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Ireland might be one of the most underrated destinations we’ve ever visited and, admittedly, it took us way too long to do so. We were fortunate enough to visit Ireland just in time for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities and we were accompanied by fantastic weather. The sun was shining for all but one day of our trip!
Since we had a limited timeframe, we had to make a lot of difficult decisions about which places to see and which places to save for a future trip. With this 1-week Ireland itinerary, we had a fantastic vacation, enjoying some of the best that Ireland has to offer and we know you will too.
Ireland Travel Tips in this Article
Dublin Travel Tips
Where to Stay in Dublin:
The Mont: Okay, so we splurged on this one, but the hotel is gorgeous, the breakfast is fantastic, the fitness center is very well equipped and the location couldn’t be better.
What to Do in Dublin:
Dublin offers a nice mix of history with a modern feel. It goes without saying that you should visit the main attractions, but we also recommend wandering through the side streets, admiring the street art, and soaking in the city’s atmosphere.
Trinity College
Trinity College is a must—not just because of its beauty, but because it holds the Book of Kells, an ancient manuscript that’s been preserved against all odds. With books stacked from floor to ceiling under arched wooden beams, the Long Room in the Old Library gave us serious Harry Potter vibes (okay, it reminded Ryne of the galactic archives from Star Wars). Either way, it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re into history, literature, or even just cool places.
We also really liked the Museum Building, a hidden gem that many visitors overlook. The carefully chosen and highly detailed designs, as well as the use of Irish materials, are a tribute to Ireland’s rich heritage.
Guiness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is a multi-story museum that tells the story of Ireland’s most iconic beer with immersive displays, vintage ads, and a tasting room. The Gravity Bar at the top of the building (which is designed like a pint glass, by the way) offers 360° views of the city.
We opted for the Connoisseur Experience, which was more extensive than we expected. Despite the crowds, the exclusive tasting session allowed us to sample old-style beers that are no longer on the market, offering a unique glimpse into Guinness’s brewing history.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
We timed our visit just right. The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin is electric—giant puppets, acrobats, marching bands and a sea of green everywhere you look. The crowd was incredibly multicultural, with people from all over the world coming together to celebrate. It’s truly a testament to Dublin’s welcoming spirit.
The Hugh Lane Gallery
A quieter gem in the city, the Hugh Lane Gallery gave us a peaceful break, while reattuning us to the world around us. The gallery features both classic and modern Irish art, but what really stood out was the Brian Maguire: La Grande Illusion exhibit. His powerful works shed light on global injustices, war, and human rights, which left a powerful, lasting impression on us.
Lahinch
Where to Stay Near Lahinch:
We stayed at Ceaser’s Cabin, a cozy little private accommodation just a short drive from the beach. This place was perfect for us, but if you’re looking for something more upscale, there are also a few boutique hotels with ocean views.
What to Do Near Lahinch:
The Cliffs of Moher
Despite the popularity among tourists, the Cliffs of Moher are definitely still worth visiting. We recommend walking along the cliff trail if the weather is good, as it offers the best views and far fewer people than the main lookout points. Sadly, these were closed off when we were there, possibly due to the extremely strong wind gusts that day. Nevertheless, the sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day to take in the magnificent views.
Pro tip: Wear sturdy shoes and don’t climb on the walls! The cliffs are over 200 meters high, after all.
Lahinch Beach
Lahinch Beach is a beautiful, long stretch of sand that’s apparently popular with surfers. We had no idea you could even surf in Ireland! We loved walking down to the beach as the sky slowly filled with beautiful pastel colors, which reflected off the wet sand.
We spent our evenings here just soaking in the views and listening to the ocean.
Dingle
Where to Stay Near Dingle:
Dingle is a popular destination for tourists, so there are plenty of great accommodation options in and around the town. Whether you’re looking for a charming B&B or a boutique hotel with harbor views, you’ll find something that suits your style and budget.
What to Do Near Dingle:
Conor Pass
Driving through the Conor Pass felt like something out of a movie. The narrow, winding roads made for some interesting driving situations, but the views were fantastic and well worth navigating the one-lane sections of the road.
We stopped a couple of times to enjoy the scenery and soak up the fresh mountain air, as the sun peeked over the hills and cast long shadows across the valley.
Dunquin Pier
Dunquin Pier was easily one of the highlights of our trip. We were fortunate to have great weather when we visited, which made the water pop with such a bright blue color that we never thought was possible in Ireland. We spent a good long time taking photos and just taking in the gorgeous views. You can walk all the way down to the pier, but we didn’t feel this was necessary—the best views are found along the walkway and cliffside.
Coumeenoole Beach
Nestled between cliffs and rocky outcrops, Coumeenoole Beach is wildly beautiful. The waves here are powerful, so it’s not ideal for swimming, but it’s perfect for a scenic walk. The jagged rocks and crashing surf make it feel untamed and cinematic.
Again, we didn’t go all the way down to the water, as the cliffside views were so stunning that we just couldn’t help but stare and take as many photos as possible.
Killarney National Park
Where to Stay Near Killarney National Park:
There are plenty of great accommodation options in and around Killarney, from cozy B&Bs to upscale hotels. Since this is one of Ireland’s most popular national parks, you won’t have trouble finding a place that fits your vibe—just book in advance if you’re visiting during peak season.
What to Do in Killarney National Park:
Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass that winds through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the park. We decided to drive it, but you can also cycle or take a horse-drawn cart if you’re feeling more adventurous (and less inclined to reverse on a one-lane road when a sheep decides to block traffic).
We stopped at a small pull-off near a lake and just sat for a while, enjoying the calm.
The Ladies View
Ladies View is a scenic viewpoint with a hilltop café, where we enjoyed some coffee and cake while taking in the gorgeous view of the waterways in the valley below.
Upper Lake
The Upper Lake area is a bit quieter and more remote compared to the main park attractions, despite the fact that the main road passes right by it. We stopped at the inconspicuous parking lot and followed a little trail along the rocks, where we found some wonderfully peaceful views of the lake.
Muckross Abbey
Muckross Abbey is a partially restored medieval monastery with crumbling stone walls, twisting staircases, and a gorgeous yew tree growing right in the middle of the cloister. This would be the perfect setting to film a fantasy movie—we definitely felt like we were jolted back in time. The entire property is just so idyllic and peaceful.
Torc Waterfall
Torc Waterfall is easily accessible and only a short walk from the main road, making it one of the most popular spots in the park. Walking through the mossy forest to reach the waterfall made it easy to understand where all of the legends of fairies and leprechauns come from. You can even spend more time here by going on a hike, which we definitely would have done if we’d had more time.
Cork
Where to Stay Near Cork:
What to Do Near Cork:
Coming soon!
Wicklow Mountains
Where to Stay Near the Wicklow Mountains:
We stayed at Inglewood Lodge B&B near Naas, which made for a great base to explore the region. The property is peaceful, the host is very friendly and the breakfast was incredible. We will definitely be staying here again when we get the chance.
What to Do in the Wicklow Mountains:
Guinness Lake (Lough Tay)
Lough Tay, also known as Guinness Lake due to its dark water and creamy white beach, looks like a pint of the famous Irish stout from above. You can’t actually get down to the lake itself, but the views from the roadside lookouts are absolutely breathtaking.
A word of caution, though—you really aren’t supposed to walk beyond the signs. Sure, the views might be better and everyone else might be doing it, but it’s both dangerous and damaging to the environment.
Ballinastoe Woods
Ballinastoe Woods felt like stepping into a storybook. The forest is filled with tall, moss-covered trees, winding boardwalks, and soft forest light filtering through the canopy. If you’ve ever seen photos of Ireland’s enchanted hiking trails, they were probably taken here. It’s also a great spot for trail running or just getting lost (not literally) in nature.
The Wicklow Gap
Driving through the Wicklow Gap was another unique experience—the landscape here felt unusually barren, especially compared to the rest of Ireland’s lush greenery. That said, it’s a great place to see the heath in bloom. Sadly, we were a bit too early for that, but we still thoroughly enjoyed driving the roads that wind through wide open valleys and rolling hills.
P.S. I Love You Bridge
If you’re a fan of P.S. I Love You, this little bridge will definitely ring a bell. It might sound a little cheesy, but it really is a great scenic stop. Denise loves the movie, so we were going to stop either way, but the spot is charming and photogenic regardless.
Glenmacnass Waterfall
There isn’t really a designated parking area near Glenmacnass Waterfall, but the road isn’t heavily trafficked and most people are stopping for the same reason anyway. We simply pulled off to the side and took in the view. This is the largest waterfall we visited in Ireland and were certainly impressed.
From dramatic coastlines and ancient ruins to cozy cafés and storybook forests, Ireland truly has something for everyone. Even with just a week, we experienced a rich variety of landscapes, cultures, and moments we’ll never forget. Of course, there’s still so much more to explore—so we’ve already got more trips to Ireland planned. Stay tuned!
About the Authors
Ryne and Denise Cook: We spent 1 week exploring the beautiful Emerald Isle. We put together this itinerary so that you can spend less time planning and more time exploring Ireland!
