One Week In Ireland: 5 Road Trips You Can Do If You’re Spending 7 Days In Ireland

So, you’re going to spend one week in Ireland. But you’ve a pain in your arse scribbling down an itinerary that squeezes in everything that you want to see.

Ireland’s turned out to be bigger than you thought.

And you’re starting to stress. Well, don’t. Or at least try not to! This guide will make planning 7 days in Ireland EASSSSSSY.

Below, you’ll find 5 different ways to spend one week in Ireland. The best part? You’ll get detailed itineraries for each one.

7 days in Ireland: A detailed no-bs guide

So, as is the case with any of our guides to Ireland, I’ve left the comments section at the end open.

Have a question about a route or what to see in Ireland in 7 days? Ask me in the comment section below!

We’re going to kick things off with a route that I’ve done a couple of times over the years.

There’s minimal driving involved, plenty of walks and hikes, and loads of opportunity to eat tasty food and nurse pints in traditional pubs. Here’s a quick look at my favourite route.

My favourite 7 days in Ireland itinerary

• Day 1 and 2: Waterford
• Day 3 and 4: Cork
• Day 5 and 6: Kerry
• Day 7: Left free to give you time to get back home

One Week in Ireland Route 1: Dublin, Wicklow, Tipperary, and Kilkenny

I chat to a lot of people that visit Ireland, and our first route is one that many take.

It’s especially popular with those arriving to Dublin by ferry, for some reason.

If at any point you have a question about planning a 7 day trip to Ireland, scroll to the bottom of this guide and fire me a comment.

Here’s a quick breakdown of our first route

• Day 1 and 2: Dublin
• Day 3 and 4: Wicklow
• Day 5: Kilkenny
• Day 6: Tipperary
• Day 7: Left free to give you time to get back home

Day 1 and 2: Dublin

Dublin is Ireland’s capital.

It’s a buzzy (expensive!) city that boasts an almost endless number of things to do and places to see.

Below, you’ll find:

• A 2-day itinerary
• Advice on where to eat, sleep and drink
• An insight into some of the attractions

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what Dublin city and the wider county has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Visit Howth and do the cliff walk. Follow it up with a ramble in the harbour

2 – Step back in time at Kilmainham Gaol (my favourite attraction in our 1st one week in Ireland guide!)

3 – Tantalise your tastebuds at the new Pearse Lyons Distillery

4 – Head out to Ticknock for a walk in the mountains with spectacular views

5 – Nip into the Little Museum of Dublin (a great option for a rainy day in Dublin)

6 – Learn what it means to be Irish at the EPIC Museum

7 – Spend the morning floating around Trinity College (the Long Room, as you can see below, is incredible)

8 – Gulp down sea air on the Great South Wall Walk

9 – Nip into the Guinness Storehouse and learn about the brand’s history and brewing process (and to nurse a pint of cream)

10 – Spend a morning at the National Museum of Ireland (see the Dead Zoo exhibition below)

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your two days in Dublin, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

If you’re looking to do Ireland in a week on a tight budget, then you’ll probably want to stay in hostels during your time in Dublin.

Why? Well, accommodation in Dublin is pretty damn expensive.

I’ve popped in several options below that have great reviews and that should (hopefully) suit every budget.

For those on a budget

We’ve prepared a full guide to the best hostels in Dublin that you can browse through.

Keep in mind that you won’t find an overly cheap hostel in the city unless you opt to stay in a dorm.

Places below the €200* mark

*The below prices are based on a Friday in September

• Mespil Hotel (rated 8.8/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• Botanic View B&B (rated 8.7/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• Portobello Hotel (rated 8.1/10 – Very Good on booking.com)
• Ballsbridge Hotel (rated 8.0/10 – Very Good on booking.com)

Where to stay in the city when you’re happy to spend a few quid

• The Marker (rated 9.2/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• The Wilder (rated 9.2/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• The Morgan Hotel (rated 8.8/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• Staycity Aparthotels (rated 9.2/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• The Dean (rated 8.5/10 – Very Good on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• The Fumbally (4.6/5 from 1,000 reviews on Google)
• Lemon Jelly Cafe (4.5/5 from 1,700+ reviews on Google)
• Brother Hubbard (North) (4.4/5 from 2,100+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Bunsen for burgers (4.6/5 from 2,900+ reviews on Google)
• Chapter One if you’re feeling flush (fine dining) (4.7/5 from 570+ reviews on Google)
• Umi falafel for, yep, damn good falafel (4.6/5 from 1,900+ reviews on Google)
• The Hairy Lemon for traditional Coddle (4.3/5 from 3,000+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Fish Shack Cafe for all things fishy (4.4/5 from 530+ reviews on Google)
• FX Buckley Steakhouse Pembroke Street for a savage steak (4.7/5 from 1,500+ reviews on Google)
• The Pig’s Ear for ‘Irish Fare with a modern touch’ (4.4/5 from 690+ reviews on Google)

Pubs where you can enjoy a post-adventure pint

We’ve created a detailed guide to the best historic pubs in Dublin.

Why nurse a pint in a run-of-the-mill gastro pub when you can spend the evening somewhere bursting at the seams with history?!

If you’re staying outside the city, try and venture out to the Gravediggers (John Kavanagh’s).

It’s a proper old-world pub with the tastiest Guinness in Dublin.

Days 3 and 4: Wicklow

Days 3 and 4 of the first of our 7 days in Ireland guide takes us to County Wicklow.

Now, people often make the mistake in thinking that Glendalough is the only place worth visiting in Wicklow.

This couldn’t be further than the truth.

Yes, Glendalough is incredible, but there’s plenty more to see in this county.

Below, you’ll find:

• A 2-day itinerary
• Advice on where to eat, sleep and drink
• An insight into some of the attractions

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what County Wicklow has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – The Sugar Loaf: For a reasonably handy climb (1 hour on the short route) with great views

2 – The Wicklow Gaol: For a whole load of history

3 – Tonelagee: For a view out over Wicklow’s heart-shaped lake

4 – The Spinc Loop in Glendalough: For a lengthy 4 to 5-hour walk with cracking views throughout

5 – Bray Head: For, yep, you guessed it – another walk with magnificent views

6 – Lough Tay: For a gander at Wicklow’s much-loved ‘Guinness Lake‘

7 – Powerscourt Waterfall: To hear that water crash from one of the finest waterfalls in Ireland

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your two days in Wicklow, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

Wicklow is home to a nice variety of accommodation.

