7 day Ireland itinerary - Dublin, Wicklow, Galway & Mayo

Itinerary 2: Dublin, Wicklow, Galway & Mayo

From Capital to Coast: A Cultural and Scenic Escape Through Ireland's East and West

Fancy exploring Ireland your way? With CARHIRE.ie, you're in the driving seat of fun, flexibility, and fantastic value! Whether it's soaking up history, chasing coastal views, or tucking into local fare - this 7-day adventure from Dublin to Mayo ticks every box.

Let's go from city buzz to mountain air, at your own pace - no timetables, no stress, just pure Irish magic.

Day 1: Dive into Dublin

Arrive at Dublin Airport and head straight into the heart of Ireland's capital.

Attractions

• See the iconic Book of Kells at Trinity College

• Explore the rich history of Dublin Castle

• Round off the day with a view at the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar

• See more options for things to do in Dublin

Budget-Friendly Dining Option:

• Dinner in Smithfields and enjoy live music in Cobblestone

Day 2: Wicklow - The Garden of Ireland

Wander through elegant gardens, ancient monastic sites, and misty mountains in Ireland's most picturesque county.

Attractions

• Drive an hour south into the Garden of Ireland - aka Wicklow.

• Wander through the majestic Powerscourt Estate, lunch at the charming Avoca café, then explore the ancient monastic site of Glendalough in its breathtaking glacial valley.

• Fancy a hike? The Wicklow Mountains National Park delivers views for days.

Car Hire Highlight

• A car allows you to explore Wicklow at your pace and take the scenic views.

Dining Option:

• Stay local and unwind with a delicious dinner and cosy night in.

Day 3: Wicklow to Galway - Journey West

Travel across the country, stopping in Athlone, before arriving in the buzzing bohemian city of Galway.

Attractions

• Start your morning with the sea breeze at Wicklow Head Lighthouse, then hit the road west towards Galway.

• Break up the journey with a stop in Athlone for lunch and a riverside stroll.

• Arrive in Galway just in time to catch the buzz of the Latin Quarter - colourful streets.

• See more options for things to do in Dublin

Budget-Friendly Dining Option:

• Dinner at Dough Bros, famous for its Irish-style pizzas

Car Hire Highlight

• A car allows you to get across the country.

Day 4: Connemara Calling

Explore Connemara's rugged beauty and Killary Fjord's dramatic views, then return to Galway for a night of music and seafood.

Attractions

• Time for a day trip into Connemara, a rugged wonderland of bogs, lakes, and mountains.

• Cruise along the Killary Fjord, Ireland's only fjord, or get adventurous with a kayak or boat tour.

• Pack a picnic and enjoy the fresh air.

Budget-Friendly Dining Option:

• Enjoy an evening back in Galway with fresh oysters and trad tunes in a local pub

Car Hire Highlight

• A car allows you to explore Connemara National Park and nearby attractions effortlessly.

Day 5: Galway to Mayo - Adventure and History

Delve into aristocratic estates and Atlantic adventures as you move from charming Westport to the wild beauty of Achill Island.

Attractions

• Leave Galway behind and make your way to Westport, one of Ireland's most charming towns.

• Explore elegant Westport House.

• Then continue on to Achill Island for a walk along Keem Bay - pure postcard perfection.

• When night falls, gaze at the stars in Ballycroy National Park, part of Ireland's official Dark Sky Reserve.

Evening

• When night falls, gaze at the stars in Ballycroy National Park, part of Ireland's official Dark Sky Reserve.

Car Hire Highlight

• Experience the charm of route at your own pace, thanks to the convenience of a rental car.

Day 6: Mayo Exploration - Nature and History

Climb sacred mountains, picnic in the wild, and discover rural Irish life at the National Museum of Country Life.

Attractions

• Climb Croagh Patrick for epic views or take a peaceful wander around its base.

• Stop for a picnic, then visit the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life in Castlebar.

• Return to Westport for a fun pub quiz and another memorable meal in this lively little town.

Day 7: Return to Dublin - Final Explorations

Wrap up your journey with a visit to ancient Clonmacnoise and one last taste of Irish heritage before flying home.

Attractions

• Head back east towards Dublin (about 3-4 hours), with a fascinating stop at Clonmacnoise, an ancient monastic site by the River Shannon.

• Once in the capital, pop into EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, and if you're a family historian, don't miss the free genealogy service at the National Library of Ireland.

• Make your way back to Dublin Airport

🚗 Your trip, your terms - that's the CARHIRE.ie way!

With over 23 locations across Ireland, free changes, and cars to suit every kind of traveller, CARHIRE.ie gives you the freedom to explore without the faff. Your adventure starts here!.

Grab the keys from CARHIRE.ie and start your Irish adventure today.

👉 [Explore Cork, Kerry, Limerick & Clare Itinerary 1]

👉 [Discover Dublin, Wicklow, Galway, and Mayo Itinerary 2]