1 Month Ireland itinerary – Discover Two Countries on One Island

by | Last updated Feb 5, 2025 | Ireland Live Work and Play, Live Work Play Travel

Fáilte Ireland. Welcome to Ireland or the Emerald Isle, home of Saint Patrick’s Day, castles, Irish pubs, leprechauns, Titanic, pots of gold at the end of rainbows and good craic! And welcome to this 1 month Ireland itinerary that takes in two countries on the one island. Yep that’s right, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are two countries on the one island.

Ireland is an island resting in the Atlantic Ocean, separated from Britain by the Irish Sea. Its size is roughly 500 x 300 km with its north still ruled by the United Kingdom and the south, a member of the European Union. This size makes it easy to get around. In fact, you could drive from one side of the country to the other within a few hours, but not on this itinerary. We are taking our time to explore Ireland and what makes it so unique.

In this post I’m taking you on a 4 week Ireland holiday exploring all the corners of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Starting and ending in Dublin (though you could start and end in Belfast). We will circle and traverse the island taking in some of the best things to see and do in Ireland. 

This highlights of Ireland in 1 month itinerary is best done as a 1 month Ireland road trip. Having a car on this itinerary provides flexibility so you can deviate at anytime if you see something you want to see that isn’t on the itinerary. You can easily rent a car for this one month itinerary of Ireland. I usually start my search for a car and their cost and availability through DiscoverCars. But you can still do this itinerary by bus or train – it will just take a little more organising as you will be governed by timetables.

This post is divided into two sections. The first section is my one month itinerary of Ireland advising on the places to see and things to do in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Though, we cannot visit every town on this Ireland itinerary, but as you are driving, feel free to deviate if a town, castle or historic site catches your attention. While the second section in this Ireland travel guide for a month is all about preparing and planning your month long Ireland holiday. From the best time to visit to choosing accommodation and what to pack for your Ireland holiday.

Well then, are you ready to discover Ireland, both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on this 1 month Irish odyssey? And wouldn’t it be wonderful if we found a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow!

Let the craic begin!

 

1 Month Ireland Itinerary at a Glance

 

You may have it in your mind already the things you want to see and do in Ireland. In this itinerary I include all the best places to visit in Ireland which probably includes all the things you are thinking of seeing. I have worked the itinerary out for 28 days in Ireland giving you the a day or so at either end for travel to and from Ireland. This 4 week Irish itinerary starts and ends in Dublin, but you could start and end in other Irish cities such as Belfast. 

Days

1-4 – Dublin
5-6 – to Waterford via Wicklow and Rock of Cashel
7-9 Cork
10-11 – Killarney
12 – Ring of Kerry
13 – day trip Skellig Islands
14 – Dingle Peninsula
15-16 Limerick
17-18 Galway via Cliffs of Moher
19 – day trip to Aran Islands from Galway
20-21 – Sligo via Kylmore Abbey
22-23 – Londonderry (Derry)
24-27 – Belfast via Giant’s Causeway and Carricke-a-Rede
28 – drive to Dundalk or Dublin

 

Ireland 1 Month Itinerary

 

Are you ready to enjoy the best of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Let’s get into it.

 

Days 1-4 – Dublin

 

Book 4 nights accommodation in Dublin. Check out Dublin accommodation options here.

 

The Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland.
Ha'penny Bridge Over River Liffey In Dublin, Ireland.

Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Depending on your time of arrival, check into your accommodation then put your walking shoes on and get out and start discovering Dublin. Dublin is the largest city and also the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. Dublin has a ton of history and plenty of attractions to discover. 

When I arrive in a new city I always like to go on a Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing bus tour of the city. Yeah, I know it is touristy, but these buses have a lot to offer. They take you to all the best places to see in Dublin, provide a commentary about them and allow you to hop off the bus to explore places of interest more fully, then allow you to hop back on the bus to your next stop. I usually do the full loop first to get my bearings.

>>>Book your ticket on Dublin’s Hop on Hop off bus here.

