How to Spend 7 Days in Ireland Without a Rental Car

Last updated on September 1st, 2026 at 06:16 pm

You don’t need to drive around Ireland to have an amazing trip; I visited Ireland eight times before I ever rented a car.

I’ve built multiple Ireland itineraries using public transportation. I’ve been able to visit the remote Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher at sunset, and listen to amazing music in Galway without having to navigate those narrow Irish roads.

When you’re traveling Ireland solo, driving alone can be stressful because you’re driving on the opposite side of the road, trying to understand directions, and keeping your eyes peeled for wayward sheep! It really takes away from enjoying the beautiful scenery. 

Using public transportation lets you rest while enjoying beautiful countryside views. Plus, it’s a more budget-friendly way to experience Ireland.

After 8 car-free trips to the Emerald Isle, I’ve put together a well-rounded 7-day Ireland itinerary without a car. In one week, you’ll visit Dublin, Galway, and Killarney in a way that makes sense and allows you to see both the city life and countryside of Ireland!

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Can You See Ireland Without a Car?

Yes, you can absolutely have a great trip to Ireland without a car. I waited until my ninth trip to rent a car in Ireland because I felt I could see everything I wanted using public transportation.

I also thought it would be better to have someone with me to take turns driving and help me navigate. Plus, I didn’t have the budget for a rental car. I have since done two road trips in Ireland, and I still believe that public transportation can get you where you want to go without stressing about driving! 

In fact, this year, I took my Mom to Ireland and did almost this exact itinerary, and we did it all using buses and trains!

There are also plenty of guided day tours to help build out your itinerary and help you see a lot in a little time. Basically like a road trip, but someone else is driving!

When I’m planning trips using public transportation, I base myself in cities or towns so that I have easy access to restaurants, pubs, and activities. Most towns are super walkable.

Admittedly, renting a car does allow for more freedom in your itinerary planning, and you can stay in beautiful places with epic views outside of cities.  But I don’t think that’s enough to say: absolutely rent a car. 

Unless you’re going somewhere like Donegal, where I’d strongly recommend a rental car if you want to explore beyond Donegal town, you can see the best of Ireland using public transportation.

And I’m going to show you how!

7 Day Ireland Itinerary without a Car

This one-week Ireland itinerary uses Dublin, Galway, and Killarney as your base.

Dublin gives you the city experience without needing transportation.

Galway is a lively city and the perfect base for the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher.

Killarney gives you access to Ireland’s dramatic natural scenery without needing a car.

This itinerary assumes that you are flying in and out of Dublin Airport. 

You’ll spend:

• 1 night in Dublin
• 3 nights in Galway
• 2 nights in Killarney

These cities are easy to get between using public transportation and allow you to see different sides of Ireland.

Day 1: Explore Dublin City

For your first day in Dublin, lace up your walking shoes, because you’re about to get some steps in. You are roughly walking in a square around the heart of Dublin, with a few tangents along the way. By following the route described below, you’ll see the highlights of Dublin, excluding Temple Bar.

I’m not including Temple Bar because it is so touristy and there are better pubs to visit in the city. That said, if you feel like avoiding Temple Bar is like going to New York and not seeing Times Square, you can walk through it if you want to snap a photo in front of Temple Bar, but I don’t recommend staying for a pint. 

I’ll recommend some other options below.

Breakfast at RóCo Cafe

Start your morning off right with a delicious breakfast at RóCo Cafe. Located near Christ Church Cathedral and Dublin Castle, RóCo Cafe is an excellent place to start your day. This cozy spot makes a delicious matcha latte and offers a variety of gluten-free and vegan menu options.

Trinity College, The Long Room, and the Book of Kells

After breakfast, walk along Lord Edward Street to Trinity College Campus. Stroll the paths around the Campanile of Trinity College before visiting the Book of Kells and Long Room exhibit.

The Book of Kells is a 9th-century handwritten book of the four Christian Gospels. An exhibit describes the significance and production of the Book of Kells by the Celtic monks. You’ll get to see the Book of Kells as well. It is quite a small book, which makes the designs even more compelling. 

However, since it’s so small, you may have to wait a bit to see it, as it does get crowded. 

