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The essential guide to visiting Ireland

Here’s everything you need to know about exploring the Emerald Isle—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.

Why you should visit Ireland

Landscapes as green and lovely as everyone says. Literary giants in Dublin; Titanic history in Belfast. A pint and good craic in a traditional pub. The lure of Celtic legends .

Best time to visit Ireland

Spring: Easter and St. Patrick’s Day draw crowds, but not quite as many as in the summer. It’s a bit easier to navigate popular sites in the bigger cities like Dublin and enjoy wildflower-dotted areas along the western coast .

Summer: The peak season brings plenty of events, like the Galway Arts Festival . Cycle a trail like the Great Western Greenway , kayak a blueway , or hike in Connemara National Park .

Autumn:   October festivals, such as the Cork Jazz Festival and the enthralling Púca   Halloween festival in County Meath, start filling the calendar. It’s also a great time to sample the local harvest at farmers markets in towns and villages.

Winter : It rarely snows in Ireland, but it rains quite a bit. There are fewer crowds, so winter visitors will feel more of the local vibe, especially in the pubs. Christmas is big, with holiday events like Winterval in Waterford.

Lay of the land

Cities: Capital city Dublin is easy to explore on foot, with Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells , not far from the EPIC Irish emigration museum beside the River Liffey. Laid-back Galway has a thriving arts and music scene plus ferries to the Aran Islands . County Cork and Limerick are market counties, with the historic English Market at the former and the Milk Market in the latter. Known for its shipping history —and mid20th-century troubles— Belfast is also gaining recognition for its food scene .

East:   In County Wicklow, get lost in Powerscourt and Mount Usher gardens or hike in Wicklow Mountains National Park . In County Meath, history buffs find Neolithic monuments Newgrange and Knowth , plus other Boyne Valley treasures like Trim Castle and Loughcrew Cairns .

Southeast:   The city of Waterford’s Viking roots are on display at the Waterford Treasures museums. In Kilkenny city, follow the Medieval Mile walking trail and explore the narrow alleyways that reveal hundreds of years of history.

Southwest:   Backdropped by mountains like the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, gorgeous peninsulas, and colorful harbors, Cork and Kerry draw artists and writers. Killarney National Park and the Dingle Peninsula are sightseeing favorites during long summer days.

West:   The sea-lashed Cliffs of Moher and the otherworldly limestone plateaus of The Burren are just a few miles apart in County Clare. To the north, County Galway is home to the blanket bogs of Connemara . County Mayo preserves Céide Fields , one of the world’s oldest archaeological sites.

( Follow the trail of Ireland’s legendary pirate queen .)

Northwest:   Flat-topped mountains like Ben Bulben and Knocknarea overlook County Sligo ’s lively surfing scene. Donegal is famed for Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) sea cliffs, endless golden beaches, and hilly or lakeside hiking trails at Glenveagh National Park .

The Midlands:   The River Shannon , the country’s longest waterway, snakes through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and feeds into Lough Derg , popular for boating. Clonmacnoise , founded in A.D. 544, preserves the ruins of one of Ireland’s most influential monastic sites.

Northern Ireland:   The Causeway Coast leads to the natural wonders Giant’s Causeway and the Glens of Antrim . Visit Derry for its walled city and history. The Mourne Mountains are ideal for solitude and sea views.

Getting around Ireland

By plane:   There are daily flights between Dublin Airport and regional hubs including Kerry Airport and Donegal Airport .

By bus:   Bus Eireann is the national operator with local services in cities and towns. It also runs the inter-city Expressway . Private bus services, such as GoBus.ie , connects cities. Plan journeys via the app or website Transport for Ireland . Services in Northern Ireland are run by Translink .

By train:   The rail network is operated by Irish Rail/   Iarnród Éireann , with good connections between main cities and towns. Trains from Dublin to Galway or Cork take around 2.5 hours. Rail services in Northern Ireland are operated by Translink .

By car: Driving in Ireland is on the left. Ireland’s network of motorways (M) includes the M1 from Dublin to Belfast, the M6 crossing the country from Dublin to Galway, and the M8 from Dublin to Cork. Road types include national (N), regional (R), and local (L). Regional and local roads can be narrow and winding, so allow for plenty of time.

By boat: There are seasonal and year-round passenger ferries servicing Ireland’s populated offshore islands such as the Aran Islands. These are for foot passengers (visitors can’t bring cars to the islands).

( Uncover the hidden legends along Ireland’s southern coast .)

Know before you go

Irish language: Irish and English are the country’s two official languages. Irish (a Gaelic language but not called Gaelic in Ireland) was the country’s first language until the 19th century, when English became dominant. While 40 percent of the population can speak some Irish, it is only spoken daily by about 2 percent of the population, particularly in the Gaeltacht , where place names and road signs are in Irish.

Hours:   Some restaurants open only three or four days, especially in smaller towns or during low season (October to Easter). Kitchens can close as early as 8 p.m.

LGBTQ+ : In 2015, Ireland became the first country to approve same-sex marriage by referendum . Ireland has lively LGBTQ+ communities in the larger cities like Dublin, Galway, and Belfast, and a calendar of pride festivals .

How to visit Ireland sustainably

Outdoors: Help preserve habitats by staying on the main trails and boardwalks. Consider joining a tour led by a registered guide to reduce your impact. Leave no trace—remove trash when picnicking or camping.

Shopping: Purchase from independent shops, markets, and small farms. Look for sustainable souvenirs and locally-made gifts like Aran wool sweaters, pottery and ceramics (the label will indicate where they are made).

Dining: Ireland is a land of fishers, farmers, and makers, so eating local isn’t too difficult. Plus, there are several sustainable tourism initiatives, including Origin Green ’s certification program for food producers. Food tours are easy eco-friendly options, but you can also find individual spots on Tourism Ireland’s website. Tap water is drinkable , so bring a reusable bottle.

What to read

A Short History of Ireland , by John Gibney. The historian takes you through five centuries, from 1500 to 2000, covering key events including the Great Famine and the fight for independence.

Dubliners , by James Joyce. The famed novelist’s collection of short stories depicts life in Dublin in the 1900s.

Travelers’ Tales Ireland: True Stories , by James O’Reilly, Sean O’Reilly, and Larry Habegger. Short stories like kayaking around an island and climbing Ireland’s holiest mountain capture some of the country’s magic.

( For more tips on what to do in Ireland, see our Explorer’s Guide .)

Related Topics

• CITY GUIDES
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• FOOD TOURISM
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

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Top 10 things to know before traveling to Ireland

Mar 27, 2024 • 8 min read

From pub etiquette to catching public transport – here's what you need to know before you go to Ireland © Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

A lifetime of living in Ireland has given me some insight into the vagaries of my home country, beginning with the number one rule: never assume anything. This is a country that delights in confounding even your most comfortable expectations about pretty much everything, from the weather to the quality of the wifi.

Here are 10 tips that I’m pretty comfortable giving anyone who plans a visit, whether for the first time or the fifth. I’ve got some practical tips around VAT refunds and the most efficient ways to get around, but then there’s a bunch of suggestions on how to crack the mightiest nut of all – the Irish themselves. Because be in no doubt, while Ireland has gorgeous landscapes, a rich history and the best pubs in the world, your visit will only be truly memorable if you get to know the people – friendly and welcoming but often contradictory and inscrutable.

1. Plan on at least seven days to start making sense of the country

Ireland is small, but there’s an awful lot to it. Luckily, distances in Ireland aren’t huge so you can get most anywhere in a few hours, but the list of where to go can get very long, very quickly.

It’ll take you a couple of days to even begin to make a dent in Dublin , but once you go beyond the capital you’ll need at least five days to make a lightening stop tour of the major highlights of the west: Galway and Connemara, Clare (where you’ll find the Cliffs of Moher and the most authentic traditional music in the country), Kerry (you’ll need a whole day just for the Ring of Kerry and another for the Dingle Peninsula ) and Cork , only it’s time to go home so you can only make enough time for Cork City .

Clearly the only solution is to plan for a month; at the end of it, you’ll be wanting to stay a year. 

2. Keep it to casual wear

The Irish aren’t big on formal wear and only pull it out for very specific occasions (a wedding, a ball, the opening of a parliamentary session). Which means you can wear pretty much whatever you want: smart casual is the most you'll need for fancy dinners, the theatre or the concert hall.

