3 weeks in Ireland May 2025

We are an Australian couple in our 70’s wanting to experience all Ireland has to offer.
We’ll be flying in and out of Dublin and renting a car at the airport.
Apart from thinking we should head south to begin with, and find a place to stay for the first couple of nights, we have no clue where we should stay!  I thought we should book somewhere to begin with, then wing it for the rest of the trip as we won’t know where we’ll be!  Will we have difficulty finding overnight accommodation in May without pre-booking?
So I guess my first question would be a suggestion of a pretty village within a couple of hours of Dublin?
We do have books and maps, but I thought perhaps suggestions wouldn’t go astray either!
Many thanks
Christine

Hi Cristine,

How exciting that you're going on your dream journey to Ireland!

First of all, regarding accommodation. In May, the tourist season in Ireland is not yet in full swing, but it's definitely busier than during winter. You could wing it, but especially in more popular destinations you might be better off pre-booking. To get some inspiration, check this accommodation page.

Now, onto the exciting part - your itinerary! You mentioned wanting to explore Ireland's Ancient East by heading South from Dublin.

For County Wicklow, Glendalough and some of the other stunning forest walks are a must-do. You could even do a part of the Wicklow Way.  From Wicklow, you could go to Kilkenny. Kilkenny is a lovely town that would put you pretty central, so definitely a great suggestion for booking a stay. From Kilkenny it's also easy to visit Rock of Cashel.

If you prefer to go more South from Wicklow instead, you could pay a visit to County Wexford instead. Stradbally is a lovely village to stay in, and from there you could explore Hook Lighthouse.

Two other cute villages/towns in the South where there's lots to do are Kinsale and Cobh in County Cork. From there you could explore the Malin Head or the Ring of Beara.

I hope this helps you get started!
Let me know if you have any other questions.

Le Grá,
Alinde

Hi Christine,

These are some fantastic suggestions by Alinde! 

Another great option to consider is Enniskerry in County Wicklow. It’s only about 30 minutes from Dublin, so it’s a quick and easy drive after your flight, making it a great spot to relax and settle in for your first couple of days. This little village has colorful shopfronts, cozy cafes, and a friendly atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.

One of Enniskerry’s highlights is the Powerscourt Estate and Gardens. You can take a relaxed walk through beautiful terraces, explore the Japanese garden, and even visit Ireland’s highest waterfall nearby. It’s a great spot to unwind and ease into the slower pace of life here. The village is also a gateway to the Wicklow Mountains, giving you easy access to scenic drives like Sally Gap or a day trip to Glendalough Valley. 

Starting your trip here will set the tone for a relaxed and flexible journey. May is a lovely time to visit, and while winging it is usually fine, having your first couple of nights booked is a good idea to take the pressure off after your flight. After that, enjoy the freedom of seeing where the Irish roads (and maybe a bit of luck!) take you. ☘️

Wishing you an unforgettable trip!

Arvind

It sounds like an incredible adventure!

Since Alinde and Arvind have given you some fantastic suggestions for your first stop, I’ll add a couple more ideas to help shape your journey.

If you’re open to a slightly longer drive on your first day, Cashel in County Tipperary could be a wonderful place to stay. It’s around 2 hours from Dublin and home to the Rock of Cashel.
The town itself is charming, with traditional pubs, making it a great spot to rest before continuing your travels.

If you’re considering a mix of well-known sights and hidden gems, you might want to explore villages like Ardmore in Waterford or Eyeries on the Beara Peninsula.
May is a great time for these areas, as everything will be open, but it’s still before peak season.

Hope this gives you more ideas!
Wishing you a fantastic journey. ☘️