How to plan the perfect 1-week trip in Ireland

Voted the world’s friendliest country by the Rough Guides’ community — with Dublin also deemed the friendliest city in the world — Ireland boasts a bounty of captivating cultural and natural landscapes. If you’re thinking of taking a vacation in the Emerald Isle, here we share tips on how to plan the perfect 1-week trip to Ireland, with detail on where to go and what to do in Ireland for a week.

1-week trip in Ireland: the best step-by-step guide

Given Ireland’s rich cultural heritage — not to mention its swathes of staggeringly scenic cliffs, coastline and mountains — deciding what to do in Ireland for a week takes some planning, which is where our step-by-step guide will come in very handy.

Read on to be led through the process — from getting to grips with visa requirements and getting there, to deciding what you most want from your trip, and where to realise those dreams.

Editor’s tip: for armchair inspiration, get the picked-packed Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in Ireland, and read up on the best things to do in Ireland.

Step 1: Arrange this first 

Before getting into the nitty gritty of what to do in Ireland for a week, read on for a run-down of what you need to arrange ahead of your trip.

How to get to Ireland

Traveling from the U.S. to Ireland is relatively straightforward, with multiple direct and connecting flight options. Here’s a guide to how to get to Ireland from the U.S.

Direct Flights

The following U.S. cities are departure points for direct flights to Dublin (DUB):

• New York (JFK/EWR): flight time of 6-7 hours.
• Boston (BOS): flight time of 6-7 hours.
• Chicago (ORD): flight time 7-8 hours.
• Philadelphia (PHL): flight time 6.5-7.5 hours.
• Washington, D.C. (IAD):  flight time 6.5-7.5 hours.
• Atlanta (ATL): flight time is around 8 hours.
• Orlando (MCO): seasonal direct flights; flight time around 8 hours.
• Miami (MIA): seasonal direct flights; flight time 8-9 hours.
• Los Angeles (LAX):  flight time approximately 10-11 hours.
• San Francisco (SFO):  flight time is about 10-11 hours.
• Seattle (SEA): seasonal direct flights; flight time 9-10 hours.

Connecting Flights

If you're flying from a U.S. city that doesn’t offer direct flights to Ireland, you can connect through major hubs in the U.S. or Europe.

Recommended U.S. connection hubs include New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta and Washington.

European connection hubs include London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris.

Other airports in Ireland

• Shannon Airport (SNN): located on the west coast of Ireland, Shannon Airport offers a few direct flights from the U.S., particularly during the summer. 
• Cork Airport (ORK): while fewer in number, some seasonal flights are available to Cork from major European hubs like London or Amsterdam.
• Knock Airport (NOC): this serves the west of Ireland — you can connect from London or other European cities.

Visa requirements

For U.S. citizens traveling to Ireland, visa requirements are pretty straightforwar. For stays of up to 90 days, you don't need one.

This visa exemption applies to tourism, business meetings, and attending conferences and short courses of study or training.

Note that your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

How long can you stay?

As mentioned above, you can stay in Ireland for up to 90 days without a visa.

For stays of over 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa — also known as a "D visa” — before traveling. 

You apply for this through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), or an Irish consulate or embassy in the U.S. 

The application typically requires supporting documents, such as proof of financial means, health insurance, and details about your purpose of stay.

Editor’s tip: always check with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs or the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date information before you travel.

Plan your budget

While we cover the potential costs of a trip to Ireland in detail a little later, it’s worth mentioning early on that figuring out your budget should be one of the first things you do while planning what to do in Ireland for a week.

This means researching and comparing the costs of flights, checking out accommodation options, and wising up on the price of tours, trips and entry to all those attractions that are likely to make it onto your must-see list.

If you’re still not sure what those attractions are, we cover that right below. 

Editor’s tip: while planning your budget, read up on great things to do in Dublin for free.

Step 2: Decide what you want to get out of your trip

When it comes to deciding what to do in Ireland for a week, take time to consider what you want to get out of the trip in relation to your interests.

Covering culture and cuisine, history and outdoor adventures, read on for suggestions for how to indulge your personal passions on a 1-week trip to Ireland that’s perfect for you.