B&Bs and Airbnbs are aplenty and reasonably priced, which will keep the budget-conscious among you happy.

Great places to stay for less than €100 (based on a Friday night in September)

• Stirabout Lane B&B (rated 9.6/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)
• The Old Coach House (rated 9.2/10 – Superb on booking.com)

Great hotels in Wicklow to spend the night

• Powerscourt Hotel (rated 9.2/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Druids Glen (rated 9.2/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Chester Beatty Inn (rated 9.2/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Lynham’s Hotel (rated 8.7/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• The Jailer’s Rest (4.7/5 from 160+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Jack White’s (4.2 from 1,000+ reviews on Google)
• The Brass Fox (4.2/5 from 390+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• The Wicklow heather (4.6/5 from 1,600+ reviews on Google)
• The Pigeon House (4.4/5 from 440+ reviews on Google)
• Ocean Bar & Grill (4.4/5 from 540+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Wicklow to nip into

There are only 2 bars in Wicklow that I can vouch for based on personal experience:

• The Harbour Bar in Bray
• Mickey Finn’s in Redcross (they have a brewery here, also!)

Both are excellent!

Day 5: Kilkenny

Day 5 takes us to Kilkenny.

You’ve a day of history, natural beauty, and great pubs ahead.

Below, you’ll find:

• 8 things to do and places to visit
• Advice on where to eat and sleep
• Recommendations on where to grab a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what Kilkenny City and the wider county has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Dunmore Cave: To hear the story behind the ‘Darkest place in Ireland’

2 – Kilkenny Castle: For a whole load of history

3 – Brandon Hill: For a panoramic view of Kilkenny from above

4 – Kilfane Glen and Waterfall: For a bit of peace and quiet

5 – The Smithwick’s Brewery: For pints… and the learn about the brewing process

6 – Jerpoint Abbey: To learn about an outstanding 12th-century Cistercian abbey

7 – Butterslip Lane: For a taste of medieval Kilkenny

8 – The Medieval Mile Museum: To dive into 800+ years of history

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Kilkenny, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

Great places to stay for less than €100 (based on a Friday night in September)

Note: The hostels below range from €55 to €85 and each has a private room for 2 (and a great central location).

• MacGabhainns Backpackers Hostel (rated 8.2/10 – Very good on booking.com)
• Kilkenny Tourist Hostel (rated 8.6/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)

Great hotels in Kilkenny to spend the night

• Kilkenny River Court Hotel (rated 9.0/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• The Kilkenny Inn (rated 8.6/10 – fabulous on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• The Fig Tree (4.3/5 from 390+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Foodworks (4.6/5 from 1,000 reviews on Google)
• Langtons (4.4/5 from 1,400+ reviews on Google)
• The Left Bank (4.4/5 from 1,100+ reviews on Google)
• The Vintage Tea Rooms (4.6/5 from 120+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Ristorante Rinuccini (4.5/5 from 490+ reviews on Google)
• Campagne (4.6/5 from 190+ reviews on Google)
• Zuni Restaurant (4.6/5 from 370+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Kilkenny to nip into

Kilkenny is home to a LOAD of great pubs.

Here’s a handful of my favourites to drop into on your visit:

• The Hole in the Wall
• Bridie’s Bar & General Store
• Matt the Miller’s

Day 6: Tipperary

County Tipperary is another chunk of Ireland that visitors often miss.

Which is a shame, as this county is packed with mountains, rivers, lakes, and a good dollop of history.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Tipp section of this 7 days in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of things to do in Tipperary
• Advice on where to grab a hearty bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what Kilkenny City and the wider county has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – The Rock of Cashel: For a visit to the ancient site of the kings of Munster

2 – Cahir Castle: To explore one of the largest medieval castles in Ireland

3 – The Swiss Cottage: For a gander at a gorgeous aul thatch building

4 – Mitchelstown Cave: The perfect spot for a bit of adventure on a rainy day in Tipp

5 – The Galtee Mountains: For one of the finest views in the county

7 – Fethard: To walk alongside some original 14th-century medieval town walls and ruins

8 – The Knockmealdown Mountains: To clear the head and gulp down lungfuls of fresh mountain air

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Tipperary, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

Great places to stay for less than €100 (based on a Friday night in September)

• Rockville House B&B (rated 9.0/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• The Cottage (rated 8.8/10 – fabulous on booking.com)

Great hotels in Tipperary to spend the night

• Baileys Hotel Cashel (rated 9.2/10 – Superb on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• The Lazy Bean Café, Cahir (4.4/5 from 290+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Mikey Ryan’s, Cashel (4.4/5 from 370+ reviews on Google)
• Brazils Restaurant, Tipperary Town (4.3/5 from 170+ reviews on Google)
• Lava Rock, Cahir (4.7/5 from 149+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Barne Lodge, Clonmel (4.3/5 from 270+ reviews on Google)
• John J. Feehan, Cashel (4.5/5 from 330+ reviews on Google)
• Mikey Ryan’s, Cashel (4.4/5 from 370+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Tipperary to nip into

Tipperary is home to many a great pub.

Here’s a handful of my favourites to nip into on your visit:

• McCarthy’s of Fethard
• Kennedy’s Pub near Lough Derg
• Larkin’s (also near Lough Derg)

Wrapping up our first 7 nights in Ireland

I’ve left day 7 free.

Mainly to give you some time to get yourself together and get back home/to the airport/to the ferry.

I’ve left the comments section at the end of this guide open – have a question? Pop it in there and I’ll reply ASAP.

7 days in Ireland Route 2: Waterford, Cork, and Kerry

Here’s a quick breakdown of our second route

• Day 1 and 2: Waterford
• Day 3 and 4: Cork
• Day 5 and 6: Kerry
• Day 7: Left free to give you time to get back home

Day 1 and 2: Waterford

Ah, Waterford.

A county that’s home to the oldest city in Ireland, a stretch of coastline that’s one of Ireland’s hidden gems, and an almost endless number of adventure opportunities.