After going on the Dublin Hop on Hop off bus you will have a good idea of the best things to do and see in Dublin and places you want to explore more. These can include:

  • Trinity College was built by Queen Elizabeth in 1592, with the aim of connecting the Irish back with culture. The place is still used today as a centre for higher education. The Book of Celts is a book of the New Testament, painted by Celtic monks in about 800 and is housed in the library at the college. 

>>>You can book a tour for the Trinity College Campus here.

  • The National Museum of Ireland covers 3 museums: Decorative Arts and History, Natural History and Archeology. They are all in walking distance from one another so if you love museums, get ready to visit them. They are open daily with free admission.
  • You can’t visit Dublin and not visit Dublin Castle. This castle was the centre of power in Ireland between the 13th – 20th centuries. The castle was attacked during the “Easter Uprising” of 1916.
  • Another must visit while in Dublin is the Guinness Storehouse. See how the most famous Irish beer is produced and maybe have a taste or two! It is open daily and costs from 22€ when booking online.

>>>Book your ticket to Guinness Storehouse here.

  • Visit Jameson Distillery to discover how Irish whiskey is made.
  • Go for a meal and a drink in Temple Bar.
  • St Patrick’s Cathedral was the centre of the “Church of Ireland”. The present structure was erected in 1191. Beneath the church floor the pastor and author Jonathan Swift are buried.
  • If you are in need of some open space to enjoy in the centre of Dublin visa Phoenix Park. Often referred to as the green lung of the city, it is the largest urban park in Europe.

 

READ MORE: How to Spend 3 Days in Dublin

 

Days 5-6 – Waterford via Wicklow

 

Distance Dublin to Waterford – 171 km (106 miles) via M9 taking around 2 hours
Book 2 nights accommodation in Waterford. Find Waterford Accommodation deals here. 

Today, rent a car and start driving down the south-east coast of Ireland. Stopping wherever you like on your way to Waterford, though the route I’m following is via Wicklow. Because you could visit Glandalough, a glacial valley in County Wicklow that is renowned for an early medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century. But take your time driving in the countryside, after all, you do have 1 month in Ireland so can take your time.

There are some great things to see and do in Waterford. The House of Waterford Crystal will be first on your places to visit in Waterford. Go on a guided factory tour to see high-end crystal being made. Start your tour in the mould room where you will witness the ancient art of mould making. Moulds help the blowers flawlessly shape the molten crystal. Then on to the blowing department where they say ‘the magic of crystal being’. Watch Master Blowers transform balls of crystal into majestic shapes before they are placed in a 1400-degree furnace. Then it is on to the hand marking, cutting, sculpting and engraving departments. Then check out the beautiful crystal in the retail store. 

>>>Book your tour of House of Waterford Crystal here.

 

Days 7-9 – to Cork via Tipperary

 

Distance Waterford to Cork via Tipperary:
Book 3 nights in Cork. Find Cork accommodation deals here.

 

Blarney Castle Is Where You Kiss The Blarney Stone To Give You The Gift of The Gab.

kiss the Blarney Stone or on way to Cork as a day trip

 

On day 7 of this one month Ireland itinerary we head to Cork via the Rock of Cashel and Tipeperary. You could hug the coastline if you wanted, but the Rock of Cashel is quite amazing to see. 

The Rock of Cashel is a cluster of medieval buildings set on a dramatic limestone outcrop and is an iconic and historic castle. It was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for several hundred years prior to the Norman invasion. King Munster, donated it to the church in 1101. Then it is on to Tipperary for lunch. Tipperary has a few historic sites to visit but I wanted to visit for the song ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’ just to say I had been there.

Then on to Cork. If you have time this afternoon and are itching to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, it is only a 15 minute drive along Blarney Road from Cork, so you could do this on your way there or on leaving Cork on your way to Kilkenny, the next stop on this 1 month road trip itinerary of Ireland.

Start your day with a 1 hour and 20 minute drive towards Cork and Blarney Castle. Blarney Castle is a ruined castle housing the famed Blarney Stone, a kiss of which is said to grant the gift of the gab. It is open daily from 9am – 4:30pm and has an entrance fee of 8€. 

>>>Get your entrance ticket to Blarney Castle here.

After kissing the Blarney Stone head to Cork.

Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. It is a lively university town and is a busy port. Spend two days here soaking up the vibe while visiting some of the best sights. Some of the best things to do include visiting museums, discover how whiskey is made and visiting the local markets. 

If you love museums, check out The Cork Public Museum in Cork, where you will discover exhibits on the history of Cork, including archaeological, economic and political history. Also check out Cork City Gaol. Here you will find this museum located inside a castle and will discover the lifestyle the prisoners let. There are dozens of wax dolls scattered throughout reflecting this. Not all museumed out yet! Check out the interesting Butter Museum, tabling the history of butter making in Cork.

One of the best places to visit in Cork during your 4 weeks in Ireland is to head to the Jameson Distillery. This whiskey distillery dates from the 18th century so take a tour around the distillery to discover how whiskey is made followed by some whiskey tasting. Even if you are travelling Ireland with kids, it will be interesting for them to learn how whiskey is made while leaving the tasting to mum and dad!

Another stop in Cork is at 18th century The English Market. Here you will find many traders selling organic and locally produced food. It is open Monday to Saturday and closed on a Sunday – so if you have accommodation in Cork with cooking facilities I dare say you will be cooking your own dinner tonight!

If you didn’t kiss the Blarney Stone on your way to Cork, do it during your 2 full days in Cork.

 

Day 10-13 Killarney for Ring of Kerry

 

Distance Cork to Killarney 88km about 1 hour or so via N22
Book 4 nights accommodation in Killarney. Check out Killarney accommodation options here.

 

Drive the Ring of Kerry on  a 1 month Ireland itinerary.

See fabulous coastline driving The Ring of Kerry

 

There are a number of ways to reach Killarney including hugging the coastline for some exquisite coastal views, well it is the beginning or ending of the Wild Atlantic Way.  The Wild Atlantic Way is a route running along the west coast of Ireland from Cork to Derry. And a lot of this Ireland one month itinerary is along this route.

Another option for reaching Killarney is heading along the N22. Killarney is the most popular starting point of the Ring of Kerry so on this 4 week Ireland itinerary, we are using Killarney as our base to explore the area. There are plenty of hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, shops and pubs here to enjoy. But, you don’t have to, you can stay in one of the small towns along the Ring of Kerry route.

After arriving in Killarney, spend some time discovering this gem in Ireland. Roam through cute streets popping into tiny boutique stores. If you are seeking some classic Irish souvenirs pop in to the Aran Sweater Market where you can get a sweater made out of Ireland’s famous wool. Or another product like a beanie or scarf. Or wait till you go on a day trip to the Aran Islands around day 18 of this 1 month Ireland itinerary.

For day 11, and your second day based in Killarney, jump in the car as most who come to Killarney, use it as a base to discover one of Ireland’s best road trips – The Ring of Kerry. And today, this is what is planned on this itinerary.

The Ring of Kerry drive is a circular route of 179km (111 miles). If you hopped in your car and drove it non-stop it would take you 3 and a half hours. But why would you when there are some wonderful coastal places to stop and enjoy. As you drive around the Iveragh Peninsula you will see some spectacular places – Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and the Gap of Dunloe are outstanding. But with every turn brings a new treat along this route including rolling green hills, lakes, rivers, waters, grand houses, castles and spectacular cliff faces. Definitely worth a full day or two to drive.

Day 12 and your third day based in Killarney, definitely visit the Gap of Dunlop. I chose to visit in a horse drawn carriage, but you can walk or drive through this stunning passage between two mountains carved from glacial ice. Near Killarney is the Killarney National Park where you can visit Ross Castle and stop by Muckross House and Torc Waterfall.

Day 13 and your fourth day based in Killarney take a day trip to the Skellig Islands. You may recognise them from the Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens at the end when, and without spoiling it for you, when Luke Skywalker is located. Tours are usually only run in the summer months when the weather is better and the Atlantic Ocean kinder. If lucky enough to reach the islands, you will see the UNESCO World Heritage beehive huts made by Christian monks. The smaller of the two islands is home to the world’s largest Northern Gannet colony as well as puffins and other seabirds. You may even see some seal, dolphins and whales. Fingers crossed!