Culture and cuisine

If you’re into the arts and music, plan to visit pubs with live music, or time your trip to coincide with festivals like the Galway International Arts Festival.

You’ll also want to devote a decent amount of time to Dublin — a UNESCO City of Literature that’s home to a host of fascinating museums, among them the National Gallery of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA).

To dig deeper into traditional Irish heritage, consider visiting regions that are known for their strong cultural heritage, such as the Gaeltacht areas where Irish Gaelic is spoken.

Staying on the subject of tradition, food-loving culture vultures will want to try classic dishes like Irish stew, soda bread and seafood chowder in local pubs and farm-to-table restaurants.

You could also book guided food tours, whiskey tastings, and cooking classes. 

Dublin and Cork, for example, offer excellent food tours, while the Old Jameson Distillery or Bushmills in Northern Ireland are great for whiskey enthusiasts.

Editor’s tip: discover the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music.

History

If history’s your thing, plan to visit Ireland’s ancient monuments and ruins. 

Must-see sites include Newgrange, the Rock of Cashel, the Hill of Tara and the ancient monastic site of Glendalough.

Ireland is also known for its castles, of both the ruined and restored variety. Alongside visiting iconic historic sites like Blarney Castle, Kilkenny Castle, and Ashford Castle, you could even stay in a castle hotel. 

Outdoor activities 

Ireland offers epic landscapes for hiking, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Wicklow Mountains.

National Parks like Killarney National Park and Glenveagh National Park are also on hand for walks on the wild side, while offering wonderful wildlife-watching opportunities. 

On that subject, nature lovers will want to research birdwatching and whale-watching trips.

Staying on the water theme, you could consider focusing your trip on coastal regions to enjoy the likes of kayaking, surfing and boating, with the Wild Atlantic Way being a prime location for water-based adventures.

Lastly, Ireland is a golfer's paradise, home to world-renowned courses like Ballybunion, Royal County Down and Lahinch.

Step 3: Plan your Ireland itinerary 

After deciding what you most want from your trip, you’ll need to get into the day-by-day details of your itinerary.

To help you do exactly that, here are three fabulous ways to plan the perfect 1-week trip in Ireland.

7-day itinerary 1: Experience Spectacular Ireland 

As suggested by its name, this Spectacular Ireland itinerary offers opportunities to experience the most spectacular places in Ireland in a week.

Spend the first couple of days in Dublin, where you’ll want to explore historic landmarks like Trinity College, with its incredible Old Library and Dublin Castle.

We also suggest visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral — Ireland's largest cathedral, and the final resting place of writer Jonathan Swift — and Christ Church Cathedral, which is known for its medieval crypt and connections to Dublin’s Viking history.

You’ll also want to explore Temple Bar area to soak up the vibe of its historic pubs, including The Brazen Head, which dates back to 1198. 

On day three, collect your rental car to drive to Kilkenny via Wicklow — a county that’s known as the Garden of Ireland. Along the way, stop off to walk the valley of Glendalough and see the 6^th-century monastic settlement.

Devote day four to visiting the Rock of Cashel to see stacks of historic ruins before continuing to Cork, the Blarney Castle, and the incredible Killarney National Park.

Come day five, travel along the coast towards to County Clare. Around these parts you can explore the Dingle Peninsular, stroll sweeping beaches, and visit historic Spanish Point.

Next, travel on to Doolin village, which is known as the capital of Irish music for very good reason.

On the morning of day six, rise early to voyage to one of Ireland’s most romantic — and remote — places. Namely, the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Maher.

Spend day seven in Galway. If you have time, stay a couple of nights. That way you can do a deeper dive into what’s known as the Pearl of Ireland’s West Coast, with the stunning Connemara National Park on hand for soul-stirring walks. 

Like the sound of this itinerary? Book it now.

7-day itinerary 2: Best of Ireland and Northern Ireland

Here’s how you can experience the best of Ireland and Northern Ireland in a single 7-day trip. 

After arriving in Dublin, start your vacation with a visit to Trinity College and Dublin Castle, followed by strolling around the historic Grafton Street area and Temple Bar.

Spend the morning of day two exploring Kilmainham Gaol, followed by visiting the Guinness Storehouse for a tour and a pint.

