The Perfect trip in Ireland a 7 days in Ireland itinerary
Are 7 days in Ireland enough? I can categorically state that no it isn’t but I also realize that many people can only afford to visit Ireland and spend a week (you can read my 14 day Irish road trip here. You certainly won’t be able to see everything so I suggest taking in the highlights of the southern area of Ireland. I would also recommend car rental to really get the most of your trip.
I know it can be expensive but trust me if you can only spend 7 days in Ireland you will need a car, public transport in Ireland is difficult at the best of times and some areas you may want to see won’t be accessible. Now you can take private tours of the places on your bucket list but the truth is Ireland is much better seen at your leisure and when you get lost and find areas you never dreamed of.

Now for me the best time to visit Ireland is in shoulder season which means you will find your flights and accommodation much less expensive. You can fly into Shannon Airport but it is much more expensive than Dublin. I hate to say it but you will miss out on a road trip to Northern Ireland but this is why you need to come back several times more to visit Ireland.
53 Ultimate Ireland travel tips
- The Perfect trip in Ireland a 7 days in Ireland itinerary
- Your 7 day Ireland itinerary
- 7 days in Ireland a road trip itinerary FAQS
- 7 days in Ireland itinerary
- How to get to Dublin from the airport
- One week in Ireland
- Pubs in Dublin for live music and great craic
- Day 3: spent the day exploring north of Dublin, see Newgrange, Hill of Tara and Monsterboice
- Day 4: Wicklow (Powerscourt, Sally Gap, Lough Tay, Wicklow, Glendalough)
- Tours to Wicklow and Glendalough
- Where to stay Glendalough and Wicklow
- Day 5 – Kilkenny
- Where to eat in Kilkenny
- Where to stay in Kilkenny
- Kilkenny Tours from Dublin
- Day 6 and 7 County Waterford
- Where to eat in Waterford
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Your 7 day Ireland itinerary
Day 1 and 2: Fly into Dublin
Day 3: spent the day exploring north of Dublin, see Newgrange, Hill of Tara and Monsterboice
Day 3: Wicklow – Powerscourt, Sally Gap, Lough Tay, Wicklow, Glendalough
Day 4 and 5: Kilkenny – St. Canice’s, Medieval Mile, Kilkenny Castle, Smithwicks
Day 6 and 7: Waterford City – the Viking Triangle and head back to Dublin for your flight home
Ireland is definitely not a country you can see in 7 days. This one-week in Ireland itinerary explores the southeastern part of the country. From Dublin through the mountains of Wicklow down to the Irish coast and back up to Dublin you will see many of the places you may have read about in guidebooks. It is a heavy-duty tour that packs a lot into very little time.

7 days in Ireland a road trip itinerary FAQS
What is the best 7 days in Ireland itinerary for first-time visitors?
The perfect 7 days in Ireland itinerary for first-time visitors typically starts in Dublin and includes major highlights. On day 1, you can explore Dublin city, visiting attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle. On day 2, rent a car and head north of Dublin to see Newgrange, or alternatively take a tour from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway City. The following days can be spent exploring the southern region of Ireland, including a day trip to the Glendalough national park and concluding with a return to Dublin for your final day 7.

How should I plan my road trip itinerary for 7 days in Ireland?
When planning your 7-day Ireland itinerary, consider creating a balance between travel and exploration. Start by deciding your key destinations like Dublin, Glendalough, Kilkenny, Waterford and possibly the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Make sure to rent a car to get around Ireland efficiently, and remember that you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. Reserve accommodations in advance, especially during peak season, and have a flexible plan to enjoy the best things along the way.
What are the must-see places during a week in Ireland?
During a week in Ireland, some must-see places include Dublin for its rich history and culture, the amazing monastery of Glendalough, the high crosses and history of the Boyne Valley, Kilkenny and its medieval mile and the Viking Triangle in Waterford.
What activities should I include in my itinerary for a perfect trip to Ireland?
Your itinerary for a perfect trip to Ireland should include a mix of cultural, historical, and outdoor activities taking in some of Ireland’s natural wonders such as the Wicklow Mountains.