Here’s how you should, in my opinion, split up your two days in Waterford:

• Day 1: Dedicate the first day to the city (first five on the list below)
• Day 2: Spend your second day in Waterford exploring the Copper Coast (second five on the list below)

Below, you’ll find:

• 10 places to visit over the course of your two days in Waterford
• Advice on where to eat and sleep
• Deadly pub recommendations

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what Waterford City and the wider county has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Take a walking tour of the city: Experience Waterford City with a local that knows the lay of the land

2 – Reginald’s Tower: To discover Waterford’s Viking Past

3 – Waterford Crystal: For a ramble around a tourist favourite

4 – The Medieval Museum: To step back in time and uncover Waterford City’s rich history

5 – Bishops Palace: For a bit of culture (and to see a chunk of Napoleon’s hair…)

6 – The Copper Coast: To experience some of Ireland’s best (and most often missed!) coastline

7 – The Coumshingaun Lake Walk: For one of the best views in Ireland

8 – Mahon Falls: To experience one of the best waterfalls in Ireland’s Ancient East

9 – Bunmahon Beach: For a walk along the sand and a lungful of fresh sea air

10 – Dunhill Castle: For a gander at a now ruined castle that was once home to the infamous La Poer family

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your two days in Waterford, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

I’d recommend you spend the first night in Waterford City, for convenience, and the second night in Dungarvan, as it’s finely placed at the end of the Copper Coast.

Great places to stay in the city and Dungarvan for less than €100 (based on a Friday night in September)

• In the city: Avondale Guest Accommodation (rated 8.7/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• In the city: Portree Hostel (rated 8.6/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• Dungarvan: Dungarvan Hostel (rated 9.3/10 – Superb on booking.com)

Great hotels and B&Bs in the city and Dungarvan to spend the night 

• In the city: Dooley’s Hotel (rated 8.5/10 – Very Good on booking.com)
• Dungarvan: Farmlodge B&B (rated 9.5/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• The Granary Cafe, Waterford City (4.6/5 from 311 reviews on Google)
• No 9 Café, Waterford City (4.3/5 from 398 reviews on Google)

Lunch

• The Cliffhouse Hotel, Ardmore (hard to get a review for the restaurant alone as it’s in a hotel – food is supposed to be cracking and the view, well, you can see the veiw above…)
• Momo’s, Waterford City (4.7/5 from 461 reviews on Google)

Dinner

• The Spinnaker Bar & Restaurant, Dunmore East (4.4/5 from 440 reviews on Google)
• Burzza, Waterford City (4.5/5 from 490 reviews on Google)

Pubs in Waterford to nip into

Waterford is home to an ample number of great pubs.

Here’s a handful of my favourites to drop into on your visit:

• Geoff’s, Waterford City
• The Gingerman, Waterford City
• The Anchor Bar, Dungarvan
• The Strand Inn, Dunmore East

Days 3 and 4: Cork

Cork is one of my favourite counties in Ireland.

It’s home to a bustling city that’s packed with things to do and some of the best restaurants and pubs in the country.

And it also boasts some of the most beautiful little towns and villages that you’ll encounter anywhere in the world.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Cork section of our second one week in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do in Cork
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what Cork City and the wider county has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Cork City Goal: To explore one of the city’s most memorable tourist attractions

3 – The English Market: For a fine aul feed that’ll keep your belly happy

4 – Healy Pass: To spin along one of the bendiest roads in Ireland

5 – Gougane Barra: For those that want to experience natural beauty at its finest 

6 – Nip into the village of Allihies and see one of the most colourful towns in Ireland

7 – Clear the head with a ramble along Inchydoney Beach

8 – Vist Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral and keep an eye out for the swinging cannonball 

9 – Drop into Blarney Castle and head for a ramble around the beautiful grounds

10 – Visit Cobh and have a gander at the Deck of Cards

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your two days in Cork, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Day 3

• 11:00: Arrive in Cobh (1-hour drive from Dungarvan)
• 11:15: Visit St. Coleman’s Cathedral
• 11:40: Check out the Deck of Cards (the colourful row of houses seen above)
• 12:15: Take the 30-minute drive to Cork City, park the car, and drop into the iconic English Market for a bite to eat
• 13:30: When you’re finished eating, walk 10 minutes to the Shandon Bell Tower where you can get a view of Cork City from above
• 14:30: Visit Cork City Gaol (23-minute walk from the Shandon Tower) and head off on the tour
• 16:00: Next up is University College Cork. The grounds here are beautiful and well worth rambling through. As you make you’re way across to the University, drop into Fitzgerald’s Park (it’s on the way) for a nosey
• 18:00 – late: Spend night 3 in Cork City. In the section below, you’ll find advice on where to stay, eat, sleep, and drink

Day 4

• 09:00: Get up early (there’s a lot to see today) and aim to arrive in Kinsale (33-minute drive) for 09:00. Grab a coffee in Kinsale and head for a stroll around the village.
• 10:40: Our next stop is Inchydoney Beach. It’s a 50-minute drive from Kinsale. Hop out of the car and head for a saunter along the sand.
• 12:40: Next up is Baltimore. It’s a 55-minute drive from Inchydoney, but allow yourself longer. Stop off in the villages of Union Hall and Glandore (gorgeous on a fine day)
• 12:40: When you arrive in Baltimore, drop into Bushe’s Bar and get yourself fed
• 14:00: We’re going to take the 60-minute drive to Mizen Head next to soak up some of the best coastal views in the county
• 19:00: I’m going to recommend that you stay in Allihies. It’s a gorgeous little village (see below) that’s a two-hour drive from Mizen Head. You’ll be driving along the coast to get here and you’ll be treated to endless scenery along the way.

Fancy spending more time in this corner of Ireland? We’ve created a detailed guide (with full itinerary) to this neck of the woods that’s filled with the best places to visit in West Cork.

Where to stay during your visit

I’d recommend that you spend the first night in Cork City and the second night in Allihies.

Great places to stay in the city and Allihies for less than €100 (based on a Friday night in September)

So, aside from Sheilas Hostel, I couldn’t find many places to stay in Cork City below €100.

If you’re after cheap accommodation in the city, try Airbnb instead!