Irish summers are warm but rarely hot, so you'll want something extra when the temperatures cool, especially in the evening. Ultimately the ever-changeable weather will determine your outfits, but a light waterproof jacket should never be beyond reach for the almost-inevitable rain. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking – in cities or on hills – a good pair of walking shoes, preferably waterproof, will do the trick.

Add these top beaches around Ireland to your travel itinerary. 

3. The land of a 100,000 welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – literally, 100,000 welcomes. The famous Irish greeting suggests a country that is big on displays of affection, but nothing could be further from the truth. A firm handshake – with eye contact – is the appropriate greeting when meeting men, women and older children for the first time. Once a friendship is made, then all bets are off and anything goes, from a hug and a kiss on the cheek (primarily amongst female friends) to an air nod and a casual "hey".

Younger Irish are less formal than their older counterparts, but even they generally eschew effusive greetings: more often than not, a quick handshake and a casual nod is the best way to say hello for the first time.

4. The Irish love to talk, until they don’t

The Irish are renowned for their chat, but with people they don’t know particularly well they generally like to keep it to topics that are light and not likely to embarrass. Despite their gregarious nature, the Irish tend to be reserved when it comes to life’s more serious issues and are very mistrustful of "oversharers". 

The old adage that the Irish will talk about anything except sex, religion and politics is something of an over-simplification, but if you do find yourself steering into deeper waters around sensitive topics it’s always better to listen: locals aren’t shy about getting into heated discussion amongst themselves about all kinds of topics but take a dim view of outsiders who express (even legitimate) criticisms of Ireland or the Irish.

5. You’d better learn about the rounds system

It’s a firm rule of drinking with locals. If someone buys you a drink, you’re obliged to buy them one back – this is the bedrock of Irish pub culture. Nothing will hasten your fall from social grace here like the failure to uphold this pub law. 

The time to repay the drink you’re drinking? It’s when the person you’re drinking with is just about to finish theirs. It doesn’t matter if you’re halfway through your own drink at that moment: you can’t let your drinking buddy sit in front of an empty glass. Your greatest challenge will probably be trying to keep up with your fellow drinkers, who may keep buying you drinks in every round even when you've still got a collection of unfinished pints in front of you and you're sliding face first down the bar.

6. The best way to visit cities is on foot or by public transport

Driving and parking in Irish cities is a nightmare. There’s no free parking anywhere; the unrelenting traffic will test even the most patient of drivers; and the one-way systems in major urban centres will confound you to the point of madness (although map apps are pretty good at pointing you in the right direction).

The good news is you don’t need a car to visit any Irish city. Dublin, the biggest by far, has a pretty decent system of public transport, but even then most of the major sights are within walking distance of each other. Same goes for Cork, Belfast, Limerick and Galway, which are more easily explored without a car.

Save this guide to the best road trips in Ireland.

7. The easiest way to explore Ireland is by car

If cities are best experienced without a car, the most effective way to explore the rest of the country is with one. The bus network, made up of a mix of public and private operators, is extensive and generally quite competitive, though journey times can be slow and lots of the points of interest outside towns are not served. The rail network is quicker but more limited, serving only some major towns and cities. Both buses and trains get busy during peak times; you'll need to book in advance to be guaranteed a seat. 

Cars can be hired in every major town and city. The Irish drive on the left hand side; distances and speed limits in the Republic are measured in kilometres, but once you cross the invisible border into Northern Ireland everything switches to miles.

8. Ireland is good cycling country

Ireland's compact size and scenic landscapes make it a good cycling destination, albeit one you need to prepare for. The weather is unreliable, roads can be very narrow and Irish drivers tend to drive quickly, even on those narrow roads. A growing network of greenways, such as the 42km Great Western Greenway in County Mayo and the Royal Canal Greenway that runs through the midlands, are a great and hassle-free way to see the country from two wheels. A good tip for cyclists in the west is that the prevailing winds make it easier to cycle from south to north. 

Buses will carry bikes, but only if there’s room. Intercity trains will also carry bikes, but you’ll need to book a space in advance as there’s limited capacity. Suburban rail services in Dublin won’t take bikes during rush hour (7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm). A number of Irish companies arrange cycle tours, including Go Visit Ireland  and Cycling Safaris .

9. Pick the right season to travel in Ireland

June to mid-September is high season: the weather is at its best and the most popular parts of the country – Dublin , Kerry and the southern and western coasts – are at their busiest. The downside is big crowds and the highest rates for accommodation and car hire.

Rates drop off from mid-September as the crowds start to thin, but most tourist spots are still open to take advantage of the last weeks of the season. Although weather can never be predicted with any degree of accuracy, the weather can be surprisingly lovely right up to mid-October.

Low season runs from November to the middle of March; Irish winter days are short, damp and cold, but the upside is fewer visitors and some terrific accommodation deals. A lot of the west coast goes into winter hibernation, though, with a lot of attractions and hotels closing down; if you’re planning to visit during this time you should check what’s open before you travel.   

Ready to head to Ireland? These are the best times to visit.

10. Claim your VAT back if you’re visiting from outside the EU

Most goods come with value-added tax (VAT) of 23%, which non-EU residents can claim back as part of the Retail Export Scheme, so long as the purchase was made with a credit card. Visitors from the UK can also benefit from this, but not visitors from Northern Ireland.

Before making a purchase, check with the retailer that they operate the scheme. If they do, you will be issued an export voucher for the purchase, which you need to get certified by customs when you leave Ireland. The voucher is sent back to the retailer who then refunds you the VAT (minus any processing fee). 

Rather than operate the scheme themselves, many retailers use VAT-refunding agencies, whereby you go through the same process of presenting the agency’s own certificate at customs. Some agencies, though, operate a scheme where you don’t pay any VAT upfront, but if you don’t file the paperwork correctly (either sending it back to the agency or presenting it to customs) your card will be charged later. Some goods such as books, children's clothing and educational items are excluded from VAT.

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22 Travel Tips For Ireland For First-Time Visitors

Categories Travel Guides

Going to Ireland for the first time? This lush green country, aptly named ‘ Emerald Isle ’ sure packs a punch when it comes to attractions.

There are diverse landscapes, ancient archeological structures, old churches and lots of castles . It’s not the biggest country in the world but daunting nonetheless.

Ireland is an easy country to get around in, the Irish are warm and accommodating, and going there looks like a huge epic adventure. Make the most of your trip by taking into consideration these travel tips for Ireland.

Things you'll find in this article

Travel Tips Before Going to Ireland 

Travel tips for staying in ireland , travel tips in eating in ireland , travel tips getting around ireland, travel tips for enjoying ireland .

1. Ireland is a great place to visit any time of the year because of its mild, temperate climate.

However, if you want to be sure that most attractions are accessible or open, the best time to visit is during the shoulder season.

These are months that are in between the peak and low seasons. There’s March to May and September to November . During these months, temperatures are still mild, tourist sites are less congested and you’d definitely enjoy the beauty of the Emerald Isle.

2. Ireland is beautiful at any time of the year but it also has pretty unpredictable weather. Expect rain, even during summer.

It’s best to be always prepared so pack an umbrella, slip-proof shoes, a cardigan, and a waterproof jacket to stay warm and dry. Check out this packing list for Ireland for all seasons . 

Dark Hedges, Image by Christine Rogador

3. Don’t forget to bring your adapter plug, especially if you travel with multiple electronic devices.

You would surely want to capture and document your trip so your cellphone and camera needs to be fully charged before you leave your hostel or hotel. Pack your adapter to help save time while in Ireland with a busy itinerary. 

4. An essential advice not just when traveling to Ireland but to any other country is to buy travel insurance.

Good travel insurance will protect you and take care of you when you get sick or injured while traveling, as well as during theft and cancellations.

It is pretty much your very own comprehensive protection if anything goes wrong while you’re on vacation. Never go on any trip without it. 

5. Make sure to check first if you need a visa to go to Ireland to avoid unnecessary inconveniences. For Philippine passport holders like me, you can check out this guide on how to apply for Ireland Tourist Visa for Filipinos. 

6. If you’re looking for an easy way to save some cash while in Ireland, it’s best to stay in a hostel. They’re cheap, give you access to the bare necessities and usually includes free breakfast. Check out this list of places to stay by cities . 

7. However, even if it’s slightly pricier, a bed and breakfast is a great option as well. You get to stay in a homey atmosphere, and has additional opportunities to interact with locals.

Bed and breakfasts and guesthouses also often serve Irish food instead of getting them in pricier restaurants outside. These accommodations are often in old or historic houses, some are even in castles. 

