1 Week in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Ireland Road Trip

On this colorful road trip around Ireland, you'll see the Rock of Cashel, Killarney National Park, Dingle Peninsula, and the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, to name just a few highlights.

Welcome to Ireland! You'll get to know Dublin first, visiting key attractions like Trinity College and Temple Bar, before getting some rest. In a rental car, you'll drive to the Rock of Cashel in County Cork on Day 2, then move onto the city of Cork for sightseeing, shopping, and time to relax with a local crowd at a corner pub. Head into Killarney National Park for hiking and gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 4 brings a spectacular drive along the Ring of Kerry: you can stop wherever you like along the scenic journey to stretch your legs and take photos. Continue onto Dingle Peninsula and spend the night in Dingle Town before the last full day of the trip takes you to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, one of the most popular photo ops in the country. Spend the last night in Galway before the trip comes to a close. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Highlights of Irish Cities

Ireland isn't just rolling hills and dramatic coastline—get to know Irish urban culture on this week-long tour of the country's bustling cities, from Dublin to Cork to Limerick.

The trip starts in Dublin, where you'll sightsee, shop, and visit a local pub or two on the first day. Continue enjoying the capital on Day 2 with stops at Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse. Then pick up your rental car for the onward journey to Kilkenny, where the highlight is a tour of beautiful Kilkenny Castle.

Move on to Cork. After a visit to the English Market, take a side trip to Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone to get "the gift of gab." Round out the itinerary with one day each in Limerick—key attractions include the 13th-century King John's Castle and the Milk Market, a mecca for foodies—and Galway, where you'll stroll along High Street and eat with a local crowd in one of the city's many pubs and restaurants. Drive back to Dublin to end the trip. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Northern Ireland & Dublin Road Trip

Hit the road for an unforgettable adventure around northern Ireland, from Dublin and Belfast to the Antrim Coast and the Inishowen Peninsula. 

Arrive in Dublin, where you'll have the afternoon and evening free to explore the city. Then pick up your rental car for the next day's excursion to the Cooley Peninsula, a region full of ancient sites and monuments. You'll overnight in the coastal town of Carlingford. Then move on to Belfast, where you'll sightsee and hike to the top of Cave Hill Country Park. Have dinner in a local pub before taking off again the next morning to the Antrim Coast, passing Giant's Causeway on the route.

Explore the Inishowen Peninsula on Day 5. The coastal road is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, and it takes you past a range of highlights and hidden gems, including Malin Head—Ireland's most northerly point—and the beautiful Inishowen Head Lighthouse. Visit the medieval city of Londonderry on the last full day of the trip, then backtrack to Dublin and raise a glass at a pub on the last night of your adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Hike the Antrim Coast

Enjoy the fresh air and stunning views from the hiking trail on this outdoorsy journey to the Antrim Coast.

Kick off the trip in the seaside village of Cushendall. Dine at a family-run pub and get some rest before the next day's hike, which follows the famous path along Moyle Way from Orra Beg to Ballycastle. Relax in the evening at Central Wine Bar, a pub set in a historic Victorian building. Continue along the Fair Head Loop Hike the next day, taking in coastal views as you go.

The hike continues on Day 4 from Larrybane to the geological wonder of Giant's Causeway, crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which spans an 80-foot ravine. On Day 5, you'll travel to Belfast, where you'll spend the last part of the trip exploring the historic city. Highlights include the gardens at City Hall, St. George's Market, and the Titanic Exhibition, followed, of course, by a beer in one of Belfast's many pubs. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Ring of Kerry Cycling Trip

Pedal around the world-famous Ring of Kerry on this self-guided cycling adventure that starts in ends in Killarney National Park.

Begin in Killarney. You'll get fitted for a bicycle and pick up a map on Day 1, then go for a short ride in the national park before returning to the village for dinner. The next day, you'll pedal along the foothills of Ireland's highest mountain, Carrantuohill, passing lovely Caragh Lake before arriving in the picturesque village of Glenbeigh, where you'll overnight. On Day 3, continue on to the shores of Kells Bay. From there, you'll cycle to the town of Caherciveen, enjoying views of Valentia Island in the distance.

Next, pedal on a wonderful inland trail through the Inny Valley, finishing up on the banks of the Blackstones River, where you'll relax over a home-cooked Irish meal. Move on to Brida Valley, cycling along Blackwater River on your way to the charming town of Kenmare. Continue to Molls Gap and take in views of the Three Lakes of Killarney before savoring one last Irish-style feast in the town of Killarney. Learn more

More Great 7-Day Ireland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ireland? Check out these other 7-day Ireland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.