July 03, 2025

Explore Ireland in 7 Days with Contiki Magic

Magda Warner

Irelands wild beauty legendary hospitality and epic history await and you can experience it all in just one week.

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Irelands wild beauty legendary hospitality and epic history await and you can experience it all in just one week. Contikis Ireland in a Week tour packs in cobbled streets coastal drama medieval castles and legendary nightlife with zero fluff. It delivers a perfectly balanced blend of culture adventure and easygoing group energy ideal if youre short on time but craving big moments. This guide follows Contikis itinerary step by step showing you how to soar from Guinness pints in Dublin to puffin spotted cliffs Blarney kisses and the UNESCO listed Giants Causeway all while bonding with your crew on a fully guided all inclusive coach trip. Ready for your Irish adventure Heres how each day unfolds.

 

Day 1 Dublin Arrival and Orientation

 

Arrive in Dublin and hop on Contikis airport transfer to your centrally located hotel. Aim to land before early afternoon to join the welcome meeting and meet your Trip Manager and travel squad. Later opt in for an optional group dinner to break the ice and fuel up. Once the sun sets you can either head with the group to the Guinness Storehouse for a pint and panoramic views or dive into Dublins Temple Bar district pulsing with live music and city energy. Its 1835 crowd vibe means new friends and good craic from the first night setting the tone for the entire trip.

 

Day 2 Dublin to Clonmel to Galway via Clonmacnoise

 

Climb aboard the coach and head south stopping at the monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise. These riverside ruins offer haunting history and stunning photo backdrops perfect for Instagram. Post ruins continue through rolling countryside into Kilkenny for a lunch break and chance to cycle through cobbled medieval lanes. Arrive in Galway late afternoon known for its artsy Latin Quarter and laid back spirit. Youve got time to explore perhaps grab oysters and seafood chowder wander streets lined with colourful pubs or hit an evening pub crawl. Galways pub culture thrives on live music so expect spontaneous sessions and easygoing community from locals and travellers alike.

 

Day 3 Galway to Cliffs of Moher to Killarney

 

Depart Galway and embrace one of Irelands most iconic sites the Cliffs of Moher. These raw Atlantic cliffs plunge to 214 m and stretch nearly 8 km ideal for jaw dropping photographs. After youve soaked in dramatic coastal vistas the coach will trace part of the Wild Atlantic Way and cut through The Burren where stark limestone landscapes and rare flora seem otherworldly. Later arrive in Killarney a picturesque town nestled beside lakes and mountains. Youll have the evening to stroll lakeside or explore local pubs you could stay in for a quiet dinner or party with new friends at a lively spot. Either way Killarneys charm makes for a memorable night.

 

Day 4 Ring of Kerry Loop from Killarney

 

Today youll tour the legendary Ring of Kerry an epic coastal loop featuring rugged cliffs sandy beaches and picture perfect villages. Highlights include Sneems colourful houses Molls Gap views over rolling hills and distant glimpses of Skellig Michael famed Star Wars filming site. Contiki ensures stops for photos and walks giving you time to breathe in the Atlantic air. Back in Killarney options include cycling around the National Park or taking a horse drawn jaunting car past lakes and woodland both perfect for slowing down in style. Cap off the night with a hearty dinner think traditional Irish stew or fresh Kerry seafood served at a vibey local pub where you can relive the days best highlights with the group.

 

Day 5 Killarney to Blarney Castle to Kilkenny

 

On day five head east to Blarney Castle perched outside Cork. Here you can kiss the famed Blarney Stone and supposedly gain the gift of the gab. Around the castle Blarney Woollen Mills offer authentic Irish sweaters and souvenirs ideal for gift hunters. Next roll into Kilkenny a city steeped in medieval charm. Cycle through its narrow lanes and visit Kilkenny Castle gardens. Optional take an informal tour at Smithwicks brewery for a taste of Irelands oldest ale. As evening falls Kilkennys medieval past blends with a modern nightlight ghost tours roam its shadowy lanes while cosy pubs host storytelling sessions and spontaneous music.

 

Day 6 Kilkenny to Dublin

 

Use the morning to explore Kilkenny further hit the castles interior stroll galleries or browse local craft shops. After lunch board the coach back to Dublin. In the capital theres free time for final adventures maybe Trinity College and the Book of Kells shopping along Grafton Street or a late afternoon pint in a historic pub. In the evening join the optional farewell dinner not included to raise a glass to your week. Over dinner youll reflect on highlights like Cliffs sunset Blarney fun and Killarneys green hills and solidify friendships formed on the road.

 

Day 7 Departure Day

 

After breakfast its time to say farewell. Contiki handles your airport transport so check out is seamless just hand in your key and hop on the provided transfer. Flights should ideally be midday or later to avoid rush. As the coach departs youll carry home more than souvenirs a group chat full of 500 photos new mates and stories. Its structure lets you soak in Irelands best in a compact span without planning stress yet leaves space for spontaneous magic authentic craic and a global crew you wont forget.

 

Ireland in a Week

 

In just seven nights and eight days Contikis Ireland in a Week delivers a whirlwind of Irelands best city culture rugged coastlines medieval castles and legendary nightlife. Youll kiss the Blarney Stone walk the Cliffs of Moher cycle Kilkenny and witness the surreal Giants Causeway with meals transport accommodation and guided experiences all organised. Best of all Youll share every moment with like minded travellers swapping laughs and adventure highlights along the way. Ready to trade planning stress for unforgettable stories Book your spot now and make Irelands wild craic history and beauty your one week reality.

Maximise one week in Ireland with Contikis from Dublin pubs to Cliffs of Moher Blarney smiles Giants Causeway and Northern Irish charm.