>>>Book your tour to Skellig Islands here.

 

Days 14 – Dingle Peninsula

 

Distance Killarney to Dingle – 64km (39 miles) or just over an hour driving.
Book 1 night accommodation in Dingle. See Dingle accommodation options here.

 

Today leave Killarney and surrounds behind and head to The Dingle Peninsula, on Ireland’s southwest Atlantic coast. This peninsula is ringed by sandy beaches and craggy cliffs. You may want to visit Dunmore Head, mainland Ireland’s mostly easterly point offering views over the Atlantic Ocean. Spend some time in the town of Dingle roaming around with an ice cream from Murphy’s Ice Cream – an institution in Dingle. And visit the statue of long-time harbour resident Fungie, the Dingle Dolphin by the waterfront. Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium has penguins, otters and sharks. Maybe check out the Dingle Distillery – yep, more whiskey!

 

Days 15-16 – Limerick

 

Distance Dingle to Limerick – 148km (91 miles) 2 hours which is one of the longest drives of this itinerary
Book 2 nights accommodation in Limerick. Get a great deal on Limerick accommodation here.

 

On day 15 of this 28 day Irish itinerary, jump in the car and head to Limerick. Pass through many towns including Tralee – home of the Rose of Tralee International Festival held in August every year.

Limerick is the third largest city in Ireland and easy drive from Killarney. On arrival, check in to your accommodation, get your walking shoes on and get to know Limerick. Things to see and do in Limerick for the rest of today and a full day tomorrow include visiting  Saint Mary’s Cathedral. This is an iconic 12th-century cathedral with beautiful large stained-glass windows and a small burial ground. 

Another great place to visit in Limerick is King John’s Castle Visitor Experience. This, if you know your history, is a fabulous place to discover the stories of ruthless King John, the noble knights, and rebellious natives. King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history. Being a history buff, I loved this and my kids who travelled to Ireland with me found it interesting too!

Also visit the The Treaty Stone, the rock that the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. It marks the surrender of the city to William of Orange – another great history buff moment. 

Continue walking around Limerick to Sarsfield Bridge. This is the second of Limerick’s River Shannon crossings and commemorates Patrick Sarsfield, the Earl of Lucan, who is renowned in Limerick for his role in the Williamite War and the 1691 siege and Treaty of Limerick in particular. Wow!

If you love markets, then head to The Milk Market. This is an airy, covered market selling fruits, veggies, meats, dairy items, crafts and baked goods since 1852. You may want to purchase food to cook for dinner here if you chose to stay in accommodation with kitchen facilities or head to one of the many pubs or restaurants for good Irish food and craic.

After another Irish souvenir? Well Galway is the place to get yourself a Claddagh ring. This ring has two hands clasping a heart and was traditionally given in Ireland as a token of love.

 

Days 17-19 – to Galway via Cliffs of Moher + day trip to Aran Islands

 

Distance Limerick to Galway – 108km (30 miles) taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes
Book 3 nights accommodation in Galway. Check out Galway accommodation options here.

 

Cliffs of Moher in Ireland on a one month holiday.

Cliffs of Moher

 

Leaving Limerick, follow N85 for some 80km or a little over an hour (50 miles) to reach the iconic Cliffs of Moher. Ireland’s west coast has hundreds of metres of straight cliff thanks to the strong winds and shards of water being blown off the Atlantic Ocean. And the Cliffs of Moher are a prime example. I suggest you keep a raincoat handy and some warm clothes as the wind along the cliffs can be strong and you don’t want to be blown away. Then on to Galway. Or, you may want to stop at Doolin village. This village is known as a gateway to the ancient sites on the Aran Islands (which is on the itinerary for tomorrow), which are just offshore. You could visit Doolin Cave where there is a huge free-hanging stalactite. If not, on to Galway.

