Seven Days Exploring Classic and Ancient Ireland

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Advisor - Jennifer Isom
Curated By

Jennifer Isom

  • Ireland

  • Arts & Culture

  • Boutique Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Architecture

  • History

  • Old-fashioned

Ireland is a land of emerald beauty and folklore.
Curator’s statement

Growing up I always remember asking my grandmother, an avid genealogist, where we were from. Years later I got a DNA test and grandma had been right on the money. Ireland will always be a special place for me and felt like "coming home." The Irish people are a friendly and welcoming lot and you’ll create special memories there wherever you choose to go.

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Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Ireland stands as a majestic testament to history and faith.

Spend two days here soaking up some classic Dublin vibes by visiting beautiful Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and have a picnic lunch in St. Stephen’s Green if you’re in the mood to people watch. Visit Guinness Storehouse and have dinner at Temple Bar.

Day 2: Dublin

Brazen Head in Ireland is the oldest pub in Dublin.

Visit Grafton St and Jameson Distillery on Bow Street. Christ Church Cathedral was an amazing stop and was originally a Viking church that’s over 1,000 years old. There are also many great walking tours to learn about the city’s amazing Viking history, ghost tours or anything else you may be interested in. Have dinner at the Brazen Head or any of the other many local pubs.

Day 3: Visit Newgrange and Brú na Boínne tombs

Newgrange in Ireland is an ancient marvel, a prehistoric passage tomb.

Visit Newgrange (c 3,200 B.C.) and Brú na Boínne Tombs in the Boyne Valley. Newgrange predates the main pyramids in Giza by 400 years. It also comes before the the main trilithon phase of Stonehenge by approximately 500-700 years. This was one of my favorite places to visit in Ireland. The views were just breathtaking.

Day 4: Galway and Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland are nature's towering masterpiece, offering awe-inspiring coastal vistas that blend dramatic cliffs with the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Galway and the Cliffs of Moher

Galway is exactly what a classic Irish city should feel like and the Cliffs of Moher are incredible. While I’m not generally a fan of heights, the view was so incredible I was glad I braved the climb.

Day 5: Killarney

Ladies View in Killarney National Park is a breathtaking panorama that captures the essence of Ireland's natural beauty, with serene lakes, lush forests, and majestic mountains.

Visit the Ladies View along the Ring of Kerry. This is just about 20 miles from Killarney and there’s also a small cafe there to grab a snack. The Ring of Kerry lasts about seven hours to see the whole thing, but it’s a really nice day trip.

Day 6: Killarney

Muckross House is a splendid Victorian mansion nestled in the heart of Killarney National Park.

Today, tour the Gap of Dunloe, which is a gorgeous scenic mountain pass. You can tour it in about five hours. Or you can visit Muckross House and Gardens, which happens to be one of the most popular destinations in County Kerry. It’s located within Killarney National Park and was built between 1839 and 1843. There’s a self-guided bicycle tour that’ll allow you to tour the house and abbey as well.

Day 7: Dingle Peninsula

Dingle Peninsula is a rugged coastal gem on Ireland's western edge, where ancient heritage, charming villages, and awe-inspiring landscapes converge in a captivating tapestry.

Dingle Peninsula

Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Let’s face it, Ireland has a lot of gorgeous scenery but Dingle’s beaches are just swoon-worthy. One of the other great things about them is that they aren’t overrun with people so you can take some time to walk and enjoy the sights. Inch Beach was my favorite, but make sure to also check out Fermoyle Beach and go to Murphy’s for really great ice cream and unique flavors.

Advisor - Jennifer Isom

Travel Advisor

Jennifer Isom

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Looking for more Ireland travel inspo? Check out Fora Travel Advisor, Megan Kruesi's guide, Off the Beaten Path Ireland – The Skellig Islands.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Ireland.