7 days in Ireland itinerary
If you are arriving from N. America you will probably be on a night flight which means you will land early in the morning at Dublin Airport.
You will need to rent a car to be able to see the best of Ireland. You can use public transport but it becomes very difficult to get around as many places are not served by transport and can add hours to your trips.
Renting a car in Ireland is a pain in the ass (and expensive) because of the cost and the insurance rules. I strongly recommend that you take all the insurances that are offered simply for your peace of mind. Don’t be afraid of driving in Ireland as it is much easier than you think. The motorways around Dublin can be a bit stressful but once you get out beyond the City of Dublin driving is very easy and straightforward.

How to get to Dublin from the airport
Taxi’s to Dublin City Centre
Uber is NOT available in Dublin but you can use the My Taxi app to get a taxi to where you have booked your accommodation. This will be somewhat expensive though at around €30 Euros. So if you don’t want to spend that kind of money and save it for your adventures in Dublin take the local bus.

I recommend picking up a Leap Visitor Card at the airport. The best way to get around on your first day in Dublin.
The Leap Card will allow you to use the Dublin buses and the trams in Dublin. A Leap Card can be bought at the Airport or at some selected DART lines throughout the City. You can also purchase top-ups for your Leap card through the Android or Apple apps on your phone. The cost for an adult Leap card is 24 hours €10.00 or a 3 day (72 hours) €19.50.
Express Public Buses Airlink
Get Tickets: Airlink Express: Dublin Airport to Dublin’s City Center
The Airlink Express route 747 will get you to the centre of town and you have a few stops to choose from. So pick the one closest to your hotel and grab the Airlink. The cost of the Airlink is €6 one-way for adults. These buses run every 15 minutes or so and go to Dublin’s main bus station Busaras, then to O’Connell Street in the city centre and finally to Heuston, one of Dublin’s main train stations. See the official Airlink timetable.
You can catch the Airlink bus just outside Terminal 1 Arrivals level. Look for the big green buses which will be to the left of the Arrivals exit. You can use your Leap Card on the Airlink Express.
Public bus (Dublin Bus)
The Dublin Buses are easy to recognise they are double-decker yellow with blue stripes. The main bus to Dublin is #41. This bus stops at Terminal 1, usually every 10 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes non-peak hours. with yellow with blue strips along on the bottom, although sometimes Dublin Buses are used to display advertising, usually on the rear.
O’Connell Street is the main stop from there you can find your hotel or accommodations. Make sure you get the 41 bus that is marked Lwr Abbey Street via Aerfort. Keep in mind you must pay cash on the buses the driver cannot give change so pick some up when you hit the ATM.
There is another Dublin Bus that comes to the airport and this is #16. This route stops in the city centre (O’Connell Street) then crosses the River Liffey and continues through the southside suburbs. If you get this bus make sure you ask the driver to let you off on O’Connell street. You can catch the Dublin bus just outside Terminal 1 Arrivals the cost will be €3.30 and remember the exact coins will be needed.

One week in Ireland
Day 1 and 2 – Things to do in Dublin
You may well be jet-lagged but I strongly suggest on your flight to change your watches and times to Irish and ignore the jet lag as you have so little time to explore. You are probably more than aware that Dublin has a host of activities and sites you may want to see. If you have your Leap card handy then you are well on your way. Dublin is also a very walkable city so I would suggest picking 4 or 5 “must-sees” and then figuring out your route. 7 days in Ireland will mean that you don’t have a lot of time so choose carefully.

Tip: Do not rent a car in Dublin wait till you are ready to take your third day road trip – you do not want to drive in Dublin
Where to stay in Dublin
Let’s talk practicalities obviously if you land in Dublin you are going to want to make sure your accommodation is booked before you get there and if you arrive at the airport with some luggage you will want to head to your hotel or hostel and dump that bag. All these recommendations can be found on booking dot com. Most hotels will also allow you to drop your bags before check-in time so you aren’t dragging them around with you.
So depending on your budget so I recommend these hostels for those on a budget. There are no castle in Dublin to stay in but there are a couple just outside Dublin you can find those here.
Molly Malone Statue Dublin
From Grafton Street it’s a short walk to the famous Molly Malone statue (otherwise known as the “tart with the cart” and from there you can head to Trinity College.

