How to Spend 5 Days in Ireland

With its stunning natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere, Ireland is an incredible place to visit, whether for a short trip or an extended stay.

Thanks to its compact size and well-maintained roads, you can see a lot of Ireland, even with just five days to explore.

How to Get Around Ireland

The best way to make the most of your time is to rent a car outside of Dublin. While trains and buses are available, they can be unreliable and limit your exploration opportunities.

Although a car is not needed in Dublin itself, it offers the flexibility needed to fully experience the Irish countryside.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about 5 Days in Ireland

Source: Jonathan Steinhoff

Your Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary in Ireland

If you have five days to spend in Ireland, here’s how you can explore the South West and discover the history and scenery of Wexford, Cork, Kerry, and Galway before ending your trip with a day in Dublin.

Day 1: Dublin to Cork

Start your journey by flying into Dublin and renting a car. Head south to Waterford and enjoy lunch in one of Ireland’s oldest settlements, rich with Viking history.

Try a traditional blaa—a soft bun filled with bacon—at Walsh's Bakehouse. Explore the Viking Triangle, known for its ancient monuments and museums, then visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a closer look at the famous glassworks.

Continue your journey to Blarney Castle, located outside Cork City. Kiss the Blarney Stone for the legendary “gift of speech,” then head into Cork for the night.

The Clayton Hotel Cork City offers a comfortable stay with a heated indoor pool.

Day 2: Killarney and the Ring of Kerry

Begin your day at Cork’s English Market before making your way to Killarney, known for its charming shops and scenic surroundings.

Visit Killarney National Park to see Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey.

Day 3: Dingle and Slea Head Drive

Leave Killarney behind and head towards the Dingle Peninsula. Make a stop at Inch Beach for a swim, then visit the secluded Minard Castle.

Explore the charming town of Dingle, known for its vibrant dining scene and coastal views.

Drive the scenic Slea Head Drive, part of the Wild Atlantic Way, to see Ireland’s westernmost corners.

Stop at Famine Cottages to learn about Irish history, then continue to Dunquin Harbor and the Gallarus Oratory.

Spend the night in Dingle at Browne's B&B, known for its friendly atmosphere and views of the bay.

Day 4: Cliffs of Moher and Galway

Head north along the Wild Atlantic Way towards the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most dramatic natural attractions.

Walk along the windswept cliffs and visit O'Brien Tower for panoramic views.

Continue to Galway, known for its eclectic atmosphere, pedestrian-friendly streets, and vibrant arts scene.

Spend the evening enjoying traditional folk music at one of Galway’s pubs, and rest at the Park House Hotel, conveniently located near the city center.

Day 5: Explore Dublin

Drop off your rental car and explore Dublin on foot. Visit Dublin Castle to learn about its rich history, then head to the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of the iconic brew at the rooftop bar.

Stroll along O'Connell Street, admire the Spire of Dublin, and visit St. Stephen’s Green for a relaxing walk through Georgian neighborhoods.

For shopping, stop by Grafton Street. End your day with a night out at Temple Bar, famous for its live music and vibrant atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

This five-day itinerary allows you to experience the best of Ireland—from scenic drives and charming towns to historic landmarks and lively pubs.

Join us and sing at one of our favorite local pubs to truly soak up the Irish spirit!

Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your Travel Board on Pinterest! 😊

Once again, thank you for visiting our website!

We hope you've enjoyed exploring the content we've created for you.

Give yourself the chance to learn, get inspired, and have even more fun, keep browsing...