An Ireland itinerary created for driving in Ireland and exploring the Isle and all its beauty. Ireland is known for many things – Guinness beer, Irish butter, and of course, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. The country in itself is full of history and in some places feels like you’ve transported back in time. I can also say with confidence that the Irish are some of the nicest people on the planet. They live simply, largely surrounded by big nature, happily sipping a Guinness at any time of the day – what more could you ask for?
In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know to plan the best Ireland travel itinerary for your needs. We opted for a quick 5 day Ireland road trip, but I would highly recommend extending it to properly see Ireland in 7 days. Covering the best time to visit Ireland, driving in Ireland, and what to do in Ireland for a week, you’ll be ready to pack your bags and go on an adventure in no time.
What to do in Ireland for a Week: A 7 Day Ireland Itinerary
Get ready for an unforgettable Irish road trip through the stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich culture of Ireland. In this one week Ireland itinerary, we’ll take you from the bustling streets of Dublin to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and the lively city of Galway. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and let’s embark on an incredible adventure!
Day 1-2: Dublin, Ireland – Embrace the Irish Charm
Start your Irish adventure in the heart of Dublin, a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and a lively atmosphere. Spend your first day exploring the iconic Trinity College, home to the ancient Book of Kells, and take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque St. Stephen’s Green park or Phoenix Park, Europe’s largest city park. Next, dive into Dublin’s rich history with a visit to Dublin Castle, followed by a pint of the famous Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse. For an evening of traditional music and dance, head to the famous Temple Bar district, where the craic (fun) never ends!
The average hotel price in Dublin is $131/night, with higher prices closer to popular areas such as the Temple Bar District. We chose to rent a room through Airbnb as a budget option and were blessed with the absolute best hosts! We couldn’t recommend this Airbnb more as it was clean, comfy, and the hosts were amazing.
Day 3-5: Doolin, Ireland – A Haven by the Cliffs of Moher
Bid farewell to Dublin and venture westward through the winding roads to the charming village of Doolin, located near the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. This quaint little town near the coast leads to the Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail, giving visitors upfront access to walk to the Cliffs of Moher. You can spend your days mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the cliffs as they meet the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, take a boat tour to view the cliffs from a different perspective, or catch a ferry to Aran Islands from Doolin for a taste of authentic Irish island life and spectacular views. In the evenings, immerse yourself in the traditional music scene that Doolin is renowned for. Join a lively session at a local pub and let the music carry you away into the heart and soul of Ireland. Gus O’Connor’s Pub was our absolute favorite – they had amazing, local food and live “Trad” (traditional) Irish music. We enjoyed the Guiness Beef Stew and their mussels and we still talk about it to this day.
Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher is about a 12-15 or minute drive. The village of Doolin has a handful of cute bed and breakfasts, but we chose to stay at the cutest cottage in Doolin that was walking distance to the small town and the Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail. The cosy cottage was on a farm with donkeys, had views of the wild Atlantic Ocean, and Doonagore Castle (Doolin Tower or Doolin Castle) – I highly recommend staying here for a unique stay!
There are also a number of other small villages and towns in the area that easily access the Cliffs of Moher. One of our favorites that we drove through and that Patrick had visited his last time in Ireland was Ballyvaughan, Ireland. A small, cute village about 15 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher with views of the Burren, which is a vast “moon-like” landscape covered in rock. We stopped by a tiny pub within the Hylands Burren Hotel and had a Guiness as we went from the Cliffs of Moher to Galway.
Day 6-7: Galway, Ireland – Where Vibrancy Meets Tradition
As your journey nears its end, you’ll make your way from the Cliffs of Moher to Galway, which is only about an hour and half to two hour drive. Known for its colorful streets, friendly locals, and vibrant arts scene, Galway offers a perfect blend of modern energy and old-world charm. Explore the narrow lanes of the Latin Quarter, filled with quaint shops, cafés, and lively street performers. Discover the captivating history of Galway at the Galway City Museum, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic Salthill Promenade. For an authentic taste of Galway, indulge in fresh seafood at one of the many fantastic restaurants or experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub. We wish we would have spent more time in Galway, but thoroughly enjoyed eating at the Dáil Bar Galway in the Latin Quarter.
When to visit Ireland?
The best time to visit Ireland is between March-November, as the climate is usually very mild and warmer in this time. Peak season in Ireland is between June-September, so traveling to Ireland in March-May and September-November is best to avoid larger crowds. It is possible to visit Ireland in the Winter (December-February), but expect cooler weather and some rainy days.
What is it like driving in Ireland?
Driving in Ireland let’s you explore the isle freely and allows you to truly take in the beauty of the vast land it has to offer. Renting a car in Ireland is fairly straightforward and there are plenty of reputable companies to choose from, you simply need to hold a valid drivers license. A travel tip – most vehicles in Ireland are manual, so if you’re not experienced driving stick shift, ensure that your rental car is for an automatic vehicle!
Now that you have your vehicle secured, it’s time to prepare for the roads. First things first, you drive on the left side of the road in Ireland and on the right side of the cockpit (car). This can be completely foreign to some visitors, as it was for me driving as an American in Ireland, so paying attention to road signs is super important! There will likely be at least two signs in your vehicle reminding you to “KEEP LEFT,” but Patrick and I found ourselves repeating it for the first two days until we got comfortable with it.
Once we were cruising on the road, we noted that the roads were totally approachable in Dublin and there’s an abundance of road signs to help you get around. We didn’t even need to map from the airport to downtown Dublin, we simply followed the signs. There are also roundabouts just about everywhere you turn, so pay attention to the flow of traffic and if you miss your turn just keep zooming around until you hit your exit.
While the roads in Dublin and headed to the Wild Atlantic Way (2,500km driving route on the West Coast of Ireland) are easy to drive on, I will admit that the country roads near the West Coast are narrow, winding, and sometimes frightening. If you’re planning on exploring the countryside of Ireland, I would highly advise refraining from driving at night. We ended up driving to our Airbnb in Doolin County late in the evening and white knuckled the steering wheel for a full hour until we got to our place. It also feels like every local is a Formula One driver on the backroads, so don’t be ashamed to pull over and let them pass to relieve the anxiety of having them on your tail.
As always when driving, make sure to follow the rules. Wear seat belts, follow the speed limits, pay the toll roads, and be mindful of other drivers. As long as you know what to expect and drive during the day in the countryside, driving in Ireland will be a piece of cake!
Conclusion
As your one week in Ireland comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality you’ve encountered along the way. From the bustling streets of Dublin to the dramatic cliffs of Doolin and the vibrant city of Galway, this 7 day Ireland itinerary has allowed you to discover the very best of the Emerald Isle. Remember, this is just the beginning—there is so much more to explore in this magical country. So, until we meet again, slán abhaile (safe travels) and may the luck of the Irish be with you!