That afternoon, drive or take a train to Galway and explore the colorful Latin Quarter. 

On day three, take a scenic drive through the Connemara region, and visit Kylemore Abbey — a beautiful Benedictine monastery that boasts glorious gardens.

In the afternoon, head to Connemara National Park to walk and watch wildlife before returning to Galway for the night. 

The Cliffs of Maher await on day four, followed by the Burren region, which is known for its unique limestone landscape and rare flora.

Try to make time to visit the megalithic Poulnabrone Dolmen and Aillwee Cave before continuing to Doolin  — your base for the night.

Rise early on day five and head to Killarney, a picturesque town that serves as the gateway to the Ring of Kerry.

Here you could explore Killarney National Park, Muckross House and Gardens, or take a aboat trip to Innisfallen Island

When it comes to the Ring of Kerry — one of Ireland’s most scenic routes — be sure to stop at Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, and Ross Castle.

Day six will see you head to Belfast via the Rock of Cashel — an historic site of ancient ruins and epic views.

En route, you could also stop to see to Kilkenny Castle before reaching Belfast in time to explore the Titanic Belfast Museum and Cathedral Quarter.

On your last full day in Ireland, take a drive along the Antrim Coast to visit the Giant’s Causeway — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known for its huge hexagonal basalt columns.

You could also visit the dramatic medieval Dunluce Castle and stop at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge for a thrilling walk across the bridge before returning to Belfast.

Editor’s tip: if you can stay a couple more days, book our customisable Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland itinerary.

7-day itinerary 3: Game of Thrones Glories in Northern Ireland

The Seven Kingdoms await in this 7-day Game of Thrones-themed itinerary that focuses on the incredible landscapes of Northern Ireland. Think fortresses, cliffs and villages steeped in history. 

First, though, spend a couple of nights in Dublin to explore all those attractions outlined above before collecting your rental car and crossing into Northern Ireland  on day three..

Along the way, take a walk through the Mourne Mountains to follow in the footsteps of the wild Dothraki, and venture into the forest of Tollymore, where the White Walkers attacked the Guard.

Another top stop is the Abbey of Inch, where Robb Stark was crowned King of the North, and Ward Castle — the stage for many a Game of Throne scene.

After overnighting in Belfast, spend day four explore the Quarry of Magheramorne, often featured as the interior of the Black Castle.

You’ll also want to visit Cushendun Cave, Murlough Bay, the Hanging Bridge of Carrick-a-Rede and Larrybane before ending the day in the small port of Ballintoy.

Next, devote day five to the epic coast and mountains, including Portstewart beach and Downhill beach, both of which will be instantly recognisable to Game of Thrones fans. 

Your last stop of the day is Derry. Famed for its medieval walls, it also played a prominent role in the Struggles. 

As you make your way back to Dublin on day six, ready to depart on day seven, stop at the remarkable Marble Arch Caves.

This natural wonder served as the lair of Beric Dondarrion in series three, and also has UNESCO status.

Step 4: How to get around Ireland

Here’s how to get around Ireland, whether you want the freedom of a self-drive trip, or would prefer to stick to public transport. 

How to hire a car

Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Ireland, especially if you want to visit rural areas, and see some spectacularly scenic routes.

U.S. citizens can drive in Ireland with a valid U.S. driver's license — an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required — and you drive on the left side of the road.

Major international rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise operate in Ireland, as well as local companies like Dooley Car Rentals and Dan Dooley.

Note that Irish roads, especially in rural areas, can be narrow and winding, so consider renting a smaller car for easier navigation and parking.

Also be aware that most rental cars in Ireland have manual transmission (stick shift). If you prefer an automatic, request one when booking.

Getting around by public transport

Ireland has a good public transport network, especially in cities and between major towns. 

Trains

The national rail service operates trains between major cities and towns. Main routes include Dublin to Galway, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Belfast (Northern Ireland).

Tickets can be purchased online, at the station, or via the Irish Rail app. Booking in advance can save money, especially when it comes to intercity routes.

Editor’s tip: some routes, like Dublin to Galway or the journey through the Wicklow Mountains, offer beautiful scenery.

Buses

The national bus service provides extensive coverage across Ireland, including rural areas not served by trains.