8. You can also combine your accommodation choices. For example, stay in a hostel when in big cities like Dublin or Belfast, then book a guesthouse then in smaller cities or towns. 

9. Take advantage of the free food, especially free breakfast in your accommodations. Be sure to eat right before going anywhere. 

10. Ireland has some cool low-cost local supermarkets. Take advantage of these by buying some basic pick-me-ups like canned or bottled juice, cereal bars, digestive biscuits, and crisps.

They come in handy when you get hungry in between exploring sights or during long-distance trips to the countryside. 

11. A great way to save some cash is to eat early, whether it’s lunch or dinner. Many restaurants in Ireland offer budget lunch nor dinner to the’early birds’ and they’re cheaper.

There isn’t a lot of options though as they’re usually set meals. It is another way to experience local cuisine, too! 

12. Try at least any of the food and drinks that Ireland is known for. Have the traditional Irish breakfast , some stew, bangers, and mash or even fish and chips.

Have a pint of Guinness, a glass of whiskey or Irish coffee. Trying these definitely adds to the experience. 

13. Ireland has excellent public transportation, so take advantage of it especially in the big cities. Most offer free wifi, have friendly drivers and are known to always arrive on time. 

14. If you want to save more, get a LEAP card . This is a card you can top up to use on Ireland’s public transportation. With the card, you get discounts on fares compared to cash tickets. It’s very useful in Dublin and Belfast as well as Cork , Galway , Limerick , and Waterford . 

You can also get a Dublin Pass that will give you access to over 30 attractions in Dublin for free and a hop-off and hop-on bus tour. You can get it Dublin Pass . 

15. If you’d like to explore Ireland past the big cities at your own pace, it is best to rent a car. It’s quite easy to rent a car in Ireland and in the long run, it will be your cheapest option. 

Renting (or hiring) a car is also a fantastic way to see most of the Emerald Isle as there’s a lot of scenic drives going from one city or town to another. If you’re unfamiliar with driving rules in Ireland, you can check out this guide for driving in Ireland . 

Where to Book: Rentalcars.

16. Try ridesharing, which is another lowcost means of transportation for visitors in Ireland.

Here, you only have to pass a small background check to get approved. The drivers who rideshare are also registered and vetted. Once approved, the driver will pick you up.

With this option, you only need to pitch in for gas. Two good ridesharing apps you can try are BlaBlaCar and CarpoolWorld

17. Be sure to get a Heritage card — it’s a card you can to up and gives you access to some of the best attractions across Ireland. Specifically, the Heritage card gives free admission to site managed by the Office of Public Works.

These include Dublin Castle , Ennis Friary, the Iveagh Gardens, Glenveagh National Park, Killarney National Park, Ross Castle , and more. This is valid for a year so you can explore as much as you want here.

18. When in cafes, restaurants or even spas, know that Ireland does not have a set culture on tipping.  However, a few euros will be very much appreciated easily especially for exceptional service. Check out this tipping tips for Ireland.  

19. Don’t drink too much when in a pub. If you’re trying to save but want to experience Ireland’s pub culture, go ahead and order a pint of Guinness. Pub drinks are a bit pricer, so stick to just one pint.

A fantastic way to do this is to find a pub with a great atmosphere and especially one with a band that features traditional Irish music. Then, you can order one drink and enjoy the rest of the evening

20. Talk to as many locals as possible — in your hotel or bed and breakfast, a pub or wherever you happen to be. The Irish are a friendly, accommodating lot and are happy to help out visitors to their country. 

21. You should absolutely visit Northern Ireland . It’s a long drive bit truly worth it. Visit Belfast, drive along the Causeway Coastal Route or see the gorgeous town of Portrush . 

22. Ireland is 32,595 square miles (84,421 square kilometers) and is packed full of sights. Pace yourself and don’t squeeze ten attractions in a single day or two.

When in Ireland, you may opt to visit just a few sights or try around two interesting activities in a day. Be sure to really enjoy and savor each place you visit. 

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

Céad míle fáilte!

Welcome to Travel Around Ireland!

I’m Cath, a Dublin girl, avid traveller, and lover of all things Ireland.

I want to help you plan a trip to Ireland that will be unforgettable and help you fall hopelessly in love with the Emerald Isle.

With my local expert knowledge, you can experience the best that Ireland has to offer and create a trip of a lifetime.

The Emerald Isle will always be home to me, despite now being an Irish expat and living abroad.

I return to Ireland every year to see my family, and to explore the far corners of the Emerald Isle so I can share my experiences with YOU.

Come explore this beautiful corner of Europe with me! Let’s discover Ireland together!

READ MORE .

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Magical. Lively. Green!

What's it like to travel to Ireland? You could try to envision it - you can dream about it, you can look at photos, you can read every travel book - but in the end, it's impossible to know unless you go. See it for yourself and discover what you knew was always there, and find a few surprises too.

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From the boisterous characters at the local pub to the vibrant citizens of Dublin, the Irish are a gracious and generous lot. It’s often a chance encounter or rare moment that makes travel in Ireland special. As the natives will tell you, “go where Ireland takes you.” No matter if you have always dreamt of strolling the streets of a picturesque village or exploring a stately castle, Ireland and its people eagerly await your arrival.

Destination Must-Sees

Cliffs of Moher:

Stand in absolute awe of these series of cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay as well as other iconic sites. Go to O’Brien’s Tower which stands near the highest point of the cliffs and has been a favorite viewing spot for hundreds of years.

Giant’s Causeway:

Giant’s Causeway was formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity that produced “stepping stones” that look like an old cobbled road leading mysteriously into the sea. This is a UNESCO site and an absolute must-see.

Dublin, the “Fair City”:

This modern yet traditional capital city of Ireland is filled to the brim with charm! Fall in love while strolling through the city’s rows of magnificent Georgian townhouses. See St. Patrick’s Cathedral which dates back to the 13th century.

Destination Must-Do's

Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about the brewing process that produces this beloved beer. Savor this world-famous Irish stout (dark beer) that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness located in Dublin.

Irish House Party:

Just a few minutes from the city center in an 18th century townhouse, you’ll enjoy an incredible and fun experience in Dublin. Join in the toe-tapping, rocking fun of this popular music showcase featuring traditional Irish dancing and music at their best.

40 Shades of Green:

Listen up – this melodic song about Ireland was written and performed by American country singer Johnny Cash in 1958. He recalled singing this song in Ireland and being told that it sounded like an old Irish folk tune. Listen to it to set the mood for your trip.

Ah, pubs are THE place to grab a pint of your favorite beverage, relax, and join in socializing with the locals. Strike up a conversation and hear great stories from Ireland’s rich bank of folklore. This is a vibrant, warm and welcoming place to truly get to know the people of Ireland.

Expert Advice

If you have some extra time before your tour begins to explore Dublin, you'll find plenty to do! The public bus service allows you to easily make your way around, or perhaps hop on a double decker sightseeing bus which loops through the city, giving you access to some of the city’s highlights.

As you prepare to explore Ireland — the verdant Emerald Isle — enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers and can be added or removed as the temperature changes.

While cooking in Ireland can be considered simple, it’s also quite modern and tasty. Favorites like fish and chips, Irish breakfasts, potatoes prepared in various ways, soda bread, Irish stew and shellfish are quite common. All in all, you will eat very well during your time exploring Ireland.

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Ultimate IRELAND Travel Guide

Ireland is a country located in Northwestern Europe .  Dublin is the capital and well worth spending some time in. The whole country is gorgeous and we can’t say enough good things about how amazing a visit to this country is for the traveler.

We spent 3 full weeks road-tripping and this is our extensive Ireland travel guide to help you plan your trip.

Between the landscapes, colors, pub culture and history you could easily max out a 90-day visa, although most travelers spend an average of 2 weeks in the country.

One of the biggest highlights is renting a car upon arrival and heading off on a road trip to  explore the Wild Atlantic Way .

Destinations

Ireland travel: quick tips, don’t visit ireland without:.

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

IRELAND BUCKET LIST

See the cliffs of moher.

This is one of the most famous natural places in all of Europe and is an Ireland itinerary must. Looking out over the Atlantic Ocean truly makes you feel like you’re on the edge of the world. 

DRINK GUINNESS IN A PUB

Ireland has a very fun and intense pub culture that you simply cannot miss during a visit. Belly up to the bar, order a Guinness and get ready to converse with the locals. They love to chat and share their stories.