Trinity College and the Book of Kells
The great book has been refurbished this year and when it opens again you will see 2 pages of the book, but take the time and effort to visit the Long Library as it is incredible. TIP book your tickets online before you go as this place gets booked up incredibly fast. If you can’t see the real thing take a side trip to the village of Kells where you can see a replica for free.

HaPenny Bridge Dublin
From Trinity, you can then head to the famous Ha-Penny Bridge and cross over the Liffey to O’Connell Street.
GPO History Museum
Without knowing a countries history you can never know its people. The GPO or General Post Office was the site of the 1916 Irish Revolution and this Museum is simply amazing. It is an immersive, interactive and engaging experience of modern Irish history from the late 19th century to modern times with particular emphasis on the 1916 Easter Rising, the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Civil War and the peace process in Northern Ireland. Book your tickets online for a 10% discount.

At this juncture, I can well imagine you need a bit of a sit-down and a great cup of tea or coffee. I recommend two places the first being the GPO Cafe which is upstairs from the exhibit you get some lovely views of the main street and some lovely snacks and drinks. The second is The Art of Coffee which is in the GPO Arcade on Henry Street which is about a two-minute walk from the GPO.
Pubs in Dublin for live music and great craic
After your rest, you may want to head to a traditional pub for some great Irish music and entertainment and probably some dinner. There are two pubs that come highly recommended for both in Dublin.
The Brazen Head Dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub and one of the best known for great food and cracking music and storytelling. The Brazen Head is a short walk from Christchurch Cathedral, The Guinness Storehouse and The Jameson Distillery and most hotels and hostels in Dublin.

O’Donoghue’s is a favourite haunt for Dubliners and the famous band The Dubliners and tourists from every corner of the world, who come to share the authentic character of one of Dublin’s oldest bars and to admire the artistry of real Irish musicians. They do serve soup and sandwiches so if it’s a light supper you are after this would be perfect.
Described in its own words, The Cobblestone is a ‘drinking pub with a music problem’ located just around the corner from Jameson’s Distillery. Music most nights as well as “turn up and play nights”

If you want something a little more interesting check out Hugo’s about 2 minutes from the pub it gets great reviews and friends tell me the service and food are superb.
Unique things and unusual things to do in Dublin Ireland
Day 3: spent the day exploring north of Dublin, see Newgrange, Hill of Tara and Monsterboice
Exploring north of Dublin opens up a world of Ireland’s ancient history and breathtaking landscapes. A short drive from the city leads you to Newgrange, a 5,000-year-old passage tomb and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Boyne Valley, which predates the Pyramids and Stonehenge.

Nearby, the Hill of Tara was once the seat of the High Kings of Ireland and remains a mystical location, with its grassy mounds, stone monuments, and panoramic views over the countryside.
A bit further north, Monasterboice is an early Christian site featuring the famous High Crosses, including Muiredach’s Cross, one of the finest examples of medieval stone carving.

Alternatively you can take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, and spend a day in Galway.
Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin
Escape Dublin’s hustle and bustle for the rugged coastal splendor of the Cliffs of Moher and Galway city on an enriching full-day excursion from the Irish capital. Admire stunning Irish countryside and travel along the Wild Atlantic Way to the soaring Slieve League in Donegal where you’ll explore independently. You can absorb the cosmopolitan charm of Galway city on an included but optional walking tour, or at your leisure.
Full-day trip by coach from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway city 13 hours.