Dublin’s bus network covers most areas, including the airport.

Trams

Dublin's light rail system, Luas, has two lines (Red and Green) that connect the city center with suburbs. Tickets can be purchased at Luas stops or via the TFI Leap Card.

Public transport cards

The TFI Leap Card is a convenient, cost-effective way to pay for public transport in Dublin and surrounding areas. It can be used on buses, trams (Luas), trains (DART and commuter rail), and some regional buses.

Also note that the Visitor Leap Card offers unlimited travel on public transport in Dublin for 1, 3, or 7 days. 

Read more on getting around Ireland.

Step 5: Be sure to visit Ireland in the right months

Though a year-round destination, when it comes to deciding when to go to Ireland, the best months to visit depends on what activities you most want to do.

With that in mind, here's an overview of the best times to visit Ireland, considering weather patterns, and activities and events held in different seasons.

Late spring and summer — best for outdoor activities

With spring temperatures averaging 46°F-54°F (8°C-12°C), rising to 59°F-68°F (15°C-20°C) in summer, late May through to August are the best months to enjoy  hiking and exploring Ireland’s spectacular natural landscapes. 

Summer also sees Ireland host several festivals, including the Galway International Arts Festival.

Fall  —  best for culture, food and music

With an average temperature range of 48°F-57°F (9°C-14°C), visiting Ireland between September and November is a fabulous time for foodies to visit Ireland as harvest festivals celebrate local produce, seafood and traditional cuisine.

Fall is also a good time for city breaks in Dublin, Galway and Cork, with smaller crowds allowing for more immersive experiences of Ireland’s historic sites, museums and castles.

As the weather cools, touring one of Ireland’s famous whiskey distilleries also becomes all the more inviting. 

When it comes to Fall events, the Dublin Theatre Festival is usually held in late September to early October, with the Cork Jazz Festival and Wexford Festival Opera also on the cards.

Winter — best for city breaks and festive atmosphere

Winter in Ireland is mild compared to many parts of the US, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. In fact, the average range is 41°F-46°F (5°C -8°C).

That said, rain is frequent, which makes winter best suited to travelers who are looking for cultured city breaks and cozy pub experiences, or to enjoy the festive Christmas atmosphere.

Step 6: Book accommodation and attractions

Booking accommodation and entry to attractions in advance is always a good idea, and that applies to Ireland as much as anywhere else.

Accommodation is often cheaper when booked in advance, with hotels typically offering early-bird discounts and promotions.

At the same time, having your travel arrangements sorted well in advance cuts down last-minute stress.

When it comes to booking tickets to attractions and tours in advance, you’ll have access to more dates and time slots, and might be able to secure time-saving skip-the-line tickets. 

Editor’s tip: read up on the where to stay in Dublin, and get The Mini Rough Guide to Dublin

Step 7: How much does an Ireland trip cost?

It goes without saying that the cost of a trip to Ireland will vary depending on your travel style, length of stay, and the kind of activities you plan to do.

That said, here's a ballpark overview of estimated costs for budget, mid-price and luxury travel, but first the cost of traveling from the U.S.

Flight costs from the US

Round-trip flights to Ireland from the US typically range from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on the time of year and your departure city.

Budget travel

Expect to pay $30-$80 per night to stay in hostels, budget hotels, guesthouses and basic Airbnbs, and around $20-$40 a day to self-cater and eat in cheaper pubs and cafes.

You could also work to a budget of $10-$20 per day for activities, mixing attractions like museums and parks with self-guided walks and budget tours,

Mid-range travel

Mid-range hotels, B&Bs and boutique guesthouses tend to cost $100-$200 a night, while dining in regular restaurants and pubs are likely to set you back $40-$80 per day.

Meanwhile, you could work to a daily activity budget of $20-$50.

Luxury travel

Staying in high-end hotels — including historic castles — will range from $250-$600+ a night, with fine-dining meals likely to cost $80-$150+ a day.

If you’re in the market for private tours and exclusive activity experiences, you’re looking at spending $50-$200+ a day.

Ready to plan your own trip to Ireland? Get The Rough Guide to Ireland.

Not keen on planning? Not a problem! Talk to our local expert.