After the Book of Kells, you’ll enter the famous Old Library Long Room. This gorgeous two-story room is home to hundreds of thousands of books as well as Ireland’s oldest harp.

If you’re visiting during peak tourist season, purchase your tickets in advance, as this is an incredibly popular thing to do in Dublin. 

Window Shop on Grafton Street

After you’ve finished at the Long Room, make your way along Grafton Street towards St. Stephen’s Green. 

Grafton Street is Dublin’s main pedestrian shopping street and is where you’ll find many international shops with buskers playing along the street.

If you want a more local shopping experience, just off Grafton Street you’ll find Wicklow, William’s and Drury Street. I prefer these streets over Grafton if I’m actually wanting to shop. 

Lunch at Cornucopia

If you’re a bit hungry, I recommend Cornucopia. It’s a vegetarian restaurant that I eat at every time I’m in Dublin, even though I’m not vegetarian. Their soup and brown bread keep me coming back! It’s just off Grafton Street on Wicklow Street.

Escape the City in St. Stephen’s Green

At the end of Grafton Street you’ll reach St. Stephen’s Green.

St. Stephen’s Green is a beautiful park with a small lake, perfect for escaping the city and getting your first glimpse of Ireland’s lush greenery. You could easily spend a few hours here meandering through the paths, reading a book on a bench, or just people-watching.

That is, of course, if you happen to catch a sunny day. 

Exit St. Stephen’s Green at York Street as you’ll now head to Brazen Head for a well-deserved dinner with a stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

On the way towards Brazen Head, you’ll pass by St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which has absolutely stunning grounds. I do recommend entering the church as well for a bit of history on the role that religion and this Cathedral in particular have played in Ireland.

Dinner at Brazen Head

Brazen Head is the oldest pub in Ireland, making it the perfect spot for your first Dublin pub experience. They offer traditional Irish pub fare for dinner as well as more contemporary dishes. 

I recommend the Guinness and Beef stew. 

Every night of the week, there is also live music; you may get trad (traditional Irish music), or you may get more well-known Irish ballads to sing along with. Either way, you’re in for a good first night in Dublin!

More Drinks?

If you want some more drinks in Dublin, head across the river to a few of my favorite Dublin bars.

Cobblestone: This spot has a more local vibe, though it’s still tourist-friendly. They have live music every night, and the atmosphere is fun! I go to the Cobblestone every time I’m in Dublin.

The Church Bar: Imagine drinking a whiskey sour in a beautiful old church. That’s what the Church Bar is: a church converted into a gorgeous bar. They also have a nice food menu!

Bar 1661: Poitin is a traditional Irish spirit, similar to moonshine. Bar 1661 takes this liquor and makes delicious cocktails with it. It has an incredibly high alcohol content, so be careful.

Alternative Options for Dublin

The above itinerary requires quite a bit of walking and relies on decent weather, something that can be fickle in Ireland. 

If you have a long rainy day in Dublin and want to learn more about its history, consider the following tours:

• Guinness Storehouse: Learn about the history of Guinness and enjoy a pint at the Gravity Bar on the roof!
• Jameson or Teeling Distillery Tour: Learn how whiskey is made, sample different types, and enjoy a cocktail on either the Jameson or Teeling Distillery Tours.
• Kilmainham Gaol Museum: This jail has played a significant role in Ireland’s history and is an incredibly popular place for visitors. You can only visit via a guided tour, and tickets sell out quickly, so book well in advance.

How to Get to Dublin City Center from the Airport

There are two ways to get from Dublin Airport to the city center. 

1. Bus: Take the Aircoach or Dublin Express bus from Dublin Airport to one of the stops within the city center. Check out the stops here. You can buy your ticket when you arrive at the airport.  It takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic.
2. Taxi: A taxi is more expensive and may take longer than the bus, but if you have a lot of luggage or simply want to be dropped off directly at your accommodation, follow the signs for the taxi stand upon arrival. 

How to Get Around Dublin Without a Car

Dublin is a very walkable city, but if you get tired after a long day, you can use one of these transit options to get home.

The LUAS is a tram system with two lines through the city. It’s really useful when you’re tired of walking and want to get to the other side of the River Liffey quickly!