Spend day 18 in Galway. Roam around the street visiting many great sites. Maybe start at Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, a large, 14th-century Anglican Episcopal church visited by Oliver Cromwell and Christopher Columbus. Then on to The Spanish Arch. Built in 1584 it is an extension of the 12th century Norman-built town wall stretching from Martin’s Tower to the riverbank. Next visit Eyre Square, a popular square in the heart of the city featuring a playground for the kids. Then onto Galway Cathedral, a modern and airy, green-domed, renaissance-style Catholic cathedral. Now it’s time for some relaxation after all that walking so head to Galway’s Pedestrian Area. It starts on the east in William’s Road, continues as Shop’s Road, High Road, and ends with Quay Road. Here you will find some great seafood restaurants, after all Galway is on the water, and plenty of pubs with food, beers or Guinness, Irish music and good Irish craic. Me thinks this would be a great way to end a full day roaming around Galway.

Day 19 of this Ireland one month holiday is a day trip to the Aran Islands. The Aran Islands are a group of three islands off Ireland’s west coast and a visit to them offers a unique Irish culture experience. The largest of the three islands is Ini More (Inishmore) which is inhabited and the locals speak Irish. Explore the dramatic coastal scenery, see ancient stone forts, go cycling on the car-free islands and discover many historical sites. And definitely visit the stores to buy unique Aran Island knitwear.

>>>You can book a tour to the Aran Islands here.

 

Days 20-21 to Sligo via Kylemore Abbey

 

Distance Galway to Kylemore Abbey 77km (47 miles) 1 hour 10 mins driving
Distance Kylemore Abbey to Sligo – 147km (91 miles) just a little over 2 hours driving
Booked 2 nights accommodation in Sligo. Check out Sligo accommodation options here.

 

Kylemore Abbey in Ireland.

very impressive place to visit on this Ireland holiday

 

Hop in the car and head to Kylemore Abbey nestled in the heart of Connemara on the Wild Atlantic Way for the morning. There is plenty of history, serenity and beauty to discover here in the 1,000 acre estate. It is home to a Benedictine order of Nuns and it welcomes visitors and is well worth a visit.

After exploring Kylemore Abbey hop back in the car for the next stop, Sligo. The town of Sligo straddles the Garavogue River where it meets Sligo Bay, so is a very scenic place to stop. It’s known for its literary heritage, rugged countryside and the medieval Sligo Abbey. It is also known for surfing, yep, surfing! If you love to surf there are plenty of big-wave surfing to enjoy or perhaps have a surfing lesson. You can hire equipment along the beach. 

Sligo has also produced many writers including Poets William Butler Yeats, novelists and historians. This area is known as ‘Yeats Country’ as he spent a significant amount of his childhood here, even though he was born in Dublin. 

 

Days 22-23 to Londonderry via Enniskillen

 

Distance Sligo to Enniskillen – 70km (43 miles) or a little over 1 hour.
Distance Enniskillen to Londonderry – 85km (53 miles) or around 1.5 hours to drive.
Book 2 nights accommodation in Londonderry. Get the best deal on Londonderry accommodation here.

 

Ireland Bloody Sunday Obelesque, Londonderry Ireland 1 month itinerary.

Discover ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland

 

Today, day 21 of this journey around Ireland you leave one country and enter another. Yep, today you leave the Republic of Ireland and arrive in Northern Ireland, UK. And no, you don’t need to drive through any check points as the UK and Ireland share a Common Travel Area (CTA) that allows free travel between the two countries. 

Enniskillen is in Northern Ireland and unfortunately remembered for its significance during ’The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. Particularly remembered for the tragic Remembrance Day bombing of 8th November 1987 when 11 people were killed. You will find Enniskillen nestled on a small island separating Upper and Lower Lough Erne, so it is a beautiful waterside town.

Things to see and do in Enniskillen include visiting Enniskillen Castle. And while roaming around town there are plenty of small boutique shops to explore. If you love trains check out the Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum.  Then back in the car and head to Londonerry.

Officially Londonderry but often called Derry, is the largest city in County Londonderry and the second largest in Northern Ireland. Londonderry is a walled city and lies on the West Bank of the River Foyle. There are two road roads and one footbridge connecting it to the other bank. Spend a full day in Londonderry discovering old buildings with lots of history.

Top things to visit in Londonderry include the Peace Bridge, Museum of Free Derry, Free Derry Museum, Tower Museum, St Columbs Cathedral and the Bloody Sunday Obelisk Memorial. And make time to walk along the 400-year-old City Walls.

