This 7 day Ireland itinerary follows Ireland’s Ancient East in a loop from Dublin Airport, taking in 5,000 years of history: Newgrange, Trim Castle, Kilkenny, the Rock of Cashel and Glendalough. It suits first-time visitors with a rental car, and it starts with three nights in the Boyne Valley, 45 minutes north of the airport.
The route at a glance
- Day 1: Dublin Airport to the Boyne Valley (about 45 minutes)
- Day 2: Newgrange and Slane
- Day 3: Trim Castle and the Hill of Tara
- Day 4: Drive south to Kilkenny (about 2 hours)
- Day 5: The Rock of Cashel (about 1 hour from Kilkenny)
- Day 6: Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains
- Day 7: Back to Dublin Airport (about 1 hour 15 minutes from Glendalough)
Days 1 to 3: the Boyne Valley
Day 1: land and settle in
Pick up your car at Dublin Airport and drive north on the M1. You avoid the city entirely and reach Monasterboice in about 45 minutes. Spend the afternoon at the round tower and high crosses beside Tower Lodge; our Monasterboice guide explains what to look for. For more on why this works so well, read your first night in Ireland.
Day 2: Newgrange and Slane
Newgrange is older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza, and it is the highlight of the trip for most visitors. Tours leave from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and must be booked ahead. Our Newgrange guide covers tickets and timing. Finish the day at Slane, with its castle views and the Hill of Slane.
Day 3: Trim Castle and the Hill of Tara
Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, begun in 1172 and later used as a filming location for Braveheart. The Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings, is a short drive away and makes a peaceful afternoon walk.
Days 4 to 6: Kilkenny, Cashel and Wicklow
Day 4: Kilkenny
Drive south for about two hours to Kilkenny, a compact medieval city with lanes of shops and pubs. Visit Kilkenny Castle and its parkland, and stay the night in the city.
Day 5: the Rock of Cashel
An hour west of Kilkenny, the Rock of Cashel rises above the Tipperary plain, once the seat of the kings of Munster. Allow a couple of hours, then return to Kilkenny or stay near Cashel.
Day 6: Glendalough
Head east into the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough, the early monastic settlement founded by St Kevin, set between two lakes. Walk the lakeside trails, then stay locally or move closer to Dublin.
Day 7: back to Dublin Airport
Glendalough is about an hour and a quarter from Dublin Airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, there is time for a final walk before you drive.
Where to stay for the Boyne Valley nights
Tower Lodge is a restored barn beside the Monasterboice round tower, sleeping four in a king room and a twin room. Three nights here lets you unpack once, see the best of the Boyne Valley without rushing, and get over jet lag before the longer drives south. See more ideas in the best things to see and do in the Boyne Valley.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Ireland’s Ancient East?
Yes, for the highlights. A week covers the Boyne Valley, Kilkenny, Cashel and Glendalough without long drives on any one day.
Do I need to book Newgrange in advance?
Yes. Access is by guided tour from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, and tickets should be booked ahead through Heritage Ireland.
Where should I stay first in Ireland’s Ancient East?
The Boyne Valley, 45 minutes north of Dublin Airport. It is the closest part of the Ancient East to the airport and home to Newgrange.