DART has multiple stops throughout the city and is useful for day trips to beautiful coastal towns. 

There are also multiple public buses throughout the city. 

When I’m trying to decide which one to use, I find Google Maps is very helpful!

If you want to see all of the top sights without having to navigate any sort of city public transportation, you can sign up for the hop-on hop-off bus tour!

Where to Stay in Dublin

• Jacobs Inn Hostel: This fun hostel offers pod-style dorm rooms and privates. It’s close to an airport bus drop-off spot and Connolly train station. Check rates and availability here.
• Wren Boutique Hotel: Small rooms in the heart of the city center. It’s within walking distance of Drury St., Grafton St., and Temple Bar. Check rates and availability here.
• The Chancery: Gorgeous hotel with onsite bar, restaurant, gym, and sauna. Close to an airport bus drop-off spot, Dublin Castle, and Christ Church Cathedral. Check rates and availability here.

Day 2: Day Trip to Howth then Galway

Today, you’ll hop on the DART for a day trip to the charming coastal town of Howth, where there is great seafood and a stunning coastal walk. Afterward, return to Dublin to pick up your items and take the bus or train to Galway.

Your accommodation should be able to store your belongings for the day.

Breakfast at Tang

Enjoy breakfast at Tang on Abbey Street. They have a small but delicious breakfast menu of pancakes, eggs on toast, and Shakshuka. It’s also in a great location near Connolly train station, so you can easily hop on the DART to Howth.

Howth Day Trip

Getting to Howth

The easiest way to get to Howth is to take the DART to Howth Station. The 30-minute ride north of Dublin is beautiful as it goes along the coast, so try to get a window seat on the right side of the train to enjoy the views.

You can easily purchase a ticket at the station before boarding.

Howth Cliff Walk

The main attraction in Howth is the cliff walk, which technically starts at the train station. But you won’t reach the cliffs until you walk through town and a residential area for about 20 minutes.

The town, by the way, is adorable. The pier is lined with seafood restaurants, all of which you can’t really go wrong with trying. 

There is also a weekend marketplace with various craft and food vendors. It was closed when I visited (January), but if you’re there when it’s open, definitely take a stroll through it. 

On the other end of town, you’ll walk up a hill and enter a parking lot for the start of the coastal portion of the walk.

You’ll have great views of Ireland’s Eye, a small island off the coast, and south to Dublin. Eventually, you’ll reach a view of a lighthouse, which is stunning. I recommend turning back here and following the coastal route back to town.

Take extreme caution on this walk. There are no railings or fences, and at some points it’s incredibly narrow. If it has recently rained, expect it to be muddy and slippery in some places, so wear hiking boots or stable sneakers. Leave your sandals at home!

The walk should take about 3 hours, depending on how many photo ops you stop for and how many snack breaks you need. 

Getting back to Dublin

Once you’ve finished the walk and your time in Howth, return to the train station to take a train headed for Dublin.

How to Get from Dublin to Galway Without a Car

Once back in Dublin, take the CityLink bus from Dublin to Galway. The bus ride takes 2.5 hours to reach the Galway bus station. 

Double-check the departure times with CityLink to make sure they fit your day. Alternatively, check Bus Éireann’s schedule or take the train from Dublin Heuston.

I’ve done it both ways and think both are good options. Choose the one that best fits your budget and has the best departure time.

Dinner and Drinks in Galway

Upon arrival in Galway, you’re probably quite hungry. Check in to your accommodation, grab a slice of pizza from Dough Bros in Eyre Square, and go for a drink at Tig Coili, one of my favorite Galway pubs. 

Alternative Options

Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk: The Bray cliff walk is 30 minutes south of Dublin, which you can reach on DART as well. Take DART to Bray, walk through town to the beach, and start the cliff walk. About two hours later, you’ll reach Greystones where you can stop for lunch and hop on DART back to Dublin. 

