On popular demand, here’s a week long Ireland itinerary! One week in Ireland is definitely going to leave you longing for more. However, this one week Ireland itinerary is all you need, to truly experience Ireland and its wild beauty!
Day 1: Arrive either in Cork or Galway. Preferably Cork!
- I would advice on flying to Cork city instead of Dublin! The flights are cheaper and it’s the best place to start your Irish expedition. Spend the night walking around Cobh, the last port of Call of Titanic and also a major point of embarkation during mass Emigrations. With tons of restaurants in the area, stunning view of the ocean, medieval castles, church and vibrant architecture you are on to a great start in this Wild Atlantic Journey!
Day 2: Drive to Dingle (3 hrs)
- You’ll probably hear about Ring of Kerry which covers Killarney National Park, Kenmare, Glenbeigh and so on. As much as I loved Killarney National Park, due to commercialisation it failed to find a spot among my favorites. I would suggest visiting the Gap of Dunloe which is one of the best sight in Killarney National Park and if you are daring enough drive all the way up on the road which looks like a side walk but is actually a two way path.
- Grab some good lunch in Killarney from the variety of restaurants, pubs, cafe’s. You’ll probably end up spending more time deciding a place to grub at!
- Head to the Dingle village which is around an hour drive away from Killarney. Take it easy and walk around this tiny fishing village which has been through a massive change since the famous Irish famine!
Day 3: Explore Kerry County
- Drive along scenic Slea Head drive and unravel the history of the great Irish Famine and how the country has developed ever since. You can find more information about the Dingle loop trail here.
- While near Kerry County, you could also go for Skellig Michael landing. This however requires advance booking.
- If you are unable to go for Skellig Michael Landing, you could drive to Kerry Cliffs, explore Valentia and Portmagee nearby. Still loads to keep you busy!
- You could also catch a ferry to Blasket Island from here to experience the Irish tradition and purity of rural life.
Stay
- I would suggest staying in Dingle Village, although it is far away from Killarney and Valentia Island. This little village is beyond beautiful and has a variety of accommodation options from hostel to luxury B&B.
Day 4: Drive to Doolin (2 hours)
- After a long drive, take the much needed walk from Lahinch to Doolin on Cliffs of Moher.
- Catch an epic trad session in Cliffs of Moher Hotel in Lahinch. Check out my post to read about some great places to catch the trad session in Clare.
Stay
- You could stay in Liscannor which is close to Cliffs of Moher and the beach. There are plenty of Airbnb’s as well.
- I was staying in an Airbnb in the remote village in Lahinch which was a different and crazy experience that I would recommend to everyone.
- Doolin is another small village nearby which is a convenient stay option with a variety of hotels, restaurants, pubs and shops nearby.
Day 5: Achill Island (3 hours)
- Drive to Keem Bay and experience the serenity of a desserted beach.
- Do not miss the sunset by Keel Beach
Stay
- One of my favorite islands, I would definitely suggest staying in Achill Island as long as you can. There is a lot of things to do near and in Achill Island. Hop on to my post to read on things to do and places to stay in Achill Island.
Day 6: Explore Ballycroy National Park
- Drive to Minaun heights to get a surreal view of this tiny island.
- View Minaun Cliffs from the Keel Golf Course
- Drive to Downpatrick head
- Portacloy cliff walk.
- Ballycroy National Park
- Take a coastal walk on the Claggan Mountain Coastal trail
Stay
- One of my favorite islands, I would definitely suggest staying in Achill Island as long as you can. There is a lot of things to do near and in Achill Island. Hop on to my post to read on things to do and places to stay in Achill Island.
Day 7: Farewell Ireland!!
These places have a great amount of authenticity, culture which you cannot miss when in Ireland! Like I said, one week for sure is not enough, if you are here for two weeks, please check out my post on two week Ireland itinerary here.
Share this:
