How Many Days to Spend in Ireland? The Best Itinerary

How Many Days to Spend in Ireland? The Best Itinerary

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Ireland is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve been to, and I hope you love the country as much as me. But how many days should you spend in Ireland when you visit?

In this article, I’ll help you find your ideal itinerary length and decide how many cities you should visit depending on the length of your stay. Whether you want a longer or shorter trip to Ireland, you’ll find a great itinerary for you.

Keep reading to decide how many days you should spend in Ireland and where you should go during your trip.

Published: February 4, 2024

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Deciding How Many Days to Spend in Ireland

When planning your trip to Ireland, there are a few important things to consider when deciding how long your trip should be.

Here are some tips to help you decide how many days to spend in this beautiful country:

  • Consider Your Interests: Take some time to think about what truly interests you. Are you drawn to bustling cities like Dublin and Galway, or do you prefer to explore the serene beauty of the Irish countryside?
  •  Prioritize Must-See Attractions: List the must-see attractions and experiences you don’t want to miss. Whether it’s kissing the Blarney Stone, exploring the Ring of Kerry, or visiting ancient castles, prioritizing your top attractions will give you a clearer idea of how many days you’ll need to cover them all.
  •  Factor in Travel Time: Remember that the more places you want to visit, the more time you will need. Be sure to account for travel time between destinations when planning your itinerary. This will help you avoid feeling rushed and allow for a more relaxed and enjoyable trip.
  •  Account for Relaxation and Flexibility: Don’t forget to leave room in your itinerary for relaxation and flexibility. Allow yourself time to enjoy leisurely meals, explore charming villages, and simply soak in the beauty of your surroundings. Building in downtime will help prevent burnout and help you have a better travel experience.
  •  Consider Budget Constraints: Keep your budget in mind when deciding how many days to spend in Ireland. Longer stays may incur higher accommodation and transportation costs, and oftentimes, the more places you visit, the more expensive it is. Remember that it’s possible to have a memorable trip to Ireland without breaking the bank.
  •  Seek Local Advice: Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek advice from locals or travelers who have visited Ireland before (like me!). They can offer valuable insights into hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and the optimal duration for a fulfilling Irish experience.

By considering your interests, prioritizing attractions, accounting for travel time, allowing for relaxation and flexibility, considering budget constraints, and seeking local advice, you can decide how many days to spend in Ireland for the perfect adventure.

How Many Cities to Visit in Ireland

How many cities can you fit into your trip to Ireland? While it may be tempting to pack as many as possible into a short period, I recommend diving deep into a few cities. The more time you have to spend in Ireland, the more places you can visit.

Here are the number of cities I recommend you

  • 1 to 3 days – 1 city (can add a day trip)
  •  4 to 8 days – 2 cities (half and half)
  •  Eight days or more – 3+ cities

I’d recommend spending at least three to four days in each city, especially the larger ones like Dublin. You can visit smaller towns for two or three days each.

Remember, travel between cities takes up part of your day, so factor in transit time.

Itinerary Options for Shorter Trips (5 days or less)

If you have five days or less to spend in Ireland, you’ll want to focus on diving into one or two places. Focusing on a couple of places rather than trying to see everything in a rushed manner will give you a less tiring, more authentic experience.

For a 3-day visit, consider basing yourself in Dublin, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and bustling pub scene. Can’t-miss attractions such as Trinity College, the Book of Kells, and the Guinness Storehouse can be seen within a day. Dedicate another day for taking a walking tour around town and enjoying a pub. You can take a day trip out of the city on the third day or do anything else in the city that interests you, like a ghost tour or food tour.

If you can extend your stay to 4 or 5 days, you can visit another city like Cork, Galway, or Belfast. For example, take a train from Dublin to Cork to sample the culinary delights of the English Market and kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. Alternatively, set off to Galway for a taste of traditional Irish music and a trip to the stunning Cliffs of Moher.

No matter the length of your short stay, be sure to blend popular tourist spots with some local, off-the-beaten-path experiences. This will give you a more rounded and memorable Irish experience.

And remember, while you can’t see everything in 3-5 days, you can certainly get a good feel for Ireland and fall in love with this country.

Itinerary Options for Longer Trips (5+ days)

If you can spend over five days in Ireland, you can dive deeper into two or more places.

Here is a suggested itinerary for your first time in Ireland if you have one week here:

  • Begin your first three days in Dublin’s capital to soak in the rich literary history and lively pubs.
  •  Spend days four and five in Cork to explore its renowned food market and nearby Blarney Castle. Check out my Ultimate Cork Travel Guide.
  •  On day six, take a day trip from Cork to Killarney National Park. Read my Killarney Travel Guide for more to do in this quaint town.
  •  Finish your week with one day at the Cliffs of Moher and an afternoon in Burren or Galway.

If you have more than a week, consider delving into Northern Ireland with visits to Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway.

Or, you can add a day or two in each place, allowing you to slow down.

If you like outdoor adventures, you can go hiking, cycling, or kayaking.

With a longer trip to Ireland, you can see more and dive deeper into the Irish culture.

Enjoy Spending Time in Ireland

Ultimately, the ideal number of days to spend in Ireland depends on the amount of time you have, how many places you want to visit, and your budget.

There is no single answer for how many days to spend in Ireland, but remember that visiting the most places you can in a short amount of time does not always make for the best experience.

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How Many Days to Spend in Ireland FAQs

What is the minimum number of days recommended to visit Ireland?

The minimum number of days recommended for a visit to Ireland is generally around 3 to 5 days. This allows for a taste of what the country has to offer, focusing on highlights like Dublin and one or two other key destinations. A brief visit still allows you to experience the culture and see some major sites.

Can I explore all of Ireland in a week?

Exploring all of Ireland in a week is an ambitious goal, and while not impossible, it would require careful planning and prioritization. A week allows you to visit several regions and key attractions. Still, it’s important to remain flexible and focus on a few areas to avoid feeling rushed and to truly embrace each experience.

What are some must-visit cities in Ireland for a short trip?

For a short trip to Ireland, the must-visit cities often include Dublin for its rich history and vibrant culture, Galway for its charming streets and live music scene, and Cork for its culinary delights and proximity to the scenic Blarney Castle. Each city offers unique attractions that contribute to Ireland’s allure.

Is it better to focus on one region or travel around when visiting Ireland?

Deciding whether to focus on one region or travel around Ireland depends on personal preferences and the length of your stay. Focusing on one region allows for an in-depth exploration of local culture and landscape while traveling around offers a broader overview of what Ireland has to offer. Both approaches have their merits, and your decision should align with what you hope to get from your trip.

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