• In the city: Sheilas Tourist Hostel (rated 7.6/10 – Good on booking.com)
• Allihies: Seaview Guesthouse (rated 9.6/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)

Great hotels in Cork City to spend the night 

• In the city: The River Lee (rated 9.2/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• In the city: Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City (rated 9.2/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• In the city: Jury’s Inn (rated 8.5/10 – Very Good on booking.com)
• In the city: Imperial Hotel Cork City (rated 9.4/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast:

• The SpitJack, Cork City (4.5/5 from 1,000+ reviews on Google)
• Tara’s Tea Rooms, Cork City (4.7/5 from 362 reviews on Google)
• Lemon Leaf Cafe, Kinsale (4.5/5 from 405 reviews on Google)

Lunch:

• Market Lane, Cork City (4.6/5 from 1,500+ reviews on Google)
• CoqBull Cork, Cork City (4.5/5 from 1,000+ reviews on Google)
• Fishy Fishy Kinsale, Kinsale (4.4/5 from 655 reviews on Google)

Dinner:

• The Cornstore Restaurant, Cork City (4.4/5 from 900+ reviews on Google)
• Quinlans Seafood Bar Cork, Cork City (4.5/5 from 900+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Cork to nip into

Cork is home to an ample number of great pubs.

Here’s a handful of my favourites to nip into on your visit:

• Teach Beag, Clonakilty
• Mutton Lane Inn, Cork City
• The Bulman, Kinsale
• O’Neill’s, Allihies

Day 5 and 6: Kerry

We’re taking a spin to Kerry for days 5 and 6.

If you’ve yet to visit Kerry, then I’m jealous – you’ve a mighty couple of days ahead of you.

Expect adventure, scenery that’ll knock you sideways, and an almost endless number of things to see and do.

Below, you’ll find:

• A full itinerary for the two days
• A section that highlights some of my favourite spots in the county
• Advice on where to eat, sleep, and drink

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what County Kerry has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Visit Coomanaspig Pass (one of the highest places in Ireland that’s reachable by car)

2 – Walk, drive, or cycle along the spectacular Skellig Ring

3 – Catch one of the best views in Kerry from Valentia Island

4 – Visit Dun Chaoin Pier: The very unique departure point for the Blasket Island ferry

5 – Stretch the legs at the Gap of Dunloe

6 – Watch the water crash at Torc Waterfall 

7 – Spin along the narrow road at Conor Pass

8 – Spend an afternoon doing the Slea Head Drive

9 – Gulp down a lungful of sea air at the Kerry Cliffs 

10 – Conquer the waves at Ballybunion

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your two days in Kerry, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

I’d recommend you spend the first night in Waterville and the second night in Dingle.

Great places to stay in Waterville and Dingle

• Waterville: Butler Arms Hotel (rated 9.0/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Waterville: Beachcove Lodge (rated 9.4/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Waterville: Klondyke House B&B (rated 8.9/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• Dingle: Dingle Skellig Hotel (rated 8.7/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• Dingle: An Capall Dubh B&B (rated 9.4/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Dingle: Hillgrove Guesthouse (rated 8.3/10 – Very Good on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast:

• My Boy Blue, Dingle (4.7/5 from 160+ reviews on Google)
• Bean in Dingle, Dingle (4.8/5 from 300+ reviews on Google)

Lunch:

• An Corcan Restaurant, Waterville (4.5/5 from 300+ reviews on Google)
• Out of the Blue, Dingle (4.7/5 from 330+ reviews on Google)
• Marina Inn, Dingle (4.3/5 from 270+ reviews on Google)

Dinner:

• The Lobster Bar & Restaurant, Waterville (4.3/5 from 400+ reviews on Google)
• Sheehy’s Anchor Down Restaurant, Dingle(4.4/5 from 250+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Kerry to nip into

If you’re visiting Dingle, check out our detailed guides to the best pubs in Dingle town.

Here’s a handful of my favourites in Waterville and Dingle to nip into on your visit:

• Foxy John’s, Dingle
• Dick Mack’s, Dingle
• O’Dwyer’s, Waterville

Wrapping up our second 7 day Ireland itinerary

I’ve left day 7 free again. This tends to be done in many self-drive style tours.

Mainly as it gives you some time to get yourself together and get back home/to the airport/to the ferry.

I’ve left the comments section at the end of this guide open – have a question? Pop it in there and I’ll reply ASAP.

Ireland 7 day itinerary Route 3: Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo

Here’s a quick breakdown of our third route

• Day 1: Limerick
• Day 2 and 3: Clare
• Day 4: Galway
• Day 5 and 6: Mayo
• Day 7: Left free to give you time to get back home

Day 1: Limerick

Day 1 takes us to Limerick, where we’ll be having a snoop around Ireland’s third-largest city.

If you’re exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, you can easily add Limerick to your itinerary.

While it’s not part of the WAW, it’s a stone’s throw from the ‘official route’.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Limerick section of our third 7 days in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do in Limerick
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what Limerick City and the wider county has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Visit King John’s Castle and dive into 800+ years of history

2 – Escape the city for a while and head for a stroll in Ballyhoura

3 – Explore the magnificent Lough Gur as the sun starts to drop

4 – Go thatch-cottage spotting in Adare

5 – Get cultured at Limerick City Gallery of Art

6 – Soak up some vitamin D (it’ll more likely be rain that you’re soaking up…) with a ramble around the People’s Park

7 – Admire the architecture in the 850-year-old St Mary’s Cathedral

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Limerick, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

Where to stay in the city for less than €100

• Pery’s Hotel (rated 8.2/10 – Very Good on booking.com)
• The Boutique (rated 7.7/10 – Good on booking.com)
• Greenhills Hotel Limerick (rated 8.2/10 – Very Good on booking.com)

Othe great hotels €100+

• The Bedford Townhouse (rated 9.7/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)
• Absolute Hotel Limerick (rated 9.2/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• The Savoy Hotel (rated 9.0/10 – Superb on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• The Buttery (4.5/5 from 800+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Texas Steakout (4.5/5 from 1,200+ reviews on Google)
• The Locke Bar (4.5/5 from 2,400+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Hamptons Grill (4.5/5 from 500+ reviews on Google)
• Tuscany at the Granary (4.5/5 from 480+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Limerick to nip into

Here’s a handful of my favourite pubs in Limerick to nip into on your visit:

• Dolan’s
• Nancy Blake’s
• Russell’s

Days 2 and 3: Clare

Days 2 and 3 see us move out to the coast and into County Clare.

Expect scenery. By the bucket-load.