DRIVE THE RING OF KERRY

One of the most scenic driving routes in Ireland, the  Ring of Kerry  navigates the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and south coast. Along the way, you can expect plenty of mountains, moss, and narrow roads. 

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN IRELAND

There is no shortage of great things to do in Ireland during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each city has it’s own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our city guides once you decide where you’re itinerary will take you.

HIKE IN THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS:   Just south of Dublin is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Ireland, the Wicklow Mountains. While it’s possible to visit on a day trip from Dublin, we’d recommend you spend at least one night. There are many hiking trails, lakes and forests to explore here. Also, don’t miss a stop at  Glendalough .

KISS THE BLARNEY STONE:  One of the most time-honored tourist traditions is to pay a visit to Blarney Castle. Aside from exploring the beautiful grounds, you can climb to the top to kiss the infamous stone that is said to give you the gift of the gab.

VISIT THE TITANIC MUSEUM IN CORK:  One of the last ports of call for the  RMS Titanic , before it sailed off into the Atlantic and on to its fate, was in Cork, Ireland. Here, you can your a well put together museum on the ship, the passengers and what it would have been like to sail on this mega-ship.

DRIVE THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY:  One of the best road trips in the world is to set off on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. Heading south from Dublin, this route follows the coast taking you to places like the Rock of Cashel, Cork, the Ring of Kerry, Killarney, Limerick, the Dingle Peninsula, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, to name a few. It is the ultimate exploration of this beautiful country.

GO PUB HOPPING IN DUBLIN:  Head to the historical downtown in Dublin and embark on an evening of colorful pub hopping. This popular area has multiple pubs along several blocks, including the famous Temple Bar. Many offer live music.

TOUR THE CAUSEWAY COAST:  While this road trip route along the  Causeway Coast  is located in Northern Ireland, it is worth a side trip while you’re touring around Ireland. This route features the city of Belfast, the Dark Hedges, Giants Causeway, Carrik A Rede Bridge and Dunluce Castle, along with other  Game of Thrones  filming locations.

SEE PUFFINS AT SKELLIG MICHAEL:  Take a tiny boat out into the Atlantic Ocean from Portmagee, where you’ll be headed for the  Skellig Islands . It is here that you can spend time climbing several stones laid as stairs up to the top of the island. Along the way, if you visit during the right time of the year, you’ll be able to observe hundreds of nesting puffins.

HAVE DINNER AT BUNRATTY CASTLE:  One of the coolest things you can do in Ireland is to have dinner at Bunratty Castle. But this isn’t any normal dinner, this is a medieval-themed dinner held in the castles great hall. It’s like stepping back in time as you eat period meals, served in a traditional way with good entertainment too.

CLIMB CARRAUNTOOHILL:  If you love to hike, then climbing the tallest mountain in Ireland should be on your must-do list.  Carrauntoohill  can be summited in a full day hiking trip and gives you some spectacular views over the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.

GO HORSE TREKKING IN DINGLE:  Calling all horse lovers, have you ever dreamed of galloping on the beach? This would be an adventure for you. Offering day trips to multi-day overnight trips, you can explore the Dingle Peninsula by horseback. It’s surreal to gallop along the beaches and ride past castles that sit in the lush landscapes.

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

Irish food is characterized by hearty meals and filling dishes that will quickly warm you up after an inevitably rainy day. The best place to try traditional Irish food is generally in the local pub, where you can wash a hot stew or a pie down with a heavy pint of Guinness.

In the cities though, you’ll also find a cosmopolitan fusion of international restaurants and bars from across the world, that provide Ireland with an excellent culinary scene.

IRISH STEW:  A classic Irish Stew makes use of almost anything that’s available in the kitchen or in the fields. Take potatoes, turnips, carrots, onions and whatever else you can find, and chuck them in with mutton, beef, chicken or any other meat. Stew it all up, slowly of course, and you’ve got yourself an Irish Stew.

IRISH BREAKFAST: Start the day well with a full Irish Breakfast. Similar to its famous English neighbor, the Irish Breakfast is a fry up of mammoth proportions, that’s guaranteed to keep you fuelled for hours. Take sausages, bacon, eggs, black pudding, beans, toast, and anything else you fancy and fry it all up for breakfast.

SHELLFISH:  With an extensive coastline, Ireland has access to a huge range of shellfish, and coastal cities like Galway are famed for their ability to prepare the likes of mussels and oysters to a high standard.

IRISH FESTIVALS

ST PATRICKS DAY:  Easily the biggest celebration in Ireland, St Patricks Day is a festival that has spread all over the world, thanks to the huge Irish diaspora. Mostly associated with the drinking of Guinness and copious amounts of other alcohol while you wear green, St Patricks Day is actually much more than this, and it’s a deep-rooted cultural and religious day devoted to Ireland’s patron saint. You’ll find parades and celebrations across the country, but the biggest events happen in Dublin. Expect things to be busy, with accommodation in the capital selling out far in advance of the 17th March each year and parties going on until the early, early hours of the morning.

NEW YEAR’S EVE:  Equally as big a time to party in Ireland is New Year’s Eve. Celebrating the end of the old year and the start of the new, the Irish are prone to long nights and loud celebrations across the country. Again, head to Dublin for the biggest events.

GALWAY RACES:  Every July, hundreds of thousands of visitors and horse racing fanatics descend upon Galway for a week-long schedule of horse racing. It’s a huge event in Ireland, and you’ll have the opportunity to experience a national past time first hand, and to meet plenty of locals at the Galway Races.

PLAN AN IRELAND ROAD TRIP!

Popular regions in ireland.

Dublin is the iconic Irish capital and one of the most popular places to visit in the country. While the city can get crowded – particularly on weekends and during holidays, especially St Patrick’s Day – Dublin is a destination that never fails to excite. It’s a place that’s steeped in history and you can visit the many national museums to learn more about Irish heritage over the centuries. Enjoy some of the country’s best restaurants, best art galleries, and of course, best pubs, and don’t forget to visit the famous Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Whiskey Distillery.

CONNEMARA PENINSULA

Western Ireland, north of Galway , is a beautiful off-the-beaten-path destination that is best explored independently with a rental car. From this region, you can drive through the Connemara National Park, see the stunning Kylemore Abbey and visit untouched beaches.  It’s also the place to celebrate the unique Connemara horse breed and one of the biggest studs is located in this area. 

WILD ATLANTIC WAY

The Wild Atlantic Way is the encompassing name that’s been given to the entirety of the western, Atlantic coastline of Ireland by the tourism board, and it’s marketing at its best. It is now one of the best road trips in the world. The Wild Atlantic Way really is a wild place, but it’s more than just stormy seas and dramatic coastline. Along the route, you can visit classic towns and cities such as Sligo, Galway, Tralee, and many, many more. You can visit remote, offshore islands, stand on the edge of the incredible Cliffs of Moher, and see some of the country’s best beaches and national parks.

NORTHERN IRELAND

While all of Ireland is naturally beautiful, some of the best stuff resides in Northern Ireland.  Belfast is an incredibly interesting city with a torrid past and a born-again vibe. It’s worth spending a few days here.  Venturing north you’ll see a variety of wonders and many Game of Thrones filming locations. Highlights of the Causeway Coast include Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede bridge, and Dunluce Castle.

RING OF KERRY

The Ring of Kerry is one of the best tourist routes in the country. If you’re looking to travel to Ireland for history, culture, and outdoor scenery, then the Ring of Kerry has it all. Start in Killarney , explore Killarney National Park, and then travel from village to village across the Iveragh Peninsula. It requires extra planning, but adding a visit to the  Skellig Islands  will be the highlight of your drive. When you have finished this drive, be sure to explore nearby Limerick , Bunratty, and Shannon.

IRELAND TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to Ireland is highly dependent on your travel style. It is possible to visit just about anywhere in Ireland on any budget and still have a great trip. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxurious as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within Ireland. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  Varies by type and rating. Generally, you can expect  camping  to be free to Euro 10 per night,  hostels  to average Euro 10 to 20 per night,  mid-range hotels  to average Euro 50 to 100 per night and  luxury hotels  to be Euro 100 and up per night.

ATTRACTIONS : Activity costs will vary, some museums are free to enter, as are national parks. The Guinness Storehouse costs 16 Euros to enter, while the famous Blarney Castle also costs 16 Euros for entry.

TRANSPORTATION:  The most popular method of travel around Germany are by train, bus or rental car. The  Flix Bus Inter City Fare  averages Euro 15.  Car rental  varies by length of time and generally average around Euro 20 per day for a compact. A  litre of petrol  will cost you around Euro 1.50.

