Complete 6-Day Ireland Itinerary

Travel
Written By Ashley Love
Complete 6-day Ireland itinerary featuring Dublin, Galway, Kinvara, Doolin, Kinsale, Midleton, Carlow, and Glendalough | Ireland travel guide for cultural tours and scenic landscapes.

Coastal Roads, Ancient Paths & Soulful Stops

After years of dreaming about visiting Ireland, I finally did it, and let me tell you, this trip was every bit as wild, warm, and soul-stirring as I’d hoped. Over five packed days, I traveled from Dublin to the far reaches of the west, winding my way through historic cities, seaside towns, ancient cliffs, misty valleys, and back again. Below is my full itinerary with tips, highlights, and stories from each day. Make sure to check out each day’s full recap as well.

Day 1: Dublin ➝ Galway ➝ Kinvara

  • Arrived in Dublin, picked up rental car (Sinead!) and headed west

  • Explored Galway: Latin Quarter, Spanish Arch, Claddagh Museum

  • Grabbed a slice at Dough Bros (don’t skip it)

  • Walked the windy Salthill Promenade for an energy reset

  • Drove the narrow, sheep-filled roads to Kinvara

  • Sunset seafood feast at Linnane’s Lobster Bar in County Clare

  • Jet lag + chowder = best night’s sleep of the trip

Tips:

  • Ease into driving—Ireland’s roads are charming but chaotic

  • Don’t overpack your first day; leave space to wander and nap

  • Book Linnane’s in advance if you're a seafood lover

Day 2: Kinvara ➝ Cliffs of Moher ➝ Doolin

  • Power breakfast at Sian Café in Kinvara (10/10 recommend)

  • Booked a last-minute guided Cliffs of Moher hike with Ollie’s Tours

  • Hiked from the top down—wind at our backs, stories in our ears

  • Met Pat Sweeney, legendary trail builder and local hero

  • Post-hike Irish stew and Guinness at O’Connor’s Pub

  • Took a Wild Atlantic Seaweed Bath right on the Doolin pier

  • Wandered Doolin’s ancient limestone coast (part of The Burren)

  • Dinner + live music back at Gus O’Connor’s Pub

Tips:

  • Even if you love solo travel, consider a guide for key experiences

  • Seaweed bath sounds weird but is chef’s kiss after a long hike

  • Gus O’Connor’s is a pub with history—stay for the music

Day 3: Doolin ➝ Kinsale ➝ Cork

  • Morning drive with a quick stop at Poulnabrone Dolmen (Neolithic magic)

  • Rolled into Kinsale, a rainbow-colored seaside gem

  • Chatted with leather artisans Mike & Sarah in their shop

  • Walked the scenic Scilly Walk to Charles Fort

  • Stopped at The Bullman for cider and views

  • Had the best fish & chips of the trip from Shirley’s food truck

  • Baby Guinness and pub chat with Terrence at The Spaniard

  • Drove to Cork and checked into the luxe Kingsley Hotel

Tips:

  • Kinsale is a dream. Give yourself time to wander

  • The Scilly Walk is easy, beautiful, and ends at history

  • Eat fish & chips seaside—it just hits different

Day 4: Cork

  • Spent the day in Cork, Ireland’s self-declared “real capital”.

  • Stayed at The Kingsley Hotel with peaceful riverside views, a rich local history, and a luxurious spa.

  • Immersed myself in a local event called “Your Best Self”.

Tips:

  • Traveling alone can open you up to unexpected friendships. 

  • Balance sightseeing with self-reflection. A pause like this (between nature and adventure) grounds the whole trip in meaning.

Day 5: Cork ➝ Midleton ➝ Kilkenny ➝ Carlow

  • Skipped the breakfast black pudding, opted for muesli and prunes

  • Drove to Midleton Distillery—home of Midleton Very Rare whiskey

  • Explored Kilkenny Castle and strolled up Butter Slip

  • Escaped the crowds with cottage pie and Guinness at Lanigan’s

  • Visited Duckett’s Grove—a fairytale Gothic ruin with gardens

  • Met Paul, a local photographer using antique cameras onsite

  • Checked into a converted milking barn in rural Carlow (think Tuscan vibes, timber ceilings, olive trees, pure peace)

  • Tapas + wine at Mimosa in Carlow town

Tips:

  • Midleton is a must if you’re into whiskey

  • Duckett’s Grove is an under-the-radar highlight

  • Splurge on a unique stay. This one felt like Italy in Ireland

Day 6: Carlow ➝ Glendalough ➝ Sally Gap ➝ Dublin

  • Sunrise walk with Leo the sheepdog, kittens, cows, and pheasants

  • Drove to Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic site in the Wicklow Mountains

    • Visited round towers, walked the lakes, found a quiet waterfall

  • Escaped the crowds with a scenic drive through Sally Gap

  • Visited Lough Tay (Guinness Lake)—black water + creamy white shore

  • Stopped at Avoca for final Irish shopping

  • Checked into The Hendrick in Dublin

  • Cocktails at Bar 1661, dinner at Krewe

  • 4am farewell to Sinead the rental car + final flight home

Tips:

  • Glendalough is spiritual and stunning. Go early or off-peak

  • Sally Gap and Lough Tay = Ireland’s best drive

  • Make your final night special—Dublin deserves it

Ashley Love
Previous

Building a Bulletproof Immunity
Next

Ireland: Day 6