If you’ve yet to explore this county, then you’ve PLENTY to look forward to.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Clare section of this guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do in Clare
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what County Clare has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Have a gawk at the iconic Doonagore Castle

2 – Visit the Cliffs of Moher – the Wild Altantic Way’s top tourist attraction

3 – See a big aul Stalactite at the Doolin Cave

4 – Take the ferry from Doolin over to Inis Oirr Island

5 – Enjoy some spectacular coastal views on the drive from Doolin to Kinvarra

6 – Have a gander at the magnificent cliffs at Loop Head Lighthouse

7 – Get nostalgic at Father Ted’s House

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your days in Clare, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

Where to stay in Doolin

• Fiddle + Bow Hotel (rated 9.4/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Pairc Lodge (rated 9.5/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)
• Hotel Doolin (rated 9.5/10 – Superb on booking.com)

Where to stay in Kinvarra

• Kinvara Guesthouse (rated 8.9/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• Merriman Hotel (rated 8.5/10 – Very Good on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• Doolin: Doolin Café (4.7/5 from 170+ reviews on Google)
• Kinvara: Keogh’s Of Kinvara (4.4/5 from 296+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Doolin: Gus O’Connor’s (4.5/5 from 1,800+ reviews on Google)
• Kinvara: The Pier Head Bar & Restaurant (4.3/5 from 786+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Doolin: McGann’s Pub (4.7/5 from 1,200+ reviews on Google)
• Kinvara: Keogh’s Of Kinvara (4.4/5 from 290+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Clare to nip into

Here’s a handful of my favourite pubs in Clare to drop into on your visit:

• Doolin: Gus O’Connor’s
• Doolin: McGann’s
• Kinvara: The Pier Head
• Kinvara: Keogh’s

Day 4: Galway

We’ll be stopping off in the city first, before heading out towards Connemara for the afternoon and early evening.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Galway section of this guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do in Galway
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what Galway City and the wider county has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Visit Clifden and spin along the Sky Road

2 – Head for a drive, walk or cycle around Connemara National Park

3 – Step back in time at Galway City Museum

4 – Head off on a walking tour of Galway City 

5 – Have a stroll around the fairytale-like Kylemore Abbey

6 – Grab an unforgettable view of Connemara from the top of Diamond Hill

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Galway, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

Where to stay in Galway

• Galway City: Check out our guides to the best hotels in Galway and the best value hostels in Galway
• Clifden: Errismore House (rated 8.6/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• Clifden: Clifden Coach House (rated 9.4/10 – Superb on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• Galway City: Dela (4.7/5 from 600+ reviews on Google)
• Clifden: Upstairs Downstairs Cafe (4.4/5 from 180+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Galway City: Ard Bia at Nimmos (4.7/5 from 580+ reviews on Google)
• Clifden: Mitchell’s Restaurant (4.5/5 from 440+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Galway City: Brasserie On The Corner (4.6/5 from 830+ reviews on Google)
• Clifden: Off The Square Restaurant (4.5/5 from 215+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Galway to nip into

Here’s a handful of the best pubs in Galway to nip into on your visit:

• Galway City: Tigh Neachtain
• Galway City: The Crane Bar
• Galway City: An Pucan
• Roundstone: O’Dowd’s
• Clifden: Lowry’s

Days 5 and 6: Mayo

Next up on our third one week in Ireland guide is Mayo.

We’ll be spending time in the buzzy town of Westport, conquering Croagh Patrick, and exploring the coast.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Mayo section of this guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do in Mayo
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what County Mayo has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Visit the north coast of Mayo and discover one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets

2 – Catch one of the best views in the land from the top of Croagh Patrick

3 – Spend a day driving, walking, cycling, and hiking on Achill Island

4 – Visit the Céide Fields (the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world)

5 – Check out thousands of layers of history at Downpatrick Head

6 – Discover the Lost Valley (more on this one in our Mayo guide)

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your 2 days in Mayo, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

Where to stay in Mayo

• Westport: The Wyatt Hotel (rated 9.1/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Westport: The Castlecourt Hotel (rated 8.9/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• Achill: Slievemore House (rated 9.8/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)
• Belmullet: Broadhaven Bay Hotel (rated 8.9/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• Westport: Leafy Greens Cafe (4.6/5 from 100+ reviews on Google)
• Achill: The Cottage (4.6/5 from 80+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Westport: La Bella Vita (4.7/5 from 130+ reviews on Google)
• Achill: The Amethyst Bar (4.5/5 from 500+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Westport: An Port Mór Restaurant (4.7/5 from 200+ reviews on Google)
• Achill: Gielty’s Bar and Restaurant (4.3/5 from 400+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Mayo to nip into

Here’s a handful of the best pubs in Mayo to nip into on your visit:

• Westport: Matt Molloy’s
• Westport: Toby’s
• Newport: Nevin’s Newfield Inn
• Achill: Mickey’s Bar
• Belmullet: McDonnell’s

Wrapping up the third of our 7 nights in Ireland guides

As was the case with the previous two routes, I’ve left day 7 free.

Mainly to give you some time to get yourself together and get back home/to the airport/to the ferry.

I’ve left the comments section at the end of this guide open – have a question? Pop it in there and I’ll reply ASAP.

Ireland in a Week Route 4: Fermanagh, Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal, Antrim

If I was spending a week in Ireland, I’d probably pick this route.

It hits Sligo and Donegal, which are two of my favourite counties.

It also squeezes in two counties that pack a mighty punch and that often get missed by people visiting Ireland.

Here’s a quick breakdown of our 4th route

• Day 1: Fermanagh and Leitrim
• Day 2: Sligo
• Days 3, 4 and 5: Donegal
• Day 6: Derry
• Day 7: Left free to give you time to get back home

Day 1: Fermanagh and Leitrim

Day 1 of our 4th route takes us to counties Fermanagh and Leitrim.

Both of these counties tend to get missed a fair bit by those planning a trip to Ireland.

I’m going to show you why you should visit them during your visit below.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Fermanagh and Leitrim section of our fourth one week in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what Fermanagh and Leitrim have to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Climb Cuilcagh Mountain (my favourite stop in this 7 day Ireland itinerary)

2 – Explore the Marble Arch Caves (Northern Ireland’s largest cave network)

3 – Kick-back and listen to the music of the water crashing down at Glencar Waterfall

4 – Spend an afternoon gliding along the Shannon in a rented boat

5 – Start a morning in style with a stroll around the 17th-century Parke’s Castle on the banks of Lough Gill

6 – Or dive into the action with a visit to Lough Allen Adventure Centre

7 – Visit the North Leitrim Glens – one of Ireland’s true hidden gems

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Fermanagh and Leitrim, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to eat

Breakfast

• The Happiness Trap (4.4/5 from 214+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Dromhair: Stanford Village Inn (4.6/5 from 50+ reviews on Google)
• Fermanagh: The Taphouse Gastro Pub (4.5/5 from 390+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Dromhair: Riverbank Restaurant (4.6/5 from 180+ reviews on Google)
• Fermanagh: Horseshoe & Saddlers (4.4/5 from 250+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Leitrim to nip into

If you stay in Dromhair, drop into the Stanford Village Inn.