If you are wanting to know more about Bloody Sunday and the division of the city go on a walking tour.

Suggested Tours:
>>The Troubles Bog Side Walking Tour
>>Bloody Sunday Walking Tour

 

Day 24-27 to Belfast via Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede

 

Distance Londonderry to Giant’s Causeway – 63km (39 miles) or roughly 1 hour to drive
Distance Giant’s Causeway to Carrick-a-Rede – 11km (7 miles) or roughly 15 mins
Distance Carrick-a-Rede to Belfast 93km (58 miles) or 1 hour 15 mins or so to drive
Book 4 nights accommodation in Belfast. Check out Belfast accommodation options here.

 

Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland are giant rocks and a must see on an Ireland holiday.
Carrick-a-read Rope Bridge is a must visit on a Northern Ireland holiday.

must stops on this 1 month Ireland itinerary – Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede

 

Wave goodbye to Londonderry to head to Belfast via a couple of spectacular Irish natural wonders. Before arriving at one of Ireland’s iconic coastline, whiskey lovers may want to pay a visit to the Bushmill’s Distillery in Bushmills. It is literally down the road from the Giant’s Causeway.  

Drive along the Causeway Coast of Natural Beauty to the National Trust of Carrick-a-Rede. Then on to Belfast for 3 days.

 

Titanic was built in the shipyards in Belfast. Visit the memorial to Titanic.

A must visit in Belfast – Titanic Museum

 

I’ve budgetted three full days to spend in Belfast:

On the first full day in Belfast I suggest taking the Belfast Hop On Hop Off bus tour of the city as this will take you to all the best places to see and visit in Belfast. Do the full circuit first to help you decide on the places you wish to visit. But I bet the first place will be the Titanic Experience where you can easily spend the rest of the day. It is well worth a visit to discover the sights, sounds, smells and stories of the ship, as well as the people and city that made her.

>>>Book your ticket on the Belfast HOHO here.

>>>Get your entrance ticket to the Titantic Experience here.

For you second day in Belfast, get to know the rest of Belfast. Visit Belfast Castle, Belfast Cathedral and Belfast City Hall. And don’t forget the Ulster Museum. Or perhaps you would like to go on a black cab tour of the city. This is where a local will take you around town explaining the rough history and show you both sides of the wall and some of the most famous murals in the city and why they were painted.

>>>Book your Black Cab Tour of Belfast here.

On your third day in Belfast you could visit sites still on your list or roam around the city and shop. Game of Throne fans might like to go on a tour to see filming locations.

>>>Book a tour of the Game of Thrones filming locations here.

 

Day 28 – to Dublin via Dundalk

 

Distance Belfast to Dundalk – 82km (51 miles) or taking about an hour
Distance Belfast to Dublin – 169km (105 miles) or a couple of hours.
Book 1 night accommodation in Dundalk. Check out Dundalk accommodation here.

Dundalk is half way between Belfast and Dublin. It is situated on the Castletown River, which flows into Dundalk Bay on the north-east coast of Ireland, and is halfway between Dublin and Belfast, close to and south of the border with Northern Ireland and I thought it a lovely place to stop. However, if you have stayed extra somewhere on this itinerary – as it is designed to be flexible so you can – you may want to drive straight to Dublin.

Spend your last day or so in Dublin before leaving for home or your next destination.

 

Prepare and Organise your 1 Month Ireland Itinerary

 

Now you know the best places to see and go on a 1 month Ireland itinerary, it is time to start planning it.

 

Ireland Fast Facts

 

Currency: Republic of Ireland uses Euros, Northern Ireland uses pounds – so you will need both currencies when travelling around the island.
Languages:
 English, Irish
Population: Republic of Ireland has a population of 4.7 million while Northern Ireland has around 1.8 million people.
Religion: Both Protestant and Catholic religions

 

Best Time to Visit Ireland

 

In my opinion, anytime is a good time to visit Ireland however, the seasons, events and costs can play a big part of choosing when to visit. If you want to experience St. Patricks Day, held each March, well, that is when you will need to go. Or if you are invited to a wedding, well, you don’t really have any choice. If you have no commitments and prefer warmer weather, then head to Ireland during the summer months (June, July, August). Be wary that costs of accommodation can increase during these busy months and there will be lots of other tourists around.

