6 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney & Galway

Great for first-time travelers to Ireland, you'll cover the southern half of the country from Dublin in the east to Galway in the west, with a visit to Kilkenny and Killarney in between on this ultimate Ireland road trip. Tour the medieval quarter in Ireland's capital city, check out Dunmore Cave near Kilkenny, and visit the 19th-century Muckross House and Abbey on the outskirts of Killarney National Park.

Arrive in Dublin and travel back in time over 800 years to Dublin Castle, see the beautiful library of Trinity College, and enjoy dinner inside a 17th-century church. On Day 2, drive to the old medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny, to tour the castle, then explore the ancient remains of the Vikings at Dunmore Cave. Sample fresh apple juice or homemade whiskey and cider at Highbank Organic Farm. On your way to Killarney on the southwest coast the following day, stop to see the Blarney stone, considered to give anyone who kisses it the gift of eloquence.

Head to Ross Castle or visit Muckross House and Abbey to admire the lovely gardens and the 700-year-old yew tree in the cloisters. Spend a day in Killarney National Park and drive through the dramatic landscapes of the Ring of Kerry. Then make your way to Galway via the Cliffs of Moher to witness the rugged coastline views. Enjoy a Michelin-star dinner of oysters at one of the many restaurants in the area or explore the spooky side of the county at Leap Castle, often cited as the most haunted place in Ireland. Take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse before departing from Dublin on Day 6. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Northern Ireland & Dublin Road Trip

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this six-day trip takes you on a journey to Northern Ireland's rugged coastline and castles. Begin in Dublin before driving north to tour the Titanic Museum in Belfast, walk along the dramatic terrain of the Giant's Causeway, and hike a small section of the Wild Atlantic Way.

After arriving in Dublin, you'll explore the city at your own pace. Stroll along the River Liffey, enjoy some pub grub at Temple Bar, or take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Then, head north to Belfast and learn about the tragedies of the fateful 1912 maritime accident at the Titanic Belfast Museum. Alternatively, discover more of Ireland's art and history at the Ulster Museum. The next day, road trip along the Antrim Coastline and check out filming locations from "Game of Thrones" as you uncover sights such as Fairhead, Dunluce Castle, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Continue to Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing more than 40,000 interconnected basalt columns caused by a volcanic eruption almost 60 million years ago. Cross the border into County Donegal and drive along a particularly stunning section of the Wild Atlantic Way, known as the Inishowen Peninsula. See Ireland's most northerly point at Malin Head, then cross back into Northern Ireland to spend the night in Londonderry (Derry). Enjoy a day in the city and see the intact medieval walls, the Tower Museum, and the Bogside Murals before returning to Dublin. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ireland Self-Drive Adventure: Dublin, Galway, Doolin & Kinsale

In just six days, you'll take in the medieval sights of Dublin, the culture and culinary delights of Galway, the breathtaking shores of Trá na mBán, and the dramatic coastal landscape of the Cliffs of Moher. It's an excellent self-drive itinerary for active adventurers, as you'll spend a lot of time hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Upon arriving in Ireland's capital, take a walking tour through the Medieval Quarter, Christ Church Cathedral, and Dublin Castle. Whiskey fanatics will appreciate a tasting tour of the Jameson Distillery, where you can sample various premium whiskeys made in the factory. Depart Dublin and drive across the middle of the country to Galway on the west coast, stopping at Clonmacnoise Monastery (Cluain Mhic Nóis) on the way. Continue along the coast to the village of Spiddal, where riders of all abilities can embark on a horseback excursion along Trá na mBán beach. Then on Day 4, you'll venture to the village of Doolin.

Journey to Doolin Caves to check out the longest free-hanging stalactite in Europe, then indulge in a hearty Irish stew at a local pub for lunch. Hike across the Cliffs of Moher to Liscannor village, spot Galway Bay in the distance, and marvel at the scenic views from O'Brien's Tower. Take a full day to drive along the Ring of Kerry, where you'll see the Gap of Dunloe, Ballycarbery Castle, and the Cahergall ancient stone ring fort as you traverse the picturesque countryside. Opt for a sunset kayaking excursion on the lake of Lough Hyne or get an early night before heading back to Dublin the following day. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Dublin City & Wicklow Way Walk

Active travelers seeking an experience that offers city and countryside walks will delight in this six-day itinerary that combines two nights in Dublin with three nights in Wicklow National Park. See the sights of Trinity College, Grafton Street, and Dublin Castle in the capital, then journey to the start of the Wicklow Way to begin the hiking portion of the trip.

Welcome to Dublin! Enjoy the riverside views from the Ha'penny Bridge along the River Liffey, relax in the beautiful gardens of St. Stephen's Green, then walk the trail of folk music legend Molly Malone as you learn about the city's fascinating history, spanning more than 2,000 years. Transfer to Marlay Park to begin the walking part of your holiday in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Wander through the park, continue across the Dublin Mountains, then conclude the day's hike in Enniskerry village. The route is 11 miles (18 km) long and will take approximately 5.5 hours.

On Day 4, you'll embark on a 13-mile (21 km) walk to join up with the Wicklow Way, traverse across the Glencree Valley, and past the Powerscourt waterfall before trekking to the top of White Hill to take in the spectacular views of Lough Dan and Lough Tay lakes below. Arrive in Roundwood village for the evening. Day 5 brings a shorter walk of just four hours from Roundwood to Laragh, stopping at Paddock Hill and Scarr Mountain. Head back to Dublin for one last quick tour around the city before departing the Emerald Isle. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Self-Guided Dingle Peninsula Walk

Hikers will love this self-guided six-day option that covers a small segment of the wild west coast of Ireland. Learn about the county's history in Kerry's capital Tralee, walk the coastal route underneath the Slieve Mish Mountains, and hike on backcountry roads in Annascaul before kicking back with a whiskey at the local distillery in Dingle.

As the only itinerary on this list that doesn't begin in Dublin, this six-day outdoor adventure starts in County Kerry's capital of Tralee. Head straight to the Kerry County Museum to learn about the county's history through seasonal exhibits, dioramas, and archaeological discoveries. Make your way along countryside roads to connect with the Dingle Way and spend the next five hours walking under the Slieve Mish Mountains. Soak up the views of Tralee Bay and the Loop Head peninsula. Conclude the hike in the village of Camp, then transfer back to Tralee to enjoy a night in Ballyseede Castle.

Relocate to Camp to begin the 11-mile (18-km) journey to Annascaul village. Regale at the South Pole Inn, the pub that Antarctic explorer, Tom Crean, opened after his voyages with Ernest Shackleton and Robert Scott. After breakfast, head for Dingle, stopping to see castle ruins in Minard and the village of Lisdargan to break up the 12-mile (19 km) expedition. Unwind with an Irish whiskey at Dick Mac's Pub & Brewery when you arrive. Your last day will be spent on a 12-mile (19-km) hike from Dingle to Dunquin, where you'll see Coumeenoole beach and the Blasket Islands in the distance. Learn more

More Great Ireland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ireland? Check out these other Ireland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.