FOOD:  Food will vary widely depending on your tastes and what restaurants you choose to visit on your trip. Generally, though, you can expect to find  pub food  for around Euro 10 to 15, take a meal in a  mid-range restaurant  for Euro 25 per person and pay around Euro 5 for a  pint of beer .

40 EURO PER DAY

Staying in hostels, eating fast food or cooking own food, and entrance and transport to a few attractions.

100 EURO PER DAY

Private rooms. Restaurant meals. Lots of museums, attractions and a couple of day trips.

200 EURO + PER DAY

Upscale hotels. Private transport. Restaurant meals and bars. No limit on attractions or museums.

WHERE TO STAY IN IRELAND

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in IRELAND. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

For more specific advice, check out Best Area to Stay in Dublin – Best Hotels & Travel Tips

HOW TO GET AROUND IN IRELAND

Ireland is a small country and with an excellent road network and an excellent public transport system, it’s easy to travel around and to get from one destination to the next quickly and efficiently. The best part is that you have options.

FLIGHTS:  Ireland is the home of infamous budget airline Ryanair, and you’ll find cheap flights across the country and all over Europe, making it a relatively easy place to fly in and out of. Domestically though, you may not need to fly too much, as distances between cities aren’t huge, and after factoring in waiting times at terminals, you may find it’s just as quick to take the bus.

BUS:  Bus travel is by far the most common form of public transport in Ireland, and there are regular connections between most major cities. Outside of the main bus routes though, using public bus services in rural Ireland can be a tedious affair. Local routes tend to be incredibly slow and irregular. Some services on the Ring of Kerry for example, only have one departure a day.

CAR RENTAL:  Renting a car is the best way to travel to Ireland and to explore the best that the country has to offer. You won’t be pressed to keep to public transport schedules and you’ll have the flexibility to stop wherever you like and to admire whichever dramatic views you like the most. Check out  Discover Rental Cars  for great deals.

TRAIN:  Train travel is less common than bus travel, but the Irish rail network does connect Dublin with most other major cities. Dublin is the hub, and traveling by train between other cities, can prove to be more difficult once you are out of the capital.

HIKING & CYCLING:  Ireland has a whole network of long-distance hiking and cycling trails that are becoming popular with outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike the Kerry Way or you can cycle the length of the Wild Atlantic Way, to name just two of the routes out there.

TOP IRELAND TOURS

Highlights of ireland.

9 Days from Dublin to Belfast Highlights: Hiking, Culture, City Tours & Nature

ICONIC IRELAND – NAT GEO

9 Days from Dublin Highlights: Hiking, Culture, City Tours & Nature

WALKING KERRY WAY & KILLARNEY NP

8 Days from Killarney Highlights: Hiking, Camping, Nature & Off the Beaten Path

WHEN TO VISIT IRELAND

When planning your travel to Ireland, it’s important to bear in mind that no matter what time of year it is, the weather can be unpredictable.

This is  one of the windiest, rainiest places in Europe , and even in the height of summer, the clouds can roll in from the Atlantic with little notice and cause a downpour. That’s all part of the Irish experience though, and as long as you are prepared for every eventually, then you won’t be caught out.

The country has  four traditional seasons , and by far the most popular season to travel to Ireland in is  summer . This is when there is less chance of rain and bad weather, and for the most part, you can expect temperatures in the mid 20 degrees celsius from May through to August.

If you can though,  avoid July and August , as this is peak season when things are at their absolute busiest due to the school holidays.

The summer season is great for hiking, but so are  spring and fall  too, and you may want to wait for the shoulder seasons if you can, before visiting.

The coldest time of year to visit is in  winter , between November and February. This is never a particularly popular time to visit for tourists, aside from over the Christmas and New Year breaks, and if you brave the cold weather and the short, dark days, then you’ll find that in many places, you might well be the only traveler.

For more information, check out the  Best Time to Visit Ireland: Month by Month Breakdown

PLAN AN EPIC ITINERARY IN IRELAND!

Safety in ireland.

Ireland is an incredibly safe country to visit, particularly in friendly and welcoming rural areas. Tourists have little to worry about, although some urban areas late at night, may be best avoided, particularly if you have been to a few pubs beforehand.

As with anywhere, be wary of opportunistic criminals and be aware of your belongings and your surroundings when you travel to Ireland.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

IRELAND TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Ireland travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Ireland and start planning your dream trip.

Is Achill Island Ireland’s Best Kept Secret? Epic Things to Do & Tips

Is inis mór in the aran islands worth visiting tips & advice to make the most of your visit, is westport, ireland worth visiting get the inside scoop, 15 essential ireland travel tips for first time visitors, ireland’s causeway coastal route: 5 best stops, best time to visit ireland: month by month breakdown, 15 cities in ireland that are worth visiting, 15 sweet things to do in cork, ireland, 15 fabulous things to do in killarney, ireland, 15 fun things to do in limerick, ireland, visiting skellig michael: what you should know before you go, 10 best things to do in belfast, ireland, driving the ring of kerry in ireland: tours, map and travel guide, 16 spectacular things to do in galway, 16 crazy cool things to do in dingle, best area to stay in dublin – best hotels & travel tips, 10 best day trips from dublin worth taking, ultimate 3 day weekend in dublin itinerary, 9 best castles to visit in ireland, 33 ireland photos guaranteed to cause wanderlust, best road trip routes in ireland, 4 best hikes in the mourne mountains of northern ireland, a short guide to renting a car in ireland, horseback riding in dingle, ireland, finding glendalough in the wicklow mountains of ireland, the real titanic experience in ireland, climbing carrauntoohill: ireland’s tallest peak.

The Best Ireland Itinerary (Irishman’s 2024 Guide)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: April 15, 2024

We spent 8 months and €15,728 building what is, in my opinion, the best Ireland itinerary library available anywhere.

It became clear long ago that there is no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ Ireland travel itinerary.

For example, some of you will have a car while others will be relying on public transport.

So, we created a library of Ireland itineraries that let you pick a starting point, trip length, method of transport and much  more.

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about our Ireland itinerary library

Click to enlarge

WAIT – please take 10 seconds to read the points below before you scroll. It’ll make finding your perfect Ireland trip itinerary easier:

1. You can pick your trip length and starting point

Two of the key elements in any Ireland itinerary are the length and the start point. Our road trip itineraries range from 3 days right the way up to 4 weeks. There are also multiple start points including the main ferry terminals and airports in Ireland .

2. You can pick a mode of transport

You can pick an Ireland trip itinerary based on how you plan on getting around Ireland . We have Ireland itineraries that  only  use public transport for those of you doing Ireland without a car . We also have itineraries for those of you that plan on renting a car in Ireland .

3. You can decide how fast you want to travel

Love to squeeze as much as possible into each day? Our ‘Fast Trips’ are just for you! Prefer to take it easy and avoid moving accommodation too often? You’ll love our ‘Slow Trips’.

4. You can choose a travel itinerary for Ireland to suit your fitness

Travelling with someone that has poor mobility? No problem – we have low fitness Ireland itineraries. Want to tackle some of the different hikes in Ireland? We’ve medium-high fitness itineraries just for you!

5. You’ll find our different itineraries starting from 3 days below

Now it’s time for you to find the best Ireland itinerary for  you . We’re gong to start at the 3 day Ireland itineraries and then work our way up to 21 days. Dive on in!

3 days in Ireland

3 days in Ireland is a fairly small amount of time, so you need to be careful – you can easily fall into the trap of trying to do much.

The result is that your itinerary will be over-packed and you’ll spend most of your time in the car/on public transport.

The best Ireland itinerary for 3 days is one that finds a central base and that sees you explore around you on day trips.

Some people with a small amount of time like this can feel disheartened, but don’t – you can see many of the best things to do in Ireland in 3 days. You just need a logical itinerary.

4 days in Ireland

4 days in Ireland is a decent chunk of time. However, if you have the flexibility to chose when to visit Ireland (many don’t), try and arrive during summer or spring.

These two seasons boast plenty of daylight hours so, although you only have 4 days, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore.

These shorter road trips can be tricky to map out at times so, when it comes to planning a trip to Ireland with only 4 days to work with, take your time.

The best Ireland itinerary for 4 days is one that uses 1 – 2 ‘bases’ max and that explores a specific corner of Ireland, e.g. Kerry and West Cork.