It’s a gorgeous old-world pub.

Kick-back here for the evening and nurse a pint or 3.

Day 2: Sligo

Day 2 takes us out to the wonderful county of Sligo.

Known the world over for its literary heritage, rugged countryside, and its waves, Sligo is the perfect destination for those looking to get active.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Sligo section of our third 7 days in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what County Sligo has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Stretch the legs on the Killaspugbrone Loop walk

Photo via Go Strandhill

2 – Grab your hiking boots and conquer the Knocknarea Mountain Queen Maeve Trail (one of my favourite places to visit in Ireland)

3 – Learn to surf at Strandhill

4 – Head for a ramble at Mullaghmore Head and admire the view of Classiebawn Castle set against Benbulben

5 – Spend a morning on the Benbulben Forest Walk

6 – Spin along the Gleniff Horseshoe Drive

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Sligo, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

Where to stay in Sligo Town for less than €100

• Riverside Hotel (rated 9.0/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Innisfree Guesthouse (rated 7.6/10 – Good on booking.com)

Othe great hotels €100+

• Sligo City Hotel (rated 8.6/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• The Glasshouse (rated 8.8/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast:

• Sligo Town: Hooked (4.3/5 from 400+ reviews on Google)
• Sligo Town: Knox (4.5/5 from 280+ reviews on Google)
• Strandhill: The Little Cottage Cafe (4.7/5 from 250+ reviews on Google)

Lunch:

• Strandhill: Shells Cafe (4.6/5 from 700+ reviews on Google)

Dinner:

• Sligo Town: Eala Bhan (4.5/5 from 350+ reviews on Google)
• Sligo Town: Coach Lane Restaurant (4.5/5 from 340+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Sligo to nip into

Here’s a handful of my favourite pubs in Sligo to nip into on your visit:

• Thomas Connolly Bar
• Hardagon’s
• The Garavogue
• The Swagman

Days 3, 4, and 5: Donegal

The third and fourth days of this 7 nights in Ireland guide see us move further up the coast to County Donegal.

Donegal is one of those places that I could see myself retiring to.

The scenery’s incredible, there’s an endless number of things to do and places to see, and there’s many a mighty pub.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Donegal section of our third 1 week in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do in Donegal
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what County Donegal has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Grab a glorious view of Horn Head

2 – Head off on the Atlantic Drive and stop off at Tra Na Rossan view

3 – Listen to the wind and waves at Fanad Head Lighthouse

4 – Visit Ballymastocker Bay – one of the best beaches in the world

5 – Dodge the crowds and admire a mighty view at Grianan of Aileach

6 – Get the heart rate up with a cycle at Mamore Gap

7 – Spin along the bendy road at the Glengesh Pass

8 – Visit the highest sea cliffs on the island of Ireland (Sliabh Liag)

9 – Visit the almost other-worldly Malin Head

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your days in Donegal, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

Great spots to spend the night

• Ardara: Nesbitt Arms Hotel (rated 8.8/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• Donegal Town: Harvey’s Point (rated 9.6/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)
• Dunfanaghy: Shandon Hotel (rated 9.1/10 – Superb on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• Donegal Town: Blueberry Tea Room and (4.7/5 from 300+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Donegal Town: Olde Castle Bar & Red Hugh’s Restaurant (4.5/5 from 700+ reviews on Google)
• Teelin (near Slieve League): The Rusty Mackerel (4.7/5 from 400+ reviews on Google)
• Portsalon: The Pier Restaurant (4.3/5 from 130+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Donegal Town: Linda’s Diner (4.6/5 from 300+ reviews on Google)
• Ardara: Nancy’s (4.7/5 from 380+ reviews on Google)
• Carndonagh: The Butterbean Restaurant (4.5/5 from 180+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Donegal to nip into

Here’s a handful of my favourite pubs in Donegal to nip into on your visit:

• Nancy’s, Ardara
• The Reel Inn, Donegal Town

Day 6: Derry

Our 6th day on the road takes us to Derry, where we’ll be exploring the city along with some of the wider county.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Derry section of our third 7 nights in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do in Derry
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what County Derry has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Soak up some history at the Dery City Walls

2 – Head off on a walking tour that takes in the Free Derry Corner (and much more)

3 – Take a tour of the city’s murals with the artists that painted them (more info in our Derry guide)

4 – Ramble along the Peace Bridge 

6 – Take a beer masterclass at the Walled City Brewery

7 – Jump back in time at St. Columb’s Cathedral

8 – Have a gander at the Derry Girls mural

9 – Check out the magnificent Guildhall

10 – Paddle your way around the city as the sun starts to drop

11 – Get a panoramic view of Derry City from Tower Museum

12 – Marvel at Mussenden Temple

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Derry, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

Where to stay in the city for less than €100

• LegenDerry B&B (rated 9.5/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)
• Charlotte House (rated 8.6/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)

Othe great hotels €100+

• Maldron Hotel Derry (rated 8.8/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• The Ship’s Key Aparthotel (rated 9.6/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• Primrose (4.5/5 from 390+ reviews on Google)
• The Pickled Duck Cafe (4.5/5 from 270+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Pyke ‘N’ Pommes (4.9/5 from 320+ reviews on Google)
• Brickwork (4.6/5 from 360+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• The Sooty Olive (4.6/5 from 300+ reviews on Google)
• The Exchange (4.6/5 from 480+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Derry to nip into

The only pub in Derry that I can recommend is Peadar O’Donnell’s.

I spent many hours there one winters evening.

The pub is a proper old Irish pub and the Guinness is top-notch.

Wrapping up our fourth Ireland 7 day itinerary

I’ve left day 7 free.

Mainly to give you some time to get yourself together and get back home/to the airport/to the ferry.

I’ve left the comments section at the end of this guide open – have a question? Pop it in there and I’ll reply ASAP.a

One Week in Ireland Route 5: Meath, Louth, Down, Armagh, Antrim

Here’s a quick breakdown of our 5th one week in Ireland route

• Day 1: Meath
• Day 2: Louth
• Day 3: Armagh
• Day 4: Down
• Day 5 and 6: Antrim
• Day 7: Left free

Day 1: Meath

Day 1 of our final week in Ireland guide takes us to Meath.

