Prices: Dingle: Slea Head Photo And Sightseeing Tour

Day  6: Check Doolin And The Cliffs Of Moher Off Your Ireland Itinerary Bucket List!

Besides kissing the Blarney Stone, visiting the Cliffs of Moher was at the top of my 7 day Ireland itinerary bucket list.

And when I realized the seaside town of Doolin was just a few minutes away, I added it to my Ireland itinerary.

You Cannot Miss the Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher is one of the most popular Irish attractions you must add to your Ireland road trip itinerary.

The cliffs rise 700 feet from the Atlantic Ocean and run an impressive 5 miles along the coastline.

You can drive to this attraction and begin by visiting the Cliffs of Moher Interpretive Center.

Built into the side of a hill, it contains information about the history of the Cliffs of Moher and useful information on how to plan your visit.

The views of the Cliffs of Moher will be one of the most memorable of your Ireland itinerary list.

There is also the Doolin Coastal Trail to explore if you are so inclined. It is a five-mile (8k) coastal trail that will take you to Doolin!

Explore Doolin Town and Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture

You should also add Doolin to your 7 day Ireland itinerary as it is one of the best seaside villages to explore!

There are lots of fun things to do in Doolin such as exploring the cute pink houses, shopping for souvenirs, and enjoying Irish music at the local pubs.

Visit the Aran Islands If You Have Time

If you have the time to linger in charming Doolin, perhaps a ferry ride across to the Aran Islands could be in your plans.

My family and I planned to visit the Aran Islands but ran out of time. I would suggest planning your day well so you can visit this gorgeous Irish destination.

Check Prices: From Galway: Aran Islands Day Trip & Cliffs of Moher Cruise

Check Prices: Doolin Cave: Underground Stalactite Tour

Day 7: Begin The Last Day Of Your Ireland Itinerary Heading Back To Dublin

The last day of your 7 day Ireland itinerary road trip, is free. If you want to spend 2 days in Dublin, you can use this day to explore more of the capital city.

With a few free hours to spare, you could explore some Dublin sites you missed earlier such as Molly Malone’s statue, The Old Post Office on O’Connell Street, and Kilmainham Goal.

Check Prices: Dublin: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Check Prices: Dublin: Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour

Where to Stay in Ireland

Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin – If you are looking for a good hotel in Dublin on your Ireland road trip, I recommend Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin.

This 4-star hotel is close to several attractions such as Dublin Castle, the City Hall.

Check Prices Here

Killarney Dromhall Hotel – If Killarney is a part of your Ireland itinerary, you should stay at Killarney Dromhall Hotel.

It is a 10-minute walk from the town center and You have several cycling and hiking trails nearby.

You can visit nearby attractions such as Muckross House, Ross Castle, and the national park.

Check Prices Here

Aran View Country House – For a unique stay experience, book Aran View Country House in Doolin.

This 1736-year-old Georgian property is located on a hill and offers amazing views of the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher.

This is the perfect family getaway in Ireland if you are visiting Doolin.

Check Prices Here

Packing Tips For Your 7 Day Ireland Itinerary

If you are looking for packing tips read my How To Pack Light In A Carry-on.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves would be handy in preventing identity theft.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is easy to use

This is the exact set of packing organizers I use whenever I travel.

These TSA-compatible durable luggage locks have easy-to-read numbers and are easy to set.

This  world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

And the replaceable charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great to carry drinks and snacks.

These all-season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable. 

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these  Go Walk Joy sneakers come in numerous colors.

I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals. 

These flip-flop Vionic Tides are another style I own in several colors.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come with lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.

If you are fond of aviator-style of sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

If you need new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors.

If you like hard-sided better, you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

How To Get To Ireland For Your 7 Day Ireland Itinerary Trip

You probably will begin your 7 day Ireland Itinerary road trip by flying into Dublin International Airport on Dublin’s east coast. 

If you want to remain healthy during your Ireland itinerary road trip, read my tips on how not to get sick on an airplane. 

If you need a car rental for your Ireland itinerary transportation, car rental companies have customer service desks located conveniently adjacent to baggage claim.

You will need to board a small tram to get to the off-site airport location where your car is, but it is a fast and easy process.

Quick Tips For Your 7 Day Ireland Itinerary

UPDATED: Stay vigilant! During a trip to Paris, our family of four was robbed 3 times. We discussed at great length how we had to remain vigilant to protect ourselves against pickpocketers.

Please do not have any preconceptions about who can violate you by stealing your possessions while in Ireland.  Stay vigilant. I hope you have more success than we did.

Call your credit card company for two reasons: 1) to notify the bank that you will be out of the country and give them your exact travel dates.

2) Check to see if the bank charges foreign transaction fees every time you are out of the country and use your card.

If it does, inquire about applying for a credit card that does NOT charge such fees.

When using an ATM in Ireland make sure it is in your bank’s network, so you do not incur a transaction fee every time you use an ATM to withdraw money.

Also, consider withdrawing larger amounts of money, fewer times, to limit the transaction fees by your bank.

Whenever you can, purchase advanced tickets to Irish attractions whenever possible during your 7 days in Ireland.

Tickets purchased online, in advance, are mostly always discounted, and many times come with a “skip the line” perk.