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A Week Long Itinerary
Home » Ireland » Ireland - A Week Long Itinerary » A Week Long ItineraryIt will not be hard to find a week's worth of activities and attractions to keep you busy when visiting Ireland. The problem will be condensing an Ireland vacation into seven days. Below is an itinerary for spending a week in several cities of Ireland. This trip is sure to keep you busy as you explore breathtaking scenery from the rocky coastline and peaceful lakes to the grandiose mountains and rolling hills.
Day One: Shannon, Ireland - Galway
On day one, arrive at Shannon International Airport and transfer to Galway where you will spend your first day. After getting settled into a hotel of your choice, finish the afternoon touring the city of Galway.
Day Two: Galway - Connemara - Galway
Spend day two enjoying Connemara, the most romantic area of Ireland. Connemara is an extensive peninsula surrounded by the arid and stony coastline of Galway Bay in the south. It is a land of contrasts. The rugged landscape provides diverse scenery with its majestic mountains protruding from a region decorated with numerous lakes, rivers, and bog lands. In the northern region, visitors will appreciate the spectacular fjord of Killary Harbor and the mountains that form the backdrop for many lakes and large bog regions.
Begin by stopping at Connemara National Park Visitor Center for some information on the area. Next, explore Connemara National Park. Diamond Hill, a mountain in the park, is the perfect backdrop to the region. While in the park, enjoy an audio-visual show, self-guided nature tours, and a wonderful exhibition on Connemara's landscape. Pack a picnic lunch and stop in at one of the picnic areas in Connemara National Park. If you have time, visit Inishbofin Island, a charming island of rocky cliffs and beautiful turquoise beaches. The natural harbor is definitely awe-inspiring.
In the afternoon, cycle to the coastal fishing village of Roundstone, which was established in the 1820's. Explore the Franciscan Monastery built in Roundstone during the 1830's. Next, stroll through the cafes, craft shops, and art galleries in the village.
Day Three: Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Kenmare
Day three will begin by touring the Galway Heritage Center. Next, visit the crystal factory where you can take in an audio-visual presentation on the city of Galway and its crystal.
In the afternoon, leave Galway and head for Kenmare. Make sure you take a route that will lead you through the Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs are the most spectacular cliffs within the country as they protrude from the Atlantic Ocean at 705 feet and stretch over 4 miles long.
Continue driving to Killimer where you can board the Killimer-Tarbert car ferry to cross over the River Shannon to Tarbert. This twenty-minute ferry ride is one of the most enthralling highlights of the west of Ireland's Shannon Region. Spend the night at Kenmare.
Day Four: Kenmare to Dublin
Spend day four in the exciting cultural center of Dublin. Begin by taking a walking tour of the city, as Dublin is ideal to discover on foot. Begin at Trinity College, the city's most popular landmark. Many famous people have graduated from the College, including Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett.
Next, travel west of Trinity College to Dublin Castle, the seat of British rule in Ireland. Proceed to Merrion Square, Dublin's most graceful region, with its classical Georgian houses adorned with dramatic doorways and canopies.
In the afternoon, visit the historic center of the city found south of Liffey; it still possesses much of its original charm and character. Yet it is hot with electricity due to the urban restoration it has undergone in the last decade of the 20th century. Temple Bar is the place to be in this section of town with its delicious dining choices, chic pubs, and discos. Towards evening, stroll through Phoenix Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe, and observe as the city unwinds at the close of a long day.
Day Five: Dublin to Waterford
Rise early on day five and leave Dublin to head for Waterford, a beautiful city bordered by the sea and separated by two upland ranges. The drive along the coastal road is very scenic and you will want to stop for several significant landmarks along the way. First, visit Blarney Castle, known throughout the world for its infamous Blarney Stone. If time, stop in at the Woollen Mills and Blarney House. Next, drive through the small harbor town of Dungarvan. Stop to explore the clifftops of Helvick Head.
En route to Waterford, observe Ardmore, an ecclesiastical site established by St. Declan in the 6th century and recognized for its extended, beautiful beach located against high cliffs. End the drive at Waterford Crystal where you can enjoy an organized tour in which the various stages of crystal manufacture are illustrated from the blowing, cutting, and engraving process.
Day Six: Waterford to Kenmare
On day six, travel back from Waterford to Kenmare. The charming town of Kenmare is the ideal location to explore the South West of Ireland. Spend the day taking a scenic drive along the Iveragh Peninsula. This 105 miles of picturesque scenery will provide you with the chance to explore the Ring of Kerry, a site known all over the world. This drive is one of the most picturesque and dramatic drives in the country of Ireland. Visitors will appreciated the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean as you drive along the coastal road as well as the lakes, mountains, and peat bogs. You can stop in at the numerous historical landmarks, charming villages, or sandy coves and beaches.
In the afternoon, visit Muckross House, a nineteenth century country home containing a folk museum. Stroll through the beautiful gardens behind the house, taking notice of the famed rhododendrons. In the evening, visit Sneem Village, which rests at the foot of a majestic mountain range overshadowed by the 2,245 feet Knockmoyle. The focal point of Sneem Village is the bridge over River Sneem, which connects the "hour-glass" shape village together. Take the time to explore all the unique, brightly colored homes in Sneem.
Day Seven: Kenmare to Shannon
Wake up on your last morning early in order to visit Killarney National Park, found to the north of Kenmare. The park provides amazing views of the Lakes of Killarney and 10,000 hectares of woodland and majestic mountains. If you have time, visit the well-preserved Ring of Beara to the south. There are numerous archeological sites that can be explored in this rugged and beautiful region.
In the afternoon, you can travel back to Shannon, Ireland in order to reach your connecting flight home.
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