Intro to Ireland

Céad Míle Fáilte - a hundred thousand welcomes!

If you're planning your first trip to Ireland, you've come to the right place. This sample itinerary is perfect for travelers with about a week (plus a bit!) to explore. While it’s impossible to cover everything in a single visit, this route blends history, natural beauty, and a few lesser-known gems, giving you a taste of Ireland that will almost certainly leave you wanting more.

Days 1-2: Dublin

Ease into your adventure with a relaxed start in the capital.

• Book of Kells at Trinity College
  Start with this iconic illuminated manuscript and take a self-guided or audio tour of the Long Room library.

• Guinness Storehouse
  One of Ireland’s top attractions for good reason. Even if you’re not a stout drinker, the views from the Gravity Bar are worth it.

• Temple Bar area
  Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also fun. Explore the area, not just the pub, and enjoy the music, street art, and energy.

Days 3–4: Belfast & Giant’s Causeway

Head north for dramatic coastline and Titanic history.

• Titanic Belfast
  An interactive museum telling the story of the world’s most famous ship. Great for all ages.

• Victoria Square Dome
  Take the elevator up for panoramic views of Belfast - it’s quick, free, and centrally located.

• Giant’s Causeway
  These 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns feel like something out of a fantasy novel. Stretch your legs along the scenic trails.

Days 5–6: Westport, County Mayo

A perfect base for adventure and charm on the west coast.

• Sligo lunch stop
  Consider a seaside lunch as you drive west from the Causeway Coast.

• Westport House
  A historic estate with a family-friendly mix of culture and fun (adventure park included!).

• Matt Molloy’s Pub
  Owned by a member of The Chieftains, this spot offers traditional Irish music nightly.

• Outdoor options:
  • Croagh Patrick - Ireland’s holiest mountain (2,500 ft); allow 4–5 hours roundtrip
  • Great Western Greenway - A scenic off-road trail for walking or biking through Mayo’s countryside

Days 7–8: Doolin & Ennis

Castles, cliffs, and cozy pubs.

• Galway (lunch stop)
  Historic and colorful, and it deserves its own blog post! Stretch your legs before continuing south.

• Dunguaire Castle
  A classic Irish castle right on Galway Bay.

• The Burren & R477 Drive
  A lunar-like landscape with rare flora and sweeping sea views. On a clear day, you might glimpse the Aran Islands.

• Doolin
  Music central! Catch a trad session, attend a local festival, or explore the town’s quirky charm.

• Cliffs of Moher
  Start early to escape the crowds and get stunning views. Just stay back from the edge!

• Ennis (your final overnight)
  Just 25 minutes from Shannon Airport, this lively town has great shops and a surprising Muhammad Ali monument (his great-grandfather was from here!).

Day 9: Shannon Airport & Farewell

• Fly out of Shannon
  A smaller, more relaxed airport than Dublin - shorter lines, less stress, and a smoother send-off.

Helpful Tips for First-Time Visitors

• ☔ Don’t fear the rain. Showers often pass quickly. A lightweight rain jacket will go a long way.

• 🕰 Summer = long days, Winter = early darkness

• 🗺 Stay flexible. Ireland’s magic often lies in the unexpected.

• 🥐 Try a breakfast roll from a petrol station. Yes, really.

• 🎭 There’s something for everyone from literary walks to surfing, castles to kayaking.

Ready to plan your own adventure?

You can use this as inspiration for your custom itinerary — or get in touch if you'd like help creating something tailored to your travel style.