The Spring and Autumn months are the best time to visit if you are budget conscious as airfares and accommodation can be lower. While the winter months in Ireland can be very cold and you will need to wrap up warm to see many of the sites, like the Cliffs of Moher. Plus some places might close, so check attractions will be open if you are visiting during the winter season. But it is enjoyable sitting in a warm pub enjoying an Irish meal and a drink!

But as I said, any time is a good time to visit Ireland.

 

How to Get to Ireland

 

As Ireland is an island, there are two options on how you can travel there – by flying or by ferry. The first option is to get a flight. You can get a direct flight into Dublin, where this itinerary begins or other Irish cities. Check out Skyscanner here for price and availability. The second option is to get a ferry. There are a number of ports in England, Wales, Scotland, Isle of Man, France and The Netherlands where you can catch a ferry from to Ireland. For instance, if you want to start this month long trip to Ireland in Belfast, you can get a ferry from Liverpool in England, or fly into Belfast.

 

How to Get Around Ireland

 

Getting around Ireland is quite easy as there are a number of choices including train, bus and car. The best way to get around Ireland and truly enjoy everything the Emerald Isle has to offer is by renting a car. Having a car gives you the flexibility to go where you want, when you want and you will not be reliant on timetables like with trains and buses. 

If you don’t want to drive, check out the bus and train network, though, this itinerary is designed to be driven. this itinerary is based on travelling by car. In the Republic of Ireland train travel is run by Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) and in Northern Ireland trains are operated by Translink. The buses are clean and affordable but it is also the slowest form of transportation. In the Republic of Ireland buses are operated by Bus Éireann and Translink provides services in Northern Ireland.

 

Driving in Ireland Tips

  • Drive on the left side of the road.
  • Speed signs in Ireland are in Kilometres Per Hour, but if you go to Northern Ireland it changes to Miles Per Hour.
  • Take an International Drivers’ Licence with you, it will help when renting a car.
  • You may be driving on thin roads with no lines marked. Keep to the left and slow down if a car comes the other way so you can pass each other safely.

 

Where to Stay while in Ireland

 

Ireland offers loads of different accommodation from budget to I going to splurge places. On this road trip through Ireland we spend one night in 6 different towns. Basically you will only need somewhere that is comfortable for the one night. Therefore, the accommodation recommended in this 7 day Ireland itinerary is for a bed in a hostel or a room in a B&B. I personally would stay in a B&B only because breakfast is included. I found this wonderful while I was driving around Ireland because once up, I didn’t have to go looking for somewhere to have breakfast, I just had to walk downstairs. But it is totally up to you what type of accommodation you stay in while in Ireland. To book a hostel bed check out HostelWorld and for a B&B or hotel room check out Booking.com.

 

Do You Need to Book Everything in Advance?

 

It is wise to book most things in advance including your travel, entrance tickets and your accommodation as things can book up and may not be available on the day you require it to be. So if I was booking this Ireland holiday I would book a car, some accommodation for my initial stay and maybe wing accommodation as I travel, and some entrance tickets. And don’t forget to buy travel insurance as you never know what might happen. I use and recommend WorldNomads for general travel and working holidays and SafetyWing for long term travel.

 

What to Pack for a Holiday in Ireland?

 

When packing for a holiday in Ireland, be governed by the weather. Most of the time it is cool and wet so pack warm wet weather clothes. Also a good pair of walking shoes as you will do plenty of walking. And don’t forget the sunscreen and a hat for those warmish days.

Your packing list for Ireland should include:

Documents. Passport, visa (if needed), money and credit cards, travel insurance details, pre-booked entrance and Hop-on Hop-off bus tickets, pre-booked accommodation details. Also take an International Driver’s Licence.
Clothes. It is mostly cool and wet in Ireland so warm clothes unless you are going in the middle of the summer months so have a few summery outfits. You will need underwear, shorts and t-shirts, long pants or skirts or jeans. A warm jacket, beanie and scarf. Ensure you have good walking shoes as you will be walking a lot.
Electronics. Phone, camera, power adaptor plug and power bank. Laptop and any other gear if you are a digital nomad.
Toiletries.
Luggage. As you will be moving around every few days on this itinerary of Italy, ensure your luggage is easy to carry.

