The ultimate Ireland itinerary - how to make the most of 7 days in Ireland

Few countries have made such enormous strides in social justice as Ireland. It has swung from deep-seated conservatism based on all-powerful Roman Catholic teachings to a nation that overwhelmingly voted to legalise gay marriage before electing an openly-gay Taoiseach (Prime Minister). Welcoming to all people, LGBT+ visitors to Ireland will experience nothing but smiles and warm welcomes wherever you go.

The star of Kilkenny is its impressive Norman castle on the River Nore, which was home to the aristocratic Butler family from the twelfth century right up to 1967 when it was sold to the people of Kilkenny for a ceremonial price of £50. Be sure to also save some time for the even older Round Tower at St Canice’s Cathedral, and its spectacular views over the area. If you’re in need of sustenance, try Kytlers Inn, the town’s oldest pub, or visit the Smithwicks Ale Experience to get to grips with Ireland’s ale obsession.

Stroll through the pleasant streets of Ireland’s second-biggest city first thing, stopping off at Crawford Art Gallery, a bastion of contemporary Irish artworks. Come lunchtime head for a sumptuous lunch at the café on the mezzanine floor of the beautiful eighteenth-century covered English Market – a perfect break whatever the weather.

In the afternoon, take the lovely 30-minute drive to the coast at Cobh. This picturesque town was the last port of call for six million Irish citizens seeking a new life aboard, as well as the final stop for the Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage, as told at Cobh Heritage Centre.

Day 4 sees you explore Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast. The motorway network may be the quickest way to reach County Clare from Cork – a journey of around two and a half hours – but we’d seriously recommend making the most of the incredible landscapes hereabouts by taking the slow roads north towards the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Burren’s dramatic karst landscape is dotted with caves. If you’ve time for only one, make it Doolin Cave, home to one of the world’s largest stalactites. Then continue to Moher’s sheer shale cliffs – the tallest in Europe at 200 metres high. Find yourself a cosy countryside bed and breakfast, or overnight in Galway and hit the ground running tomorrow morning.

You’ll find Dublin a mere 2.5 hours along the motorway from Galway despite it being on the opposite side of the country. There’s really no time to lose in your Ireland trip plan, given the Irish capital’s wealth of attractions. Dublin Castle’s State Rooms are a must for anyone besotted by glamourous interiors, while the Guinness Storehouse Brewery Tour provides a behind the scene’s look (and taste) into Ireland’s most famous export. Above all, be sure to leave plenty of time for ‘craic’ (pronounced ‘crack’) – that enjoyable and charismatic conversation that makes Dublin such a phenomenal destination, as our dedicated Dublin City Guide explains.