5 days in Ireland

Click to enlarge map

5 days in Ireland is arguably the perfect amount of time to explore a section of Ireland.

These are our most popular Ireland itineraries and it’s a trip length that many people visiting Ireland choose.

If it was me, I’d try and fly into either Shannon or Dublin. Landing in Shannon places you right on the Wild Atlantic Way with everywhere from the Aran Islands to the Cliffs of Moher close by.

We’ve had our Ireland vacation itinerary guides live on our site for over a year and they’ve racked up some great reviews. Enjoy!

6 days in Ireland

6 days in Ireland is a lovely amount of time to play with and you can easily cover a decent bit of land during this time.

The beauty of 6 days, also, is that if you’re flying a good distance to get to Ireland, you can take some time out to banish the jet lag.

The best Ireland itinerary for 6 days, in my opinion, is one that doesn’t stretch itself too thin.

If you’re starting in Belfast, for example, tackle the Causeway Coastal Route and then explore the many places to visit in Donegal .

7 days in Ireland

Our itineraries for spending 7 days in Ireland mark the start of our longer Irish road trips.

Trips of this length are great as they give you a lot of flexibility when it comes to what you can do (even if it’ll see the cost of a trip to Ireland increase steadily).

If you’re visiting for 7 days, try and visit during summer or spring as the weather in Ireland tends to be better then and you’ll get more bang-for-your-buck.

8 days in Ireland

8 days in Ireland provides you with options. You aren’t too hard pressed for time and 8 days ensures you don’t have to rush at any point (unless you want to!).

With 8 days, you can explore several counties in depth or you can go full-steam-ahead and try and squeeze in as much as possible.

The best Ireland trip itinerary for 8 days, for me, would be starting in Dublin and then working down through Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and then around through Cork and Kerry.

9 days in Ireland

So, you’re spending 9 days in Ireland . Wonderful! However, you want to see all of the ‘main’ attractions during this time and you’re worried it’s too much.

It’s likely (and I’m basing this on getting emails from endless visitors) that you’re trying to pack in too much to the point that you’ll spend all your time moving accommodation and travelling.

9 days is a lovely chunk of time. But don’t get carried away. You can see and do  a lot  during this time frame. You just need to decide how much travelling about is ‘too much’.

10 days in Ireland

The second most popular of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides are the ones focused on spending 10 days in Ireland .

This is a mighty amount of time for an Irish road trip and it gives you a huge amount of flexibility.

For this trip length, you could easily pick 3-4 bases and fit a huge amount in while still taking it nice and handy. Or, you could go full whack and try and see as much of the island as possible!

11 days in Ireland

Our itineraries for spending 11 days in Ireland have gone down well since we published them last year.

In particular, the ones that use public transport have received good feedback, especially as planning buses and trains for this number of days was a nightmare .

The best Ireland itinerary for 11 days is up for debate. Personally, I think if you have this amount of time to play with the island is your oyster – you just need to pick a well-thought-out route, which is our Ireland trip itinerary library comes in.

12 days in Ireland

If you’re spending 12 days in Ireland , you’re in for a treat. You can see a whole lot in 12 days, from the  many  castles in Ireland to islands, cliffs and lots more.

You don’t have to worry too much when it comes to picking a start point for a trip of this length, as you’ve a bit of room for error.

If I had the option, I’d start in Cork and drive the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in the likes of Kinsale , the Beara Peninsula , Doolin and Achill Island .

13 days in Ireland

If you have 13 days in Ireland you’ll be the envy of many, and for good reason – you can cover a lot of ground in a 13 day Ireland trip itinerary.

We’ve created 56 different Ireland itineraries for a 13-day trip (yes, 56) and they’ve been used by over 100,000 people in only a few short months.

The different routes take in everywhere from County Mayo and County Clare to some of the most charming small towns in Ireland . Check ’em out below!

14 days in Ireland

Our 14 days in Ireland itineraries were some of the most enjoyable to research, plan and write as we had a fair idea that this trip length would be popular.

Thankfully, it was! Those of you planning a 2-week Ireland trip itinerary are on the cusp of a bucket list road trip that you’ll remember for a life time.

Although I’d argue that there’s no best Ireland itinerary for a trip this length, we’ve created 56 different options for you to choose from at the link below.

15 days in Ireland

15 days in Ireland poses a great number of adventure opportunities. If you’re doing Ireland on a budget , you’ll need to be careful about where you pick as your bases.

I’d avoid the various cities in Ireland along with key tourist towns and, if you can, stay slightly off-the-beaten-path.

We spent a huge amount of time mapping out our 17-day Ireland itineraries and, based on initial feedback, they’re going down very well already!

16 days in Ireland

16 days in Ireland is the stuff of road-trip-envy. You’ll have the chance to see a massive amount of Ireland during this time.

As was the case with all of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides, we spent a lot of time planning our 16-day routes.

At the link below, you’ll be able to pick a trip based on start point, fitness level, mode of transport and how fast you like to travel.

17 days in Ireland

17 days in Ireland is, yep, a good chunk of time. We found these Ireland itineraries tricky to plan out at times, especially the ones that use public transport.

However, we got there in the end and these routes have been read over 70,000 times in recent months.

The best Ireland itinerary for this length of time is one that doesn’t go overboard when it comes to moving hotels and that takes the time to experience each of the areas it uses as a base.

18 days in Ireland

18 days in Ireland is a massive amount of time to work with. However, it’s worth getting a sense of the lay of the land with a trip of this length.

Although you can see plenty on an 18-day Ireland travel itinerary, the aul trap of spreading yourself too thin is an easy one to fall into.

Our 18-day Ireland itineraries took a fair bit of time to map out and I’m confident you’ll find them  very  useful.

19 days in Ireland

19 days in Ireland is another considerable amount of time. However, and I’ll sound like a broken record, it comes with advantages and disadvantages.

It’s easy to fall into a trap when planning an Ireland itinerary of this length and think,  ‘Ah, sure we’ve loads of time – we’ll just head over and play it by ear!” .

19 days requires a lot of planning as there are  many  moving parts with a trip of this length. Luckily, you’ll find the best Ireland itinerary for 19 days at the link below.

20 days in Ireland

Few people, aside from those of us that live here, get to spend 20 days in Ireland .

This is a massive amount of time and it gives you the opportunity to either explore one corner of Ireland in depth or squeeze in as much as possible.

For example, you could explore Kerry (the Ring of Kerry , Dingle Peninsula , etc) and then work your way through West Cork, Waterford, Wexford and more.

The best Ireland itinerary for 20 days is one picks an adequate number of bases near key areas of interest and that avoids falling into the trap of trying to ‘fit everything in’.

21 days in Ireland

21 days in Ireland is a huge amount of time, and this comes with both pros and cons.

You could arguably map out the best Ireland itinerary imaginable with 3 weeks, but you’ll also need to spend a lot of time planning.

This was the hardest of our Ireland vacation itinerary guides to create and the research phase took over 12 days. We did the hard work for you – cheers!

FAQs about the best Ireland trip itinerary 

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from Ireland vacation ideas to detailed train itineraries.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What is the best Ireland itinerary?

I’d argue that there is no best Ireland travel itinerary – no ‘one size fits all’. We’ve created hundreds of Ireland itineraries for you to choose from, in an attempt to help you find the best Ireland itinerary based on your situation.

How many days in Ireland is enough?

It depends. If you’re looking to see specific things and they’re close together, 5 days could be plenty. If you’re looking to see the West of Ireland, you’ll want at least 7. There is one one clear answer.

Is Rick Steves Ireland itinerary good?

By all accounts, Rick Steves Ireland itinerary guides are pretty good. I’ve spoken to many Americans, in particular, visiting Ireland for the first time who swear by Rick’s itineraries.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Nicola Doyle

Thursday 7th of April 2022

Do you have a guide to travelling around Ireland with a dog?

Keith O'Hara

Friday 8th of April 2022

Hey Nicola - I don't, but this is weird timing. Myself and my dad have been chatting about doing a trip with our dog who's an absolute nightmare in the car. So, while we've nothing on planning a trip in Ireland for those with a dog yet, but hopefully it's on the horizon!

Friday 6th of August 2021

Hello. Thanks for all your posts. They are very informative and helpful.

One questions, when planning can we assume the driving times we see on Google Maps are more or less accurate? I know there are a lot of country roads and I didn't know if this was taken into account by Google.

Thanks again!

