Ireland is small enough that a week trip is the perfect way to experience all that this vibrant island has to offer. Whether you want to spend your time exploring a vibrant national park, urban adventures in Dublin and Cork, or hiking along the Atlantic coastline – there are plenty of activities for an exciting one week itinerary in Ireland.

Dublin

When planning a one-week trip to Ireland, there is so much to see and do! But finding the best way to fit everything in can be challenging! When planning your itinerary for Dublin and beyond, you’ll need to decide how long you want to spend in each city. Dublin is a fairly walkable city but if you’re not comfortable with that, there are plenty of alternatives for getting around the centre – such as buses (the Luas is Dublin’s light-rail transit system) or tours like DoDublin Bus Tours which I reviewed here.

Another great option is taking a guided walking tour of Dublin’s most renowned sights. These tours provide visitors with an insight into the culture and history of Dublin, making for an exciting way to spend a day in its capital! For something truly adventurous, why not go on a bike tour? Riding is an increasingly popular way to discover the city with an experienced guide who will point out all of the major landmarks.

For some of these activities, you must book in advance. Tickets can be bought at ticket booths around town. Alternatively, you can purchase a Leap Card that provides unlimited access to trams, buses and other public transport services within the city. If you’re in search of some culture, head over to the EPIC Museum for an incredible insight into Irish life. With its incredible collection of art and artifacts that tell the story of Irish existence throughout the ages, this museum provides a captivating glimpse into Irish existence.

The Little Museum of Dublin – this intimate museum chronicles life in Dublin from the turn of the 20th century to today. Visitors have the option to join a guided tour or explore the main exhibition on their own.

Another popular destination is the National Museum of Ireland, boasting collections in archaeology, natural history and art.

Glendalough

Glendalough, also known as Gleann Da Loch (valley of two lakes), is a place of breathtaking natural beauty in County Wicklow. It was the site of an ancient monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century that would become one of the great centers for learning in early Christian Ireland.

Glendalough is a must-see on any Irish traveller’s bucket list. The valley is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscape, abandoned monastery ruins and lakes that surround it. Glendalough, situated in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, is a must-visit day trip from Dublin that should be on every traveler’s itinerary when in Ireland. Surrounded by picturesque lakes and mountains alike, it offers ample hiking routes with stunning views.

Monastic City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ireland’s most significant historical landmarks. It consists of several small settlements with stone churches, round tower, priest’s house and cemetery. There’s plenty to see and do in the park, including a guided tour through the monastery. Tickets for this can be obtained either at the visitor center or online. Monastic ruins can be explored at any time of day, although it may get very busy during high season. To ensure a hassle-free visit, start early so you won’t have to wait in line.

You can book a Glendalough hotel to stay overnight while visiting the region. Most of these establishments are situated in the valley and offer rooms with picturesque countryside and mountain views. Some even feature restaurants and bars for added comfort.

Waterford

Ireland is one of the smallest countries in the world, making it easy to see many of its highlights within a short amount of time. But that begs the question: “how many days do I need?” One week is an ideal amount of time to explore Ireland and Northern Ireland. It allows for ample sightseeing in major cities, as well as having some free days for some off-the-beaten track exploration.

A one-week trip is ideal if you’re looking to do a lot of walking and hiking, or want to sample all that Ireland has to offer. It’s also suitable for those who don’t want to commit to an extensive tour across the entire country but still want to see some major landmarks. If you’re a history enthusiast, Waterford offers plenty of wonderful museums to discover.

Waterford is an idyllic city, boasting plenty to see and do. It’s home to world-renowned glass factory House of Waterford Crystal as well as one of America’s most scenic walks – Waterford Greenway. What’s more? There’s no shortage of restaurants and cafes during your stay!

Kilkenny

Many people’s dream is to visit Ireland. They picture lush green hills, stunning seaside cliffs, and an exciting pub culture where they can sample some of Ireland’s finest ales. If you’re planning a week-long trip to Ireland, Kilkenny is an ideal destination. This small city boasts ancient landmarks and medieval attractions alike, so there are plenty of things to see and do.

When it comes to sightseeing in Kilkenny, taking a guided tour is the best way to get an authentic taste of the city. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will show you all that Kilkenny has to offer. Kilkenny is not only known for its historic landmarks, but it’s also renowned for its beautiful gardens and vibrant events and festivals. This makes Kilkenny an ideal vacation spot – especially if you have kids along or want to do more active things besides just exploring historic landmarks and castles.

Another must-see attraction in Kilkenny is Tudor Rothe House, an historic building constructed around two courtyards that dates back to 1594 and provides insight into Kilkenny’s medieval past.

Add an unforgettable adventure to your stay by taking the family on a day trip to Dunmore Cave, an ancient limestone cave known for its natural splendor and prehistoric past. Don’t miss the Market Cross stalagmite – one of the country’s most iconic limestone formations that is sure to enchant you!

Final activities to enjoy while in Kilkenny include a visit to Castlecomer Discovery Park. Situated over 30 hectares of woodland, this family-friendly attraction boasts ziplines, climbing walls, archery centers, playgrounds and more!

Cork

Cork is an ideal destination for a weeklong trip to Ireland, offering visitors plenty of activities such as visiting historical landmarks, exploring its fantastic food scene and taking part in outdoor activities. Cork truly has it all! Cork boasts a vibrant cultural heritage, boasting numerous museums and art galleries to keep you busy. Plus, there are plenty of concerts and shows held throughout the city.

While in the area, don’t miss St Anne’s Church. Constructed in 1722, it is renowned for its tower with four faces that tell different times – also referred to as ‘four-faced liar’ clock.

Don’t forget to visit the English Market, a must-stop for any foodie in Cork. There you’ll find everything from fresh produce like fruit and vegetables, through meats, cheeses and desserts at these stalls. Since 1788, The English Market has been home to an eclectic mix of local and international vendors. It is the perfect destination for shoppers looking for fresh ingredients, as well as a must-visit for travelers eager to sample different cuisines.

Each year in Cork, there is an excellent food festival called Live at the Marquee that takes place over multiple days. Enjoy live music and performances as Cork kicks off its summer season! Make sure to visit Cork City Gaol while in Cork. It is an excellent opportunity to gain insight into Cork’s past and experience life for those imprisoned there.