Where to Stay in Galway

• Nest Boutique Hostel: A gorgeous hostel located in Salthill. It’s near a bus stop to take you to and from the Latin Quarter. Great if you want to stay near the water and less touristy pubs. Check rates and availability here.
• The Snug Townhouse: Small rooms, but amazing location right on shop street, across from Quays pub. Check rates and availability here.
• Eyre Square Hotel: This comfortable hotel is steps from the train and bus station. It’s across the street from Eyre Square, and just a few minutes’ walk to the pubs! Check rates and availability here.

Day 3: Day Trip to Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands: Inishmore, Inisheer, and Inishmaan. 

Since the islands are removed from bigger cities, it’s almost like stepping back in time; you may even hear the Irish language spoken.

On these islands you’ll find green hills lined with grey stone walls that seem to sweep right into the teal blue waters. There are also white sandy beaches that would be considered tropical if these islands were anywhere else.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit both Inishmore and Inisheer, but with limited time it’s not feasible to visit both. I recommend visiting Inishmore.

Inishmore is the biggest of the islands, where you can visit an ancient ringed fort called Dun, perched on the edge of a 300-ft-high cliff. You can also learn the history of the Aran sweater, see a sea lion colony, and of course have a pint while listening to live music at Joe Watty’s.

The bike shop is accessible as soon as you exit the ferry, and they’ll provide you with a map of all of the sites to visit. Alternatively, you can hire a jaunting cab or go for a long walk; just keep an eye on the time so you don’t miss your ferry back.

If you want something even more remote, consider Inisheer. The smallest of the three islands, Inisheer has many historic castles, Neolithic tombs, and even a shipwreck. 

Once you’re done with your bike ride, grab a pint and sandwich from Tigh Ned. On a nice day, enjoy their beer garden overlooking the ocean.

It takes about an hour by bike to get around the island.

How to Get to and from the Aran Islands

These islands are accessible via daily ferries from Rossaveel Port, located 30 minutes outside of Galway city center. 

Don’t stress about getting there without a car. When you book with Aran Islands Ferries, they provide round-trip transportation to the port from Galway city center. A bus will pick you up at a predetermined location and take you to the pier for the ferry.

The ferry ride out can be a bit rough, so be prepared.

When you return from the ferry, the bus will be there to bring you back to the city.

Dinner and Drinks in Galway

Enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants in Galway. I recommend Cava Bodega for delicious tapas! Then have a pint at Tigh Neachtain, a super cozy pub inside and great for people-watching at the tables outside.

Day 4: Day Trip to Cliffs of Moher

If you’ve Googled anything about what to do in Ireland, then you most definitely came across the Cliffs of Moher. Yes, they are so deserving of the hype. It’s crazy to say this, but I’ve been three times, and each time I’m in awe of how beautiful they are!

I’ve also been super lucky on each visit; I’ve had incredible weather that let me see across to the Aran Islands and even catch a gorgeous sunset. However, the weather is incredibly unpredictable, and I’ve heard stories of people visiting with zero visibility and incredibly high winds. 

When you visit, make sure you stay on the marked paths, as getting close to the edge is very dangerous.

How to Get to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway

The Cliffs of Moher are located in County Clare, but make for an easy day trip from Galway. You can DIY this or take a day tour. 

I’ve done a guided tour, DIY, and even stayed a few nights in nearby Doolin to see the Cliffs. 

My recommendation is to take a guided day tour so you don’t have to stress about the buses. Plus, with a guided tour you’ll be able to visit Doonagore Castle and the Burren, which is famous for its unique rocky limestone landscape.

These tours typically stop in Doolin for lunch, so you’ll be able to see another small Irish town!

If you don’t like guided tours, no worries. You can take the 350 Bus Éireann bus from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher. The bus ride is about 2.5 hours. The bus also stops in Doolin on the way to and from the Cliffs. If you’d like, get off the bus in Doolin to check out the colorful Fisher Street and have lunch.

Then do the cliff walk from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher. You’ll get to see a different perspective on the cliffs. After you reach the Visitor Center, hop on the bus back to Galway. 

Get an early start for this, but it’s a pretty solid day out!

Dinner and Drinks in Galway

I can’t go to Galway without eating at Handsome Burger in Galway’s West End. Their burgers are delicious! And it’s sometimes nice during a trip to have a simple meal!

Afterward, head to The Crane Bar for a live traditional music session and a drink!