This county is known for its archaeological sites, like Brú na Bóinne, which is home to Newgrange and Knowth.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Meath section of our fifth one week in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what Dublin city and the wider county has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Nip into the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre

2 – Then head for a stroll around Newgrange

3 – Followed by a ramble around Knowth

4 – Give glamping at Rock Farm Slane a bash and spend the night somewhere quirky

5 – Tantalise your tastebuds on the reasonably new Slane Distillery Tour

6 – Then have a nosy at the iconic Slane Castle

7 – Test your nerves on the largest wooden rollercoaster in Europe at Tayto Park

8 – Dive into history at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre

9 – Hop into a kayak and go flying along the River Boyne

13 – Chill on the grass across from Trim Castle at sunset and soak up the view

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Meath, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

There’s plenty of great accommodation in Meath.

Where you stay will, naturally enough, depend on where your route that day takes you.

Here are some suggestions on where to. spend the night.

• Slane: Conyngham Arms Hotel (rated 8.8/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)
• Trim: Trim Castle Hotel (rated 9.0/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Enfield: The Johnstown Estate (rated 8.8/10 – Fabulous on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• Navan: Room8 (4.7/5 from 230+ reviews on Google)
• Trim: Rosemary Bistro (4.6/5 from 230+ reviews on Google)
• Ashbourne: Corks Cafe & Wine Bar (4.6/5 from 170+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Ashbourne: The Donkey Shed Restaurant (4.5/5 from 580+ reviews on Google)
• Slane: Inside Out (4.6/5 from 270+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Ashbourne: The Snailbox (4.5/5 from 1,160+ reviews on Google)
• Slane: Conyngham Arms (4.3/5 from 420+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Meath to nip into

Here’s a handful of my favourite pubs in Meath.

Have any others that you’d recommend? Pop a comment into the comments section below this guide:

• James Griffin Pub, Trim
• The Snailbox, Ashbourne
• The Grasshopper Inn, Clonee

Day 2: Louth

The second day of our final route takes us on to County Louth.

Louth, like Meath, is a county known for the wealth of history attached to its land.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Louth section of our fifth one week in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what Louth has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Rent a bike and spin along the Carlingford Greenway

2 – Go zipping about the place in the Carlingford Adventure Centre

3 – Have a nosey at St. Laurence’s Gate in Drogheda

4 – Soak up history and views at the iconic Millmount Fort

5 – Take a spin out to Mellifont Abbey

6 – Get cultured at the Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery

7 – Climb Slieve Foye in Carlingford

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Louth, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay

Louth is home to a nice variety of hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and Airbnbs.

If you don’t fancy browsing through places to stay online, I’ve popped in some great central spots to stay below.

Note: all of the below are based in Carlingford, as that’s where the suggested itinerary above finishes for the day.

Great places to stay in Carlingford

• Barnavave Guest House (rated 9.3/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Ghan House (rated 9.0/10 – Superb on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• Drogheda: Moorland’s (4.1/5 from 320+ reviews on Google)
• Dundalk: Kingfisher Restaurant (4.3/5 from 380+ reviews on Google)
• Carlingford: Wildwood Café (4.7/5 from 90+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Drogheda: Eastern Seaboard (4.1/5 from 550+ reviews on Google)
• Dundalk: McGeough’s Bar & Restaurant (4.4/5 from 605+ reviews on Google)
• Carlingford: Ruby Ellen’s Tea Rooms (4.6/5 from 300+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Drogheda: Black Bull Inn (4.2/5 from 1,000+ reviews on Google)
• Dundalk: Windsor Bar and Restaurant (4.5/5 from 621+ reviews on Google)
• Carlingford: Carlingford Arms Pub & Restaurant (4.4/5 from 580+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Louth to nip into

Here’s a handful of my favourite pubs in Louth.

Have any others that you’d recommend? Pop a comment into the comments section below this guide:

• The Glyde Inn, Annagassan
• Fitzpatrick’s Bar & Restaurant, Jenkinstown
• Clarke’s, Drogheda
• PJ O’Hare’s, Carlingford

Day 3: Armagh

Day 3 takes us up to County Armagh.

Expect history by the boat-load, a forest drive that’ll treat you to one of the best views in this part of the country, and plenty more.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Armagh section of our fifth one week in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what County Armagh has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Step back in time at Navan Fort

2 – Spin along the Slieve Gullion Scenic Drive (the view is incredible)

3 – Head for a ramble around Lurgan Park – the second biggest park in Ireland

4 – Nip into the Armagh Robinson Library

5 – Take a tour of a working Orchard

6 – Immerse yourself in local history at the Armagh County Museum (the oldest in Ireland)

7 – Drop by  Gosford Castle (it featured heavily in Game of Thrones)

8 – Clear the head with a stroll around Palace Demesne Public Park

9 – Visit St.Patrick’s Cathedral… both of them

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Armagh, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

There’s plenty of solid accommodation in Armagh.

I’m going to recommend that you stay nice and central, so you can leave the car and head off out for the evening.

Here are some suggestions on where to. spend the night.

• Dobbin Lodge (rated 9.7/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)
• 7 Houses (rated 9.6/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• Embers (4.3/5 from 350+ reviews on Google)
• Mulberry bistro (4.7/5 from 200+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Uluru Bar & Grill (4.2/5 from 300+ reviews on Google)
• Keegan’s Bar (4.7/5 from 200+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Toni’s Bar & Grill (4.5/5 from 200+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Armagh to nip into

I’ve only been to Armagh once.

The time I was there, we spent an evening in the only brilliant McConville’s pub.

It’s been stood proudly on the corner of Portadown Mainstreet since the 1800s.

A lovely spot.

Day 4: Down

County Down is somewhat of a hidden gem.

For some bizarre reason, people tend to pass it by, even though they’ll probably be a stone’s thrown from it while they’re visiting Belfast or driving along the Causeway Coastal Route.

Which is a shame, as Down is a county home to some of the best walks and hikes in Ireland.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Down section of our fifth one week in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what County Down has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Explore a chunk of the Mourne Mountains 

2 – Take a trip out to Castle Ward (another one for the Game of Thrones fans)

3 – Head for a ramble along the spectacular Murlough Beach

6 – Visit Down Cathedral (the burial place of St. Patrick)

7 – Head for a saunter around Dundrum Castle

8 – Step back in time at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum

9 – Watch the sun drop over Strangford Lough

10 – Dive into the story of St. Patrick at the St. Patrick Centre

11 – Spend the weekend exploring, eating, and drinking on the Ards Peninsula

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Down, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

We’ve moved out of County Down and into County Antrim at the end of day 4.

Belfast City, like most major cities, has a mix of expensive and reasonable accommodation.

Here are some places that are central and that come highly recommended:

Places to stay in Belfast City for less than €100

• ETAP Hotel Belfast (rated 8.0/10 – Very Good on booking.com)
• Park Inn by Radisson Belfast (rated 8.4/10 – Very good on booking.com)

Places to stay in Belfast City for €100+

• AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast (rated 9.0/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• Bullitt Hotel (rated 9.7/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)

Where to eat 

I’ve popped in breakfast and lunch recommendations for Down, and then a dinner recommendation for Belfast, as you’ll be there for the evening.

Breakfast

• Down: Sea Salt Café and Bistro (4.5/5 from 230+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Down: Quinns Bar (4.4/5 from 640+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Belfast: Havana Bank Sq (4.5/5 from 400+ reviews on Google)
• Belfast: Mourne Seafood Bar (4.5/5 from 850+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Belfast to nip into

I’ve been to Belfast many times over the years.

The city is home to a good wallop of great pubs.

Here are 3 of my favourites:

• The Crown Liquor Saloon
• Kelly’s Cellars
• The Dirty Onion

Day 5: Belfast then on to the coast

We’ll be spending the final two days of this 7 day driving tour of Ireland in County Antrim.

The bulk of day 5 will be spent milling around Belfast City, while the tail end of our 5th day on the road along with all of day 6 will be spent on the Antrim coast.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Belfast section of our fifth one week in Ireland guide:

• LOADS of stuff to do
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what Belfast City and the wider county has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Get your adventure rolling with a Black Cab Tour

2 – Do the tour of the Crumlin Road Gaol/Prison 

3 – Ramble around the grounds of Belfast City Hall

4 – Spend the night at the most bombed hotel in Europe

5 – Catch a show at the historic Grand Opera House Belfast

6 – Have a wander around St Anne’s Cathedral

7 – Get immersed in Narnia on the C.S. Lewis trail

8 – Jump aboard the Nomadic

9 – Spend an afternoon working your way around the Titanic Belfast

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day in Belfast, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Day 6: Antrim

Now, you’ll hear from some people that tackling the Causeway Coastal Route in a day is impossible, but that’s not true.

Sure, more time would be ideal, but you can still see a tonne of stuff in a day.

I’ve done it with a friend recently, so I’m speaking from personal experience.

Here’s what you’ll find in the Antrim section of our fifth 7 day ireland itinerary:

• LOADS of stuff to do
• Advice on where to grab a bite to eat
• Recommendations on where to stay and where to enjoy a post-adventure pint

Things to do

Here’s a taste of just some of what the Antrim Coast has to offer.

Dive in!

1 – Spin along the wonderful Torr Head Scenic Route

2 – Take some time out and bask in the beauty (and silence – it’s rarely visited by crowds of tourists) Murlough Bay.

3 – Check out the now crumbly Kinbane Castle

4 – Walk along the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge

5 – Grab a coffee and head for a stroll at Ballintoy Harbour

7 – Drop by the Giants Causeway – one of the most visited tourist attractions in Ireland

8 – Gaze out at the ruins of Dunluce Castle 

A ready-made itinerary

If you hate planning, or if you’re struggling to put together your day on the Antrim Coast, I’ve jotted down a full itinerary that you can follow.

You may need to tweak it a little, but it’ll act as a good starting point.

Where to stay during your visit

If you follow the itinerary listed above, your day will finish up at Dunluce.

I’d recommend taking the short 8-minute drive to the town of Portrush and spending the night there.

Here are some recommendations on where to stay:

Great places to stay in Portrush

• Inn On The Coast (rated 9.1/10 – Superb on booking.com)
• All Seasons (rated 9.8/10 – Exceptional on booking.com)
• Causeway Bay B&B Portrush (rated 9.0/10 – Superb on booking.com)

Where to eat

Breakfast

• Belfast (that’s where you’ll be waking up on day 6): Harlem Cafe (4.4/5 from 800+ reviews on Google)

Lunch

• Cushendun: Mary McBride’s Bar (4.7/5 from 240+ reviews on Google)

Dinner

• Portrush: Ramore Restaurants (4.4/5 from 1,400+ reviews on Google)
• Portrush: Neptune & Prawn (4.4/5 from 450+ reviews on Google)
• Portrush: 55 Degrees North (4.0/5 from 1,400+ reviews on Google)

Pubs in Portrush to nip into

Here’s a couple of pubs in Portrush that you can drop into while you’re there.

• Kiwi’s Brew Bar
• Harbour Gin Bar

Wrapping up the last of our 1 week in Ireland road trips

I’ve left day 7 free.

Mainly to give you some time to get yourself together and get back home/to the airport/to the ferry.

I’ve left the comments section at the end of this guide open – have a question? Pop it in there and I’ll reply ASAP.

Frequently Asked Questions about spending a week in Ireland

I’ve been getting questions about how to spend a week in Ireland since we published our guide to 5 days in Ireland.

Below, you’ll find some of the most commonly asked questions that I’ve had hit my inbox:

How long does it take to drive across Ireland?

if you’re talking about, quite literally, driving across Ireland, e.g. from Dublin to Clifden, that would take 3 and a half hours.

That’s without stopping.

Is 7 days enough in Ireland?

More time is always better. You could spend 7 months in Ireland and still not see everything. You’ll be able to see plenty on a 7 day driving tour of Ireland, but you’ll have lots left to see on your next visit.

How long does it take to drive around Ireland

We created a guide to driving around Ireland in 18 days. Realistically, you need a decent amount of time. Otherwise, you’ll just spend the whole time drive and seeing very little.

How much does it cost to go to Ireland for a week?

This is a near-impossible question to answer, as so many different factors come into play (flights, the type of accommodation you stay in, food, whether or not you drink).

Wondering what to see in Ireland in 7 days? Or have another itinerary question?

Deciding what to see in Ireland in 7 days isn’t easy.

So, if you’re stuck, take 2 minutes to pop your question into the comment section below.

I’ll help you out!