Ultimate Ireland Itinerary: A 3-Week Trip to Castles & Films

How We Set Up Our Ireland Trip

Skip this if you don’t have time.

TL;DR: We were there for a long time. You might not have 3 weeks, so we’ve broken it down into 3 different itineraries that are easier to recreate.

I believe in slow travel. I hate whisking from one place to the next without getting to truly understand a place. While 3 weeks wasn’t enough, it’s the most time we could escape this time. People would act surprised when they heard we had three weeks in Ireland.

“Are you going anywhere else? You’re so close to so many other countries!”

Originally that was our plan, but after seeing how complex Ireland is with its rugged beauty, to its mystical castles, charming pubs, breathtaking waterfalls, and so much more, we would be doing ourselves a disservice not to try to experience it all.

But I also understand that not everyone has the luxury of an extended vacation. Every part of the journey, I thought about the limited time others would have and how to maximize their time, maximize your time.

Ireland is a small country, but is bigger than you realize. There is plenty of time to enjoy its natural beauty. While you could jet from one side of the island to the other, you might find yourself spending more time sitting in a bus or a car than actually experiencing Ireland.

We broke up our trip into 3 different itineraries. Even still, we missed large amounts of Ireland. Even in the places we visited, I wish we had more time. However, I know I’ll be back and so I’m glad I got to explore the places we did.

Ireland 3 Week Itinerary

Make sure you save this page, because we will be continuing to add on as I have more time to write and this will be where you can find all our Ireland blog posts. I hate when a resource doesn’t tell you about time or the right location so I’ll be sharing all of that!

You can also join our email list, and I’ll soon be adding our full Ireland digital magazine link so that you can see the place better visually.

Experience Ireland like never before with our exclusive tips, tricks, and recommendations!

Week One: The Ancient East

I was so surprised when I looked at so many itineraries, because they skipped over the Ancient East (although I’m sure some people will scoff at the areas I missed out on mine, so there’s that), but the Southeast region of Ireland is something you don’t want to miss. You’ve got one of the most filmed destinations in with all your favorite movies and shows at Powerscourt, a crazy slide at Beyond the Trees, plus so much more!

This area is full of historic buildings, medieval castles, and small town that will make you fall in love with Ireland’s history. A scenic drive through the Southeast will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time as you pass through villages with cobblestone streets and ancient ruins, all nestled against the backdrop of green hills.

It was our first time to visit the beautiful Kilkenny Castle. Whether you take a guided tour or explore on your own, you’ll be enchanted by this historic gem. From there, the visitor center in Kilkenny provides a great overview of the castle’s fascinating history and the town’s medieval past.

Keep Reading: How to Spend One Week In Ireland’s Ancient East

Itinerary Week 2: Northern Ireland

Who knew Game of Thrones could make such an impact? Since I was going to Ireland, I started watching the show about 2 weeks before and made it through about one season. I’m kinda upset I didn’t finish it before I made it there. If you haven’t seen Game of Thrones yet and figured it was too late, I can tell you that is very much not the case.

But Northern Ireland is so much more! The amount of cliffside castles in such a short distance, the opportunities to make bread in the home of sweet Tracey, and the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will make you question if this truly is reality!

The Titanic Museum was an unexpected gem! It provides a powerful look at the Titanic’s history, and is a great way to kick off your first visit to Belfast.

Uncover More: See the Best of Northern Ireland in 7 Days

Week 3: Galway, Kerry, Cork & Cashel (Coming Soon)

Our third week was definitely a hodgepodge of every last thing we could fit. You get the stunning nature, mixed with colorful towns, the famous Cliffs of Moher—one of Ireland’s most popular attractions—and so much more!

County Kerry was another good reason to visit Ireland. One of the best places to stop is The Ring of Kerry, offering some of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean, especially from the Dingle Peninsula. If you’re lucky enough to have good weather, this is a good place for a short walk along the coastal paths.

We also visited the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s historic sites. This has a dramatic location, perched atop a hill, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

And if you’re planning to visit Galway, you’re in for a treat! The vibrant city centre is filled with lively pubs, restaurants, and traditional Irish music. It’s a great place to grab an Irish coffee and take a break before continuing on with your journey.

Bonus Week: Best Things to Do in Dublin (Coming Soon)

Of course you can’t speak about Ireland without Dublin. It’s such a great place where you can find whatever you want. We started our trip and ended our trip in Dublin, so it wasn’t an itinerary. However, I wanted to still cover all of the amazing things to do there! Dublin is also home to some of Ireland’s most historic buildings. And don’t miss a walking tour of Dublin’s historic streets.

Note: I broke them up into weeks, but it’s not exactly a week… I’m not trying to fib, it’s just easier for me to compartmentalize them that way!

Note: I broke them up into weeks, but it’s not exactly a week… I’m not trying to fib, it’s just easier for me to compartmentalize them that way!

Stay Connected Anywhere in Ireland

During my recent trip to Ireland, I discovered GigSky eSIM, the perfect solution for staying connected without high roaming fees. GigSky offers data services in over 190 countries, and I was able to get started quickly with their free 100 MB eSIM plan—no credit required!

Here’s how it works:

Choose Your Destination & Plan – I selected Ireland and picked a plan that fit my data needs.
Install Your eSIM – Super easy to install directly on my phone.
Activate Your eSIM – Just a few quick steps to get connected.
Get Online Instantly – I was online the moment I landed, ready to explore without worrying about roaming charges.

What I love about GigSky is the flexibility. If I needed more data, I could top up anytime. It’s an easy, affordable way to stay connected while traveling.

3 Week Itinerary in Ireland: FAQs

Is 1 week in Ireland enough?

While one week can provide a glimpse of Ireland’s beauty, it often isn’t enough time to fully appreciate the country’s rich history and stunning landscapes. For a more immersive experience, especially if you want to explore places like Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Northern Ireland, a longer stay is recommended. This allows for a more leisurely pace and the chance to visit both main attractions and hidden gems.

What is the working week in Ireland?

The typical working week in Ireland runs from Monday to Friday, with most businesses operating during standard office hours. However, many attractions, especially in tourist areas like Dublin City Center and Galway City, may have extended hours, particularly during the time of year when visitor numbers peak, usually in the summer months.

3 Week Itinerary in Ireland: Final Thoughts

Ireland truly exceeded all my expectations—its captivating history, stunning landscapes, and unique culture had me hooked from the moment I landed. While three weeks in this beautiful country wasn’t nearly enough to see everything, it was the perfect amount of time to dive deep into its heart.

I hope this itinerary inspires you to make your own Irish escape, whether it’s for three weeks or a long weekend. Remember, slow travel is the best way to truly soaking in all the magic this country has to offer. You don’t need to rush from place to place—take your time, savor every moment, and, of course, enjoy the sheep!

Don’t forget to bookmark this page for more updates, tips, and guides on all things Ireland. I can’t wait to share more of my Irish adventures with you—and maybe even help you plan your first trip to this incredible country.

Sláinte!

three week in ireland - trip to castles and film locations

Last Updated 1 year ago ago by Jessica Serna | Published: December 13, 2024

Ultimate Ireland Itinerary: A 3-Week Trip to Castles & Films

How We Set Up Our Ireland Trip