Alternative Options for Galway

An alternative day trip from Galway is to Connemara. The landscape in Connemara is absolutely stunning. You can take the bus to Clifden, rent a bike and cycle the Sky Road, or hike Diamond Hill for stunning views of the landscape.

Alternatively, you can visit Kylemore Abbey, a mansion built by a man for his wife in the late 1800s. Today it’s run by Benedictine Nuns, and you can tour the mansion, Victorian Walled Gardens, and walk along the lake.

I suggest this as an alternative because it can be tricky to visit by public transportation. I’ve also been to Kylemore Abbey twice, and while it’s a nice place to visit, I prefer the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher.

That being said, a hike up Diamond Hill is one of my favorite memories, so I do recommend that if you don’t like ferry rides!

Day 5: Morning in Galway City, then Killarney

Galway is my favorite city in Ireland, and I often schedule a few days in Galway into my itinerary to simply be there and enjoy the lively atmosphere. 

One of my favorite ways to spend a day in Galway is to get breakfast at Ard Bia, walk along the water to Blackrock Diving Tower, then walk back through Salthill, stopping at a coffee shop along the way. I’ll do some shopping or listen to the buskers for a bit, then have dinner and head out to a pub for the night.

It’s literally my perfect day.

I didn’t include that here, but I focused on having nights in Galway after days out. But if you want to spend a chill day during your itinerary, this is the place to do it. 

I’ve condensed that full day into a morning so you can get a taste of it before hopping on the bus to Killarney. 

Breakfast at Ard Bia at Nimmos

Ard Bia is located in a charming little building on the Long Walk, just under the Spanish Arch (one remaining medieval wall). So cross two things off your Galway bucket list on your walk to breakfast. This is a Michelin-rated restaurant with an excellent brunch menu at an even better price.

The menu is seasonal, so I can’t recommend what I had, except to say that I’ve eaten there about five times and I’ve never been disappointed. 

This place does get busy fast, so if you don’t want to wait, get there early!

Get a Photo of the Colorful Homes of the Long Walk

After breakfast, walk along the Long Walk and check out the gorgeous homes, then cross the bridge to the other side of the River Corrib to enjoy the view from there. This is a great place to take some photos!

Go Souvenir Shopping on Shop Street

Head back to the Latin Quarter for some souvenir shopping. A few notable shops that I love visiting are Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Jewelers and Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop.

Thomas J Dillon is the original Claddagh ring maker. His red front shop still stands on the corner of Shop Street, and I highly recommend stepping inside for a chat with the friendly people working there, having a peek at the smallest Claddagh ring ever made, and learning the history behind this ring.

 I bought myself a Claddagh ring here on my very first trip to Ireland in 2015. It’s been on my finger ever since!

Charlie Byrne Bookshop is a must-see. It’s filled with at least 5 rooms of new and used books. Everything from Irish history to the hottest new fiction to meditation can be found within the shelves of Charlie Byrne’s. Pick up a book for your bus ride later today.

Visit Galway Cathedral

After you’re done shopping, walk along the River Corrib to Galway Cathedral. The Cathedral is free to enter, although a donation is suggested. Don’t plan to visit during a Mass, unless of course you want to actually attend the Mass. The first time I ever entered a wedding was taking place – slightly awkward! 

The attractions in this church are the large mosaics found behind the pulpit and along the corridors. There is also a mosaic of JFK in honor of his visit to the Cathedral (they love JFK here). 

An interesting fact about Galway Cathedral is that it was built from the stones of the prison that once stood where the Cathedral now stands.

Lunch at the Jungle Cafe

Have lunch in Galway before getting the bus to Killarney. I love the Jungle Cafe for a pre-bus lunch. Their menu is unique; I once had a stuffed sweet potato there that I am still thinking about!

It’s also just up the road from the bus station!

Dinner and Drinks in Killarney

There are a number of good pubs to visit in Killarney, but J.M. Reidy’s was my favorite. The woman working at Murphy’s recommended this spot, and it did not disappoint.

After a long bus ride, it’s an easy spot to go for dinner as well. They have both traditional Irish food and wood-fired pizza. The drinks are great, and the pub has those charming nooks and crannies of a traditional Irish pub, but also a fantastic beer garden. 