Heather Cripe

Sunday 18th of April 2021

Hello Keith,

I’m just writing to thank you for doing this. I do not have a set date for when I can come to Ireland but reading the info you provided and the extensive comments you’ve answered, I almost feel like I’ve been to Ireland already! I know that’s when I can finally plan my trip, this website will be my go to for planning my trip! God bless you Keith!

Monday 19th of April 2021

A fine message to wake up to! Thanks a million Heather - I'm glad you found it useful. Hopefully your visit is just over the horizon.

Cheers from a cold and sunny Dublin!

Sunday 17th of May 2020

Hi Keith, I am planning to take my grandparents to Ireland next spring. My grandmother has always wanted to go and never got the chance to travel. However, they are not in the best of health and I don't think they could handle walking an hour+ (which seems to be the best/only way to see some of the main spots you mention in your recommended itineraries).

Do you have any recommendations for best places to go that don't require much of a hike? My Grandparents would love: beautiful landscapes, local places that don't feel touristy (they always manage to make friends with locals while out eating, etc), places of historical significance.

Hey! A lot of people planning a visit to Ireland have this problem, but it can definitely be worked around.

Say, for example, they're very limited mobility wise, if you took them to Donegal, there's plenty of places where you can literally drive right up to for an incredible view.

Here's a couple of examples:

- The Slieve League Cliffs: you can drive right up to the 'main' view - Ballymastocker Bay: you can pull in on the road above and grab an incredible view - The Inishowen 100 drive: there's an endless number of great views on this (the one at Tra Na Rossan is unreal!

If you're looking for lovely little towns, you can't bate Ardara (Nancy's pub, in particular, is lovely!).

I hope this helps!

Lynda rendell

Wednesday 29th of April 2020

Hi Keith Just found your page. It’s brilliant My husband retires 2021 and we are planning on visiting his great great grandfathers Museum in Mayo His mother’s birthplace in Connemara and auntie in Newlawn we then want to end up in Galway and Dublin Have you any advice of B&B pubs en route to these places We are hoping to go for 15 days so any advice or help would be greatly appreciated we will be travelling from Heathrow Airport UK We’ve never been to Ireland before so we are really really looking forward to it thank you

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To the west of Great Britain, the enchanting emerald green landscapes, meandering rivers, and rugged cliffs create the serene beauty that is Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle. On the east coast, Irish folklore and legends come to life in cozy pubs where warm hospitality and traditional music combine to create an authentic Irish experience in the vibrant capital, Dublin. In the harbor city of Galway on the west coast, the Salthill promenade leads to popular beaches, and in town, you'll find eateries, nightclubs, and theaters as you wander through the cobblestone streets. Situated on the northeastern shore of Lough Leane, Killarney is a popular gateway to The Ring of Kerry, a scenic southwest drive that makes its way around the Iveragh Peninsula through coastal landscapes and rural seaside villages. With a history steeped in Celtic traditions, and marked by sites such as abbeys, castles, and monuments, from the East to the West, Ireland invites visitors to immerse themselves in the warmth of its culture and explore its magical landscapes.

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Tracking Post-Tropical Cyclone Ernesto

By William B. Davis ,  Madison Dong ,  Judson Jones ,  John Keefe and Bea Malsky

Ernesto was a post-tropical cyclone in the North Atlantic Ocean Tuesday morning Atlantic time, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory .

The post-tropical cyclone had sustained wind speeds of 70 miles per hour. Follow our coverage here .

What does the storm look like from above?

Satellite imagery can help determine the strength, size and cohesion of a storm. The stronger a storm becomes, the more likely an eye will form in the center. When the eye looks symmetrical, that often means the storm is not encountering anything to weaken it.

Ernesto is the fifth named storm to form in the Atlantic in 2024.

In late May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted that there would be 17 to 25 named storms this year, an above-normal amount .

This season follows an overly active year, with 20 named storms — including an early storm later given the official name of “Unnamed.” It was the eighth year in a row to surpass the average of 14 named storms. Only one hurricane, Idalia, made landfall in the United States.

Typically, the El Niño pattern that was in force last season would have suppressed hurricanes and reduced the number of storms in a season. But in 2023, the warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic blunted El Niño’s usual effect of thwarting storms.

The warm ocean temperatures that fueled last year’s season returned even warmer at the start of this season, raising forecasters’ confidence that there would be more storms this year. The heightened sea surface temperatures could also strengthen storms more rapidly than usual.

To make matters worse, the El Niño pattern present last year is also diminishing, most likely creating a more suitable atmosphere for storms to form and intensify.

Hurricanes need a calm environment to form, and, in the Atlantic, a strong El Niño increases the amount of wind shear — a change in wind speed and/or direction with height — which disrupts a storm's ability to coalesce. Without El Niño this year, clouds are more likely to tower to the tall heights needed to sustain a powerful cyclone.

Sources and notes

Tracking map Tracking data is from the National Hurricane Center. The map shows probabilities of at least 5 percent. The forecast is for up to five days, with that time span starting up to three hours before the reported time that the storm reaches its latest location. Wind speed probability data is not available north of 60.25 degrees north latitude.

Wind arrivals table Arrival times are generated from a New York Times analysis of National Hurricane Center data. Geographic locations use data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Natural Earth. Time zones are based on Google. The table shows predicted arrival times of sustained, damaging winds of 58 m.p.h. or more for select cities with a chance of such winds reaching them. If damaging winds reach a location, there is no more than a 10 percent chance that they will arrive before the “earliest reasonable” time and a 50 percent chance they will arrive before the “most likely” time.

Radar map Radar imagery is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration via Iowa State University. These mosaics are generated by combining individual radar stations that comprise the NEXRAD network.

Storm surge map Storm surge data is from the National Hurricane Center. Forecasts only include the United States Gulf and Atlantic coasts, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The actual areas that could become flooded may differ from the areas shown on this map. This map accounts for tides, but not waves and not flooding caused by rainfall. The map also includes intertidal areas, which routinely flood during typical high tides.

Satellite map Imagery is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Precipitation map Data for multi-day forecasts or observed rainfall totals are from the National Weather Service. The 1-day forecast is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Why is Florida State vs Georgia Tech in Ireland? Game part of Aer Lingus College Football Classic

On Saturday, Florida State will kick off its much-anticipated 2024 football season .

Over the years, the Seminoles have started their season in a number of different locations. Usually, it’s at home, inside the sunny and steamy confines of Doak Campbell Stadium in late August or early September. In other instances, like against LSU each of the previous two seasons, it was at some sort of neutral site in the United States.

This year, Florida State will have to travel just a little farther to play its first game of the season.

REQUIRED READING: What FSU football QB coach Tony Tokarz said about the 'continued growth' of DJ Uiagalelei

Nearly nine full months after winning the ACC and being snubbed by the College Football Playoff , the Seminoles will take on Georgia Tech in Dublin in what will be the first FBS college football game of the 2024 season.

Though the benefits of such a game are evident, particularly for players and fans, the arrangement isn’t without some questions — namely, why is a game between a pair of conference foes whose campuses are separated by a 4.5-hour drive being played 4,000 miles away?

Here’s what you need to know about the Seminoles’ Week 0 game against Georgia Tech, and why it’s taking place in Dublin:

Florida State vs Georgia Tech location

• Stadium : Aviva Stadium
• Location : Dublin

Florida State and Georgia Tech will be playing in Dublin at Aviva Stadium, the home of Ireland’s national rugby and soccer teams. The venue seats 49,000 for American football games.

The matchup between the Seminoles and Yellow Jackets will be the third college football game in as many years at Aviva Stadium, coming on the heels of Northwestern-Nebraska in 2022 and Notre Dame-Navy in 2023.

Why is Florida State vs Georgia Tech in Ireland?

it may seem odd to travel thousands of miles across an ocean for a game between two teams that have played 25 of their 27 all-time meetings on campus. Still, there are reasons for Florida State and Georgia Tech’s matchup taking place in Dublin.

Saturday’s contest is part of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, with naming rights belonging to Ireland’s most prominent airline. The series was first announced in June 2015 and had its first game in 2016, when Georgia Tech beat Boston College 17-14.

For fans, it’s an opportunity to watch their beloved team play in person while using that game as an opportunity to travel to and explore a country they’ve perhaps never visited. For players and coaches, it’s a chance to immerse themselves in the culture of another nation.