Dublin day trip to Cliffs of Moher, Ennis Town, Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Medieval Castle and Folk Park located on the banks of the River Shannon. Immerse yourself in 1000 years of the castle’s personality and history. Walk through the Folk Park, animals, flora with cottages and a village from the 1800’s. The Cliffs of Moher on West Atlantic Coast offer spectacular scenes. Walk the path on the highest cliffs in Ireland and/or enjoy light food in the visitor museum eco center. Ennis: a charming welcoming town with trad pubs, boutique shops. A free walking tour on offer by the guide is optional. Approximately 13 hours.
Full day trip by coach from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, Ennis Town

Day 4: Wicklow (Powerscourt, Sally Gap, Lough Tay, Wicklow, Glendalough)
Once you are in your rental car and headed out of Dublin to Powerscourt which is around a 45-minute drive depending on traffic. I suggest heading out before say 8 am and having breakfast at the Avoca cafe that is in the Powerscourt Manor before you spend a few hours exploring the incredible estate gardens.

Powerscourt
Located in County Wicklow and set within some of the most stunning views in the east of Ireland. Powerscourt was originally a 13th-century castle whose original owner was a de la Poer (anglicized as Power).
There is not much to see within the house itself as it burnt down many years ago and was restored as best as was possible. There are a number of shops upstairs and Tara’s Palace the Museum of Childhood which is well worth the entry fee as the dollhouses alone are magnificent. It also contains the largest collection of period dolls in Ireland.

The Gardens at Powerscourt are the great attraction of the place. With stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain, they stretch over 47 acres and offer a breathtaking blend of formal gardens, statuary, fountains, lakes, Japanese gardens, a Pet Cemetery, the Pepperpot Tower, sweeping terraces, secret hollows and rambling walks.
Don’t forget to visit the Powerscourt Waterfalls which featured in the HBO epic drama The Vikings. There is an additional charge for the falls.

Sally Gap – Wicklow Mountains
From Powerscourt head out towards the Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains – now this is a simple drive that takes around 25 minutes to get to the Gap and then about a 30-minute drive around the Gap with a few photo opps for some spectacular scenery.

The British Army built the road along The Sally Gap after the great rebellion of 1978. The goal was to allow the British Army to travel through the Wicklow mountains hunting rebels. The scenery in the Gap is absolutely jaw-dropping you will have views of the Liffey, the moors of the plateau, Kippure Mountain, Glenmacnass Waterfall and the Glengree valley.
Lough Tay viewpoint
The drive takes about an hour or two all in and will take you to Lough Tay or the Guinness Lake as it has become known. There’s a small rough carpark on the road and you can walk to see the outlook over the Lough. This is the Guinness Estate and is up for sale these days.
This is the area where The Vikings were filmed for HBO and if you look closely you can picture Kattegat at the far right end of the Lough with the sandy beach. This view is absolutely breathtaking and well worth a good wander and some great Insta photos if that’s your thing.

Glendalough
From here you will head to Glendalough National Park these are jaw-droppingly beautiful. An area of outstanding natural beauty is also home to one of the most important historic sites in Ireland. Lonely Planet Ireland calls Glendalough “truly one of the most beautiful places in Ireland and a highlight of any trip to the island.”
Within the Glendalough National Park are the remains of an early Christian monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. It is easy to get to by car and there are many tours that will take you to the area as well. There is no bus service to the park apart from the tourist tours.

Glendalough has 9 marked walks from easy to difficult for walkers. The Visitor Centre in Glendalough sells a Trail Guide for only €0.50. The maps list the nine routes with the shortest distance being a few kilometres and the longest 11 kilometres.
Before you tackle any of the Glendalough walks or visit St. Kevin’s Monastic ruins you may need a spot of lunch. I would suggest the place in the area is the Wicklow Heather open from 8 am until 9 pm they serve great coffee and if you happen to be there on Sunday take advantage of the amazing Sunday lunch.

Tours to Wicklow and Glendalough
Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains Half Day Morning Tour from Dublin
For travelers short on time, this half-day tour is a convenient way to experience the beauty of the Irish countryside without having to rent a car or waste precious hours in transit. Enjoy the scenery extended out before you embark on the journey from Dublin to County Wicklow and wander around Glendalough at a pace that suits you.
The Original Award Winning Wild Wicklow Tour incl. Glendalough
Soak up the majesty and myth of Ireland’s Wicklow County on this full-day tour from Dublin. Aboard a comfortable coach, explore cultural and natural gems and lively pubs to the breathtaking Wicklow Mountain National Park and Glendalough’s medieval monastic settlement. Movie buffs enjoy a stop at Sally’s Gap, filming location of ‘Braveheart,’ as well as the bridge crossed by the lovers in the romantic comedy ‘P.S. I Love You.’
Where to stay Glendalough and Wicklow
Located in Laragh just minutes from Glendalough The Trooperstown Wood Lodge is a luxury BnB affiliated with The Wicklow Heather Restaurant and they have a free shuttle from the restaurant ideal for an evening with a few glasses of wine or Guinness.
They also own the Heather House another fine BnB which has private chalets. Room pricing ranges from €90 per night as does the Trooperstown.
There’s also the Glendalough International Hostel which has both dorm rooms and private en-suite rooms and it’s also wheelchair accessible. Prices range from €37 a night.
Day 5 – Kilkenny
Heading out to Kilkenny and its famous medieval mile you will find plenty of parking in Kilkenny. There is a parking lot just behind the Medieval Mile where the Dunne’s Store is. It is a paid parking lot but it only costs a few euros. This is located smack dab in the centre of Kilkenny with a short walk through to the mile. If you head right you can end up at St. Canice’s and if you head left at Kilkenny Castle.

If you are mobility challenged and can’t face those longish walks there is a little shuttle train/bus that you can take. At a cost of €8 Euros for adults, this is a great way to get around Kilkenny. This small road train does tours all around the city starting off at Kilkenny Castle and does a 30-minute tour of Medieval Kilkenny.
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle stands dramatically on a strategic height that commands the crossing on the River Nore and dominates the ‘High Town’ of Kilkenny City. Kilkenny Castle is a complex structure that has evolved over 8 centuries and contains many architectural styles. The cost to enter the castle is €8 and you can wander the castle to your heart’s content.

St. Canice’s
St. Canice’s at the other end of the Medieval Mile this cathedral was built in 1285 on the site of the original 6th century Church of St. Canice. It is a stunning place to see and if the organist is playing it is truly a spiritual moment. If you fancy it you can climb the Norman Tower outside the cathedral and see some outstanding views of Kilkenny from its heights. This is the only climbable tower in Ireland. The cost of tickets to the cathedral and the tower is a mere €7 euros.

Medieval Mile
The Medieval Mile Museum is located on the 13th-century site of St Mary’s church and graveyard and holds a treasure chest of artefacts from over 800 years of history.

Butter Slip Alley is a tiny dark walkway that connects the High Street to the Low Street, now known as St Kieran’s Street. The narrow medieval cobblestone alley was built in 1616 and was home to butter vendors.
Where to eat in Kilkenny
If you need a break for lunch at this time may I suggest Kyteler’s Inn which sits in the middle of the Medieval Mile not only is chock full of history (including witch tales) it has a great menu.
After your lunch, you should head to Smithwick’s Brewery. This was founded in 1710 by John Smithwick. The location was previously a Franciscan Abbey where monks were brewing ale from the 14th century. The tour of the brewery lasts around an hour and costs €13.00 for an adult.

For dinner may I suggest one of the following:
For great Italian food try Ristorante Rinuccini. Located in the heart of the city and easy to find this is a family-run restaurant that is fine dining and the food is fabulous.
Anocht offers a unique fine-dining experience in the Kilkenny Design Centre. Using fresh local ingredients you can find the best of Ireland’s Ancient East on your plate in stunning surroundings. The windows overlook Kilkenny Castle and the courtyard that was used to train the Earl of Ormonde’s horses.

Traditional Irish food 25 of the most popular Irish dishes
Where to stay in Kilkenny
When you finish up at the Smithwick’s, head to your accommodation and get checked in before dinner.
Here are some recommendations on where to stay in Kilkenny.
Lannigan’s Accommodation is set within 100m of Smithwick’s Brewery and 300 m from Kilkenny Castle. Lannigan’s can take large groups in their apartments.
Popular points of interest near Lanigan’s Accommodation include Black Abbey, Rothe House and St Canices Cathedral and Round Tower.
Butler House is set near Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, 700 m from Smithwick’s Brewery Tour, Butler House offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The guest house has family rooms.