It’s a great mix of locals and tourists.

How to Get from Galway to Killarney without a Car

The best way to get from Galway to Killarney is via bus. It takes about 4 hours and requires a change in Limerick. I’ve done this before, and it was super simple. I also enjoyed a break in Limerick to use the restroom and grab a snack before the rest of the journey. 

I recommend booking with Bus Éireann as they have services for both Galway to Limerick and Limerick to Killarney. Use bus route 50 for Galway to Limerick, arriving about 2 hours later in Limerick. Limerick to Killarney is bus route 14 and takes about 2 hours.

There is no direct train route between Galway and Killarney. Taking the train would require three changes! 

The bus is the simplest way to get from Galway to Killarney

Where to Stay in Killarney

Black Sheep Hostel: A cozy hostel within walking distance to the Killarney National Park entrance. Can rent a bike from them. Check rates and availability here.

The Ross Hotel: A comfortable hotel between the train and bus station, close to the heart of Killarney. Check rates and availability here.

The Great Southern Killarney: A gorgeous hotel that looks like something out of Bridgerton, and it’s across the street from the train station. Check rates and availability here.

Day 6: Killarney 

Breakfast at Luna

Stop into Luna for an acai bowl or sausage roll before a big day in Killarney National Park. If you want a traditional Irish breakfast, try Manna Cafe & Bistro!

Cycle in Killarney National Park

The rest of your day will be spent biking in Killarney National Park! When I did this a few years ago, someone at the hostel where I was staying let me borrow their bike, which was so nice! 

In Killarney, stop at one of the many Killarney Rent a Bike locations for your bike rental.

The biggest points of interest along this loop are

• Ross Castle: Start your cycle by heading to Ross Castle, an ancient lakefront property. You can pay for an indoor tour, but I don’t think it’s worth the time or money. The views are well worth a stop.
• Muckross Abbey: From Ross Castle, return to the main road (N71) in Killarney and head toward Muckross Abbey. This Franciscan friary is free to explore at your leisure. Inside you’ll find a cemetery, rooms for living and worship, as well as an ancient Yew tree in the middle courtyard!
• Muckross House & Gardens: After checking out the abbey, head toward Muckross House & Gardens. Really, it should be called a mansion because this place is huge! I opted not to pay the €9 to enter. Instead, I wandered around the beautiful gardens before continuing on my cycle journey.
• Dinnis Cottage & the Meeting of the Waters: When you’re done at Muckross House, follow the signs toward Dinnis Cottage & the Meeting of the Waters. Along the way you’ll pass beautiful views of the upper and lower lakes. There are places you can stop to walk along the rocky shores.
  • Dinnis Cottage has a tea shop and treats if you need a snack break. Just behind Dinnis Cottage is the meeting of the waters and the view of Old Weir Bridge. This is where the upper and lower lakes of Killarney meet. It’s a quiet spot to take a break.
• Torc Waterfall: A gorgeous and easily accessible waterfall. Lock your bike on a fence in the parking lot and walk about 10 minutes to the waterfall. Beyond this waterfall are more walking paths if you’re up for it. It starts with a steep climb called Cardiac Steps, so heads up: it’s intense!

This whole route is 11 miles, and it took me about 6 hours to complete (I stopped frequently for photos). It is paved and mostly flat, so it’s not too strenuous. Towards the end, you join a two-lane road with very little space for a bike for about 15 minutes. But the cars move for you!

An alternative option to biking this is to take a jaunting car. They’ll take you to all of the highlights with much less exertion on your part.

Dinner and Drinks in Killarney

After a big day outdoors, you’re probably famished! It’s also your final night in Ireland, so treat yourself to a delicious meal and a craft cocktail at Hilliard’s. 

Alternative Options

Gap of Dunloe

If you have time, you can ride your bike through the Gap of Dunloe! The Gap runs 11km between large mountain peaks. You can also take a boat across from Ross Castle and walk one direction to Kate Kearny’s cottage, then hop on a bus back to Killarney Town.

Ring of Kerry Day Tour

The Ring of Kerry is a famous road trip near Killarney. I will be driving this in September 2026, so I’ll report back. The scenery is supposed to be spectacular.