 

How Much Money to Take to Ireland for a 1 month holiday?

 

To work out how much it will cost to visit Ireland for 30 days or so, I suggest you create a budget. List it out as follows:

Airfare or transport to Ireland _____
Transport to travel around Ireland _____
Accommodation 28-30 nights @ _____
Food _____ is this included? Is breakfast included in accommodation stay?
Extras _____ ie. entrance fees to museums and other sites
Travel Insurance ______

TIP: Purchase as much as possible before you arrive then you don’t have to worry about taking extra money.

And how will you take your money on your Ireland holiday? Take cash, credit and debit cards to give you the flexibility to pay for things.

 

Is One Month in Ireland long enough?

 

Spending one month in Ireland is long enough to visit both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. One month will allow you to visit all the best parts of both Irish countries. The capitals of Belfast and Dublin and many places on the island. But the longer you have, the more you will be able to see and do. Some people fall in love with Ireland and want to stay. And there are options including a working holiday visa. So how long to visit Ireland? How long have you got? One month in Ireland is a great beginning.

If you don’t have one month to spend in Ireland how about 7 days in Ireland or 14 days in Ireland.

 

Are You Ready to Spend One Month in Ireland?

 

Planning a trip to Ireland can be an overwhelming task with so many options and so many Ireland destinations that are worth seeing. But with this Ireland travel guide, you should now have a good idea of where to visit in Ireland and the best things to do in each stunning and exciting spot. All there is to say now is: Enjoy your holidays in Ireland and I hope this Ireland guide helped! I’d love to hear your questions or about your Ireland travels in the comments below.

 

More Ireland posts:

How to Spend 3 Days in Dublin
7 Day Ireland Itinerary
Ireland Working Holiday Visa Guide
Best Things to See and Do in Ireland
Include the UK as part of your visit to Ireland

 

Ireland 1 month holiday PIN.

Thanks for sharing!

Just so you know: some of the links in this post might be affiliate links, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. No pressure to use my links, but I REALLY appreciate when you do! Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 


My favourite tools to Travel Live and Work Abroad

 

🏠 Where Will You Be Sleeping Tonight? – Get a bed in a hostel dorm through HostelWorld or for a hotel room check out Booking.com. Get free accommodation house and pet sitting through Trusted Housesitters – this has saved me thousands on accommodation, no joke!

✈️ Need a cheap and flexible airfare – head to Skyscanner.

 🚙 Car Rental – search and compare vehicles at DiscoverCars.

 🚆 Train Travel: I love riding the rails. For a rail pass in Europe head to Raileurope. And Japan has a great one too – JapanRail Pass.

🚌 Travelling by bus is often the cheapest way to travel. Compare and get a ticket or a pass at Busbud.

🏃🏻‍♀️ Jump-the-queue entrance tickets and day tours: I book these through GetYourGuide.

 🌏 How to pick a country to live and work abroad in? Check out my Working Holiday Visa Country Guides and Digital Nomad Visa Country Guides to see where you can live work play travel abroad.

👕 For travel clothing and gear I get a lot of stuff from Amazon, North Face and Anaconda.

 🚑 Should you buy travel insurance? Absolutely Yes! SafetyWing is great digital nomads and long-term travellers and World Normads has policies for general and adventure travel.

 

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Sharyn McCullum Sailing Through The Panama Canal With Storm Chasing Boat.

Sharyn McCullum – Travel Writer / Blogger, Remote On-line Worker, sometime Digital Nomad and Travel, Live and Work Abroad Expert. Is a chocoholic, coffee connoisseur and lover of ’80s music. Been travelling all her life thanks to her dad who worked for an airline. Lived in London 4 years on a working holiday. Has holidayed in Hawaii over 15 times and currently calls Melbourne, Australia home. Is inspiring others to get the live work play travel lifestyle with this blog. Read more about Sharyn here.

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