Kilkenny Tours from Dublin
Glendalough Day Tour from Dublin: Including Kilkenny City
Combine ancient monuments, medieval gems and natural wonders on this full-day tour from Dublin. Escape the city for a scenic drive through the Wicklow Mountains; admire views of the Sugar Loaf Mountains, Wicklow Gap, and Turlogh waterfall; and discover the 6th-century monastic ruins of Glendalough. Then, enjoy free time to explore lively Kilkenny and visit landmarks like the Kilkenny Castle, the Black Abbey or the Cathedral of Saint Canice (own expense).
Day 6 and 7 County Waterford
Wandering the Viking Triangle in the oldest city in Ireland Waterford. There is a lot to see in Waterford (Ireland’s Ancient East) so get your walking shoes on and let’s go.

Waterford was founded by the Vikings around 1000 years ago and today it boasts the largest collection of medieval walls and defensive towers.
Viking Triangle
Get your bearings from your hotel and head out towards the Viking Triangle. Now if you happen to have stayed outside the city or at a distance from the centre of town don’t worry there is parking on the Quay and lots of it and you will easily see Reginald’s Tower from there.
Reginald’s Tower
Reginald’s Tower is found at the highest point of the Viking Triangle, you can’t miss it as there is usually a Viking Boat or cutout just in front of the Tower. Inside you will find Ireland’s most comprehensive Viking exhibition that includes grave finds from a Warrior’s tomb. You can see the Waterford Kite Brooch, weapons and much more.

Medieval Museum
From Reginald’s Tower stroll out and through the Viking triangle which continues right behind the Tower. Here you will find the outstanding Medieval Museum. It is Ireland’s only purpose-built medieval museum and the only building on the island to incorporate two medieval chambers, the 13th-century Choristers’ Hall and the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.
The Museum is completely wheelchair accessible and has a gift shop and a tea room where you can rest for a while. You can buy a combined Museums pass, which is great value for €15 and this includes the Medieval Museum and the Georgian residence of the Bishop’s Palace.

Waterford Crystal
If you are into Waterford Crystal you can head next door to the House of Waterford Crystal to take a factory tour. You will see craftsmen at work blowing glass and creating those incredible designs used by Waterford. However a tip here Waterford is no longer made in Ireland at all it is outsourced to Eastern Europe where the artisans are paid minimally for these stunning creations. A little disappointing to say the least. Adult tickets are €13.05 online.
Christchurch Cathedral
Behind these Museums, you can tour Christchurch Cathedral. It may not look like much from the outside but inside it is chocolate-box pretty and it is entry by donation.
From Christchurch, you can wander back through the Viking Triangle and if you are of a mind take the World’s first virtual reality King of the Vikings experience.

Where to eat in Waterford
If you fancy a great place to grab lunch head to Ardkeen near Waterford Hospital and hit up Grow HQ. This one’s a little off the wall as it’s a Grow it Yourself social enterprise, with a cooking school and cafe but it makes for a fabulous lunch break. A beautiful “grow it yourself” idea with an amazing Cafe you need to get lunch here you won’t regret it. As they say on the website “Mostly the distance from plot to the plate is about 112 steps.

That brings this day to a wrap so head back to your hotel for a bit of a rest before you head out to dinner. These are my recommendations for dinner in Waterford.
La Boheme at 2 George Street is a foodies delight, with superb local ingredients prepared and cooked by a French-trained Chef who won tons of awards. I cannot recommend this place enough.
Fancy a little live music and some hopping bars check out The Reg right behind the Tower. The Reg houses a Restaurant, Roof Terrace, Bar and Nightclub including 5 separate bars. Each bar has its own unique character and offering with over 80 whiskeys sourced locally and further afield, 20 kinds of gin, 30 craft beers and a huge variety of cocktails.

I’m sure at this point you are exhausted and planning your next Irish trip to see more of this beautiful country. Stay tuned for more itineraries to explore the whole country.
What was your 7 day trip like? What did you get to see from your Ireland bucket list?
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