The best way to see the Ring of Kerry without a car is with a guided day tour! It is a full-day activity, so it will be the only thing you get to do in Killarney, but it could be well worth it!

If you’re not in a rush to return to Dublin on Day 7, I’d recommend doing the Ring of Kerry Tour on your first day, then spend the morning in parts of Killarney National Park. 

Day 7: Return to Dublin

Your last full day in Ireland is kind of a transit day to prepare to fly back home.

If you are flying back on what would be day 8, spend the morning in Killarney, then take the train to Dublin Heuston.

If you are flying out today, take the Flight Link bus to Dublin Airport. Please plan accordingly as the journey from Killarney to Dublin takes at least four hours.

How to Get from Killarney to Dublin without a Car

Bus Directly to the Airport

If you are flying out today, I highly recommend taking the Flight Link bus. This bus takes you to Dublin Airport. There are a few stops along the way, but you don’t have to change buses. 

Departures start as early as midnight!

Check your flight’s departure time and ensure you arrive at the airport 3 hrs prior to departure.

Train to Dublin Heuston

If you’re staying in Dublin for one more night and flying home the following day, take the train from Killarney to Dublin Heuston. Most departures require a change in Mallow, but one is direct. The journey will take around 3.5 hours.

And if you’re staying in Dublin for one more night, enjoy!

When is the Best Time of Year for this Itinerary?

Late May and September to October are my favorite times of year to visit Ireland. These shoulder season months mean accommodation is cheaper, you’ll be able to get tickets on your desired bus route more easily, and the places on this itinerary are less crowded!

Plus, the days are long enough to maximize your sightseeing!

How much does a trip like this cost?

Since you’re not spending money on a rental car, you’re saving quite a bit of money. You can either save this money or spend it on nicer accommodations, day tours, and souvenirs!

I recently did a full budget breakdown of my recent trips to Ireland to see just how much I spend traveling there. 

If you’re not renting a car, the cost for one person to visit Ireland for a week is:

• Train and bus tickets: €130

• Activities:  €200

• Food + Drink:  €785 

• Mid-Range Accommodation:  €1,100

This comes to €2,200 for a week in Ireland. I spent another €450 on souvenirs and gifts, bringing my total closer to €2,700.

How to Pack for this Itinerary?

One of my biggest Ireland travel recommendations is to pack in a carry-on! It is a huge pain to drag a large suitcase with you on cobblestone roads and load it on and off of buses. Plus, luggage space can be limited, so it’s best to pack light!

Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes because you will be adding in extra steps between your accommodation and bus stops or train stations.

Other than that, if you follow my carry-on packing tips for Ireland, you’ll be set for this itinerary.

Ready to Plan Your Ireland Trip?

After 11 trips to Ireland, including 8 without a rental car, I can confidently say that you do not need to rent a car to have an incredible trip to Ireland.

In fact, for a one-week trip, I love this route because you get a little bit of everything: Dublin’s history and lively pubs, Galway’s colorful streets and music, the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands, and the beautiful scenery of Killarney National Park, all without having to navigate Ireland’s narrow roads yourself.

Of course, there’s still plenty to plan before you go — from figuring out what to pack to preparing for Ireland’s unpredictable weather.

That’s why I’ve created a free Ireland packing list to help you get ready for your trip.

It includes everything I recommend bringing to Ireland, including the things I’ve learned from my own trips that I wouldn’t want to forget.

Download my free Ireland packing list →

Now all that’s left is to pack your bags, hop on a train or bus, and enjoy the Emerald Isle!

Read More About Ireland Travel Planning

• How to Plan a Trip to Ireland: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Is Ireland Safe to Travel Alone as a Solo Female Traveler
• The Only Ireland Packing List You Need for Any Season
• What Not To Do In Ireland: Avoid These Tourist Mistakes in Ireland
• 20 of the Best Places to Visit in Ireland
• How to Spend 7 Days in Ireland without a Rental Car
• How to Spend Four Days in Ireland: The Ultimate Itinerary
• How to Get Around Ireland as a Solo Traveler
• How Much Does a Trip to Ireland Cost? A Realistic Budget