“I am so excited for our student-athletes, coaches, staff, administration and fans for this opportunity,” Seminoles coach Mike Norvell said in a statement when the game was announced . “When this idea was first presented to me, I was immediately intrigued by a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the people in our program. The way the 2024 season lays out with a third open date, the trip made sense from a football perspective as well. Very few people have the chance to travel to a different continent and experience another culture, much less take an entire team, so I am appreciative of everyone’s hard work and support to make this game happen.”

For the university and its athletic department, there are self-interested reasons to make the trip across the Atlantic Ocean. The game is a valuable opportunity for exposure, particularly with it being a standalone matchup that kicks off the 2024 season for a football-starved audience.

“Florida State is a global brand, and this game further enforces that,” Florida State athletic director Michael Alford said in a statement in March 2023 . “This game allows us to provide an unmatched athletic and cultural experience for our student-athletes while representing Florida State on a global stage. I am looking forward to seeing our fans in Dublin while also making new fans across the Atlantic. We are appreciative of all the efforts that have already gone into the planning of this game and are excited for what is to come over the next year and a half.”

It's the second trip to Ireland for Georgia Tech, which played against Boston College in the aforementioned 2016 Aer Lingus Classic. The Yellow Jackets had more than 12,000 fans make the trip that year, according to the university’s athletic department .

REQUIRED READING: 'We will rise': Marching Chiefs rehearse twice a day for FSU football opener in Dublin

What time is the Florida State game in Ireland?

• Date : Saturday, Aug. 24
• Time : Noon ET

The Seminoles and Yellow Jackets will kick off from Aviva Stadium in Dublin at noon ET on Saturday.

History of college football games in Ireland

Dublin — and Aviva Stadium, specifically — has become a fixture of the first week of college football in recent years.

Saturday’s game between Florida State and Georgia Tech will be the sixth in Dublin since 2012, with five of those taking place at Aviva Stadium. There are several more contests on the horizon, too, with Iowa State and Kansas State set to play there next year and Pitt and Wisconsin squaring off two years after that.

Though the past 15 years have represented a resurgence, a college football game being played in Ireland isn’t a particularly new concept. There were three games in Ireland between 1988-96, beginning with Boston College’s 38-24 win against Army in 1988.

Here’s a look at the history of college football games in Ireland, along with games scheduled for the ensuing years:

• 1988 : Boston College 38, Army 24
• 1989 : No. 24 Pitt 46, Rutgers 29
• 1996 : No. 19 Notre Dame 54, Navy 27
• 2012 : Notre Dame 50, Navy 10
• 2014 : Penn State 26, UCF 24
• 2016 : Georgia Tech 17, Boston College 14
• 2022 : Northwestern 31, Nebraska 28
• 2023 : No. 13 Notre Dame 42, Navy 3
• 2024 : No. 10 Florida State vs. Georgia Tech
• 2025 : Kansas State vs. Iowa State
• 2027 : Pitt vs. Wisconsin

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Inside Florida State and Georgia Tech's wild planning for a season opener in Ireland

• Graduate of the University of Florida. Follow on X

In the lead-up to Saturday's kickoff between Florida State and Georgia Tech, both schools spent 17 months making spreadsheets, filling out documents and triple-checking customs regulations to make sure they packed all the essentials for their transatlantic trip.

Uniforms? Check.

Cleats? Check.

Ranch dressing? Umm, check?

The Ramblin' Wreck? Sadly, back in Atlanta.

Renegade, Osceola and their flaming spear? If only that pesky quarantine issue had been solved.

Even without their most iconic pregame traditions traveling with them to Dublin, Florida State and Georgia Tech will headline Week 0 with everything they need to play football thanks to an exhaustive behind-the-scenes effort that Georgia Tech director of football operations Josh Thompson describes as "not for the faint of heart."

In all, the schools combined to bring 238 crates weighing more than 40,000 pounds -- packed and shipped on cargo planes last week -- filled with everything from game day equipment to sport medicine essentials, protein powder, snacks such as Goldfish and yes, condiments that are not available in Dublin.

"There is no room for error here," said Jason Baisden, Florida State assistant athletic director for equipment operations. "Once we're there, we're there. We can't come back or can't call and say, 'Hey, bring this with you.'"

Both schools started to get ready for this game in March 2023, shortly after it was announced. Florida State director of football operations Bruce Warwick had been part of several overseas games in his previous stops in the NFL, so he already had a good idea about what moving an entire team more than 4,000 miles away would entail.

Beyond packing up all the necessary equipment, passports would have to be secured, multiple in-person site visits to the team hotel would need to be made (including food tastings) and communication with officials in Ireland would have to be precise. Nothing -- like assuming that an American biscuit and an Irish biscuit were the same -- could be left to chance.

"I had to learn to speak their language," Baisden said. "Like, it's not a uniform to them, it's a kit. It is the English language, but we had to make sure nothing was lost with the translation of what we are doing." Baisden and Thompson made calls to people they knew at Notre Dame and Navy, two schools that had previously played in Ireland. Baisden asked for their carnet, a document that facilitates temporary international imports and exports. Essentially, the carnet lists every item that is brought into a foreign country line by line, with exact numbers.

Want to bring snacks for the team? No problem. But every snack, from applesauce to crackers, must be listed. The same goes for rolls of tape, gloves, protein powders. You want to bring it? You have to list it.

At Florida State, Baisden became the point person between departments. In January, he asked the sport nutrition, sport medicine, creative video, weight training, radio broadcast and sports information teams to start identifying what they absolutely had to bring with them.

He described the process as preparing for "an overseas bowl trip." But the detail with which everything had to be itemized goes far beyond any bowl trip preparation, where schools can just load up their equipment trucks and be on their way. For this trip, Baisden labeled every crate with what it was for -- hotel, practice, game.

International travel is why the Ramblin' Wreck and Renegade and Osceola were left at home. Irish officials had inquired about their availability, and both schools had serious discussions about finding a way to do it.

Renegade, the legendary horse ridden by Osceola before every Florida State home game to plant a flaming spear at midfield, would have had to quarantine on the way back to Tallahassee as required by international regulations. As a result, the horse would have been unavailable for the home opener against Boston College on Sept. 2. Plus, this is technically a Georgia Tech home game.

A gold and white 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe known as the "Ramblin' Wreck" has led the Yellow Jackets onto the field for every home game since 1961. The Wreck would have to travel on a ship to get to Ireland. The travel time home would have meant it, too, would have been unavailable for the home opener against Georgia State on Aug. 31. There had been discussion about using an Irish "cousin" of the Wreck, a Peugeot-type stand-in from Dublin, but the idea was nixed.

There was plenty more that had to be discussed to get to the finish line. Florida State ended up having to get 85 passports for its players; Georgia Tech had to get 70 in total between players and staff. Perhaps the most unexpected challenge the teams faced was making sure they would be able to use the new technology allowed starting this season -- coach-to-helmet communication and iPads on the sideline.

The headset systems coaches use on the sideline in the United States do not work overseas because they use different radio frequencies. Both schools had to rent new systems, and that means a different belt pack for coaches to get used to. Florida State practiced with them during scrimmages so the coaches could start to get a feel for them.

Thompson said the schools had to secure multiple lines of frequency for the communication headsets to work. The iPads required coordination with Aviva Stadium and local vendors for specific fiber lines used to update video in real time. The schools have had weekly calls with the ACC and different vendors to make sure everything is ready to go. Everything will be tested Friday.

"The coaches don't like change. I don't like change," Thompson said. "Everybody is a creature of of habit. I want to walk into the stadium when the team walks in and make sure everything is done. I don't want to have to be running around panicking, 'All right, how are we going to handle this?'"

The teams went through different airports to have their cargo flown over, all at the direction of Aer Lingus, the game's title sponsor. Florida State packed up a truck last week that left for Orlando, where its crates were then placed on cargo aircraft pallets called "cookie sheets" for international travel and then flown to Dublin. Georgia Tech had its cargo go on a plane to Chicago, and then on to Dublin.

Everything flown over arrived before the teams got in Thursday morning. Each team sent an advance group early to open crates and begin sorting items for use at the hotel or stadium. Equipment managers set up their respective locker rooms for Thursday practice. In addition, both teams had hundreds of cases of Powerade and water bottles directly shipped to both the hotel and stadium.

The hotels were chosen for their similarities to normal road hotels. They had to have large enough spaces available for team meetings, but also food that tasted like home. Warwick said grits, for example, were a nonstarter because the chefs could not cook them to specification. Florida State players have an affinity for ranch dressing, A1 steak sauce and Tabasco, items unavailable in Ireland, so those specific condiments were packed.

"The food is the biggest challