How Many Days Do You Need In Ireland?

Hi, I'm Sean, Marketing Assistant here at Vagabond Tours Of Ireland 👋

Many first time visitors planning a trip to Ireland often ask "How many days do you need in Ireland?"

If you're in the same boat and not sure how long to spend in Ireland, then this blog is for you!

As part of the Vagabond & Driftwood Tours team, my goal is to help you find the perfect amount of time to spend in Ireland based on your travel style and preferences.

Read on to find out how long you should spend in Ireland.

👀 5 - 6 Days In Ireland

5 to 6 days in Ireland doesn't sound like much but you'll be surprised with how much you can see in a short amount of time.

This length is ideal for travellers with limited holiday time, guests adding Ireland to a longer European trip or returning visitors who want to explore one particular part of the island.

What Can You See In 5 Days In Ireland?

Our 5 Day Vagabond Edge of The World is the perfect example of seeing the best of Ireland in a short period of time.

This tour explores the rolling hills and wild seas of southwestern Ireland. Unwind with fresh air, trail hikes and horseback riding along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way touring route including sites such as the Cliffs of Moher and beautiful Irish towns such as, Killarney, Kinsale and Dingle.

This tour itinerary is perfect for guests who want:

• An active introduction to Ireland
• Coastal landscapes and lively towns
• A short tour that still travels beyond Dublin
• A focused southwest Ireland itinerary
• An budget friendly holiday around Ireland

What Can You See In 6 Days In Ireland?

Six days gives you enough time to explore a distinct region with time to relax and soak in the Irish hospitality.

The easy-paced 6 Day Driftwood Great Southern Ireland Tour focuses on Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford and the best of Ireland’s Ancient East. Current highlights include Kinsale, Hook Lighthouse and other stunning locations such as Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains.

Alternatively, the 6 Day Driftwood Northern Island Tour travels through Northern Ireland and the northwest, with current highlights including the Giant’s Causeway coastal route, castle stays and a boat trip along the Slieve League Cliffs.

These tours are a great choice for those with limited holidays and want to explore Ireland's Ancient East or Northern Ireland.

🤝 7 Days In Ireland

Exploring the whole island of Ireland in 7 days is possible but would it be as enjoyable? Probably not. With one week in Ireland, the trick is to explore rather than collect destinations. Pick a region, slow down the pace and leave enough time for the unexpected and special moments. 7 days gives you enough time to combine famous sights with the smaller places and experiences that make Ireland memorable.

Which 7 Day Ireland Tour Should You Pick?

The best part of 7 days in Ireland is that a week gives you several ways to experience the country. Luckily for you, we have a great selection of 1 week tours in Ireland that are perfect for those who want a little more time exploring. How you explore is completely up to you. Choose between an active Ireland adventure tours or an easy-paced Driftwood Journey of Discovery depending on how you like to travel.

7 Day Vagabond World Tour of Ireland

The 7 Day Vagabond World Tour of Ireland is perfect for adventure enthusiasts. This tour explore the west and southwest of Ireland. Enjoy activities like hikes, the Cliffs of Moher and a guided Irish sheep farm tour. You are then free to choose from incredible options like watersports and horseback-riding. Not forgetting a cruise around the Skellig Islands, ancient ring forts and two nights of live music and traditional pubs in Dingle.

7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour

This is our most active adventure tour. The 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour is an unforgettable adventure that tours Northern Ireland and the north west of Ireland. Go cliff hiking, biking, horseback-riding and sea kayaking on your way around the rugged countryside of Northern Ireland and the northwest. This tour uncovers the wonders of the Giant’s Causeway, the wild beaches of Donegal, the craic in Westport and the fascinating history of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. This tour is perfect for those who want to explore Northern Ireland while keeping active.

7 Day Driftwood Treasure Ireland Tour

If you prefer quaint Irish towns and learning about Irish history and culture all at a gentle pace, then the 7 Day Driftwood Treasure Ireland Tour makes perfect sense. Discover the rugged natural beauty of Clare, Kerry and Cork, the lovely Cliffs of Moher, as well as hideaway places you won't find in guidebooks.

7 Day Driftwood Castles & Kingdoms Tour

The name is definitely a giveway to what this tour is all about! Experience ancient castles such as Blarney Castle and Cahir Castle. Explore quaint Irish towns, beautiful islands, and historic kingdoms on our 7 Day Driftwood Castles & Kingdoms Tour of western and southern Ireland. Get ready to fall in love! You'll tour the Ring of Kerry, cruise around the Skellig Islands and gaze in wonder at the 700ft Cliffs of Moher. The best part? You stay overnight in an Irish Castle!

🚐 8 Days In Ireland

We’re now getting into the longer stays, giving you more time to truly explore Ireland.

8 days in Ireland gives you time for a varied regional itinerary without committing to a two-week holiday. It is a particularly useful vacation length for travellers who want to combine several landscapes or build their trip around a special interest.

That additional day can create space for another destination, a two-night stay or an experience that would be difficult to include in a shorter trip.

Which 8 Day Ireland Tour Should You Pick?

8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour

This 8 day Ireland itinerary explores the outer reaches of the west and southwest of the island. Experience a stay in a castle hotel, take an e-bike tour in wildest Connemara, explore Stone Age forts, see Atlantic sunsets, try hikes in Kerry and a boat trip around the Skellig Islands. The 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour is an amazing active adventure.

💡 Fun Fact: National Geographic honoured this itinerary with a 'Tours of a Lifetime' award.

8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way Tour

For guests who prefer an easy-paced 8 day journey, our 8 Day Driftwood Wild Atlantic Way Tour is the ideal choice. This tour explores Irelands most scenic coastal drive with iconic destinations such as the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Killarney National Park and so much more.

☘️ 11 + Days In Ireland

For those who want to see all of Ireland in one go, then 11 days or more is our recommendation. This amount of time makes it possible to connect several regions and experience both famous destinations and more off the beaten path locations.

If you want to see the entire island of Ireland in one trip, we have a great selection of 11 + day tours to choose from.

Which 11 + Day Ireland Tour Should You Pick?

15 Day Driftwood All Ireland Tour

All aboard our longest ever tour. 15 Day Driftwood All Ireland Tour circles the entire island, including Northern Ireland's coastline and the best of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, from Donegal to Cork.

Enjoy a gentle tour pace and double night stays in the charming rural towns of Donegal, Westport, Killarney, and the stunning Parknasilla Hotel.

Explore the stunning Causeway Coast, followed by the rugged beauty of Mayo, Galway, Clare, the famous Cliffs of Moher and the natural wonderlands of Connemara, Kerry and The Burren.

11 Day Discover Ireland Tour

The easy-paced 11 Day Discover Ireland Tour connects Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast with destinations along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Its current itinerary includes Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway, Derry/Londonderry, Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle and Kerry. It also includes two nights in both Connemara and Dingle, giving guests more time in those region.

12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour

If your preference is an active adventure around the whole of Ireland, then you can't go wrong with the 12 Day Giant Irish Adventure Tour. This 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour explores both Ireland and Northern Ireland with highlights including The Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coast.

Try some cool adventure activities such as horseback riding, hiking diamond hill and crossing Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge.

Decisions, Decisions...🤔

At the end of the day, the number of days to spend in Ireland is all personal preference and comes down to what you want to see.

Now that you have a good idea on how many days can get you in Ireland, it's now time to make your decision.

I have summarised the list of days into a table below to help you pick the length that suits you.

Maybe you're still on the fence? Email us via enquiries@vagabond.ie and one of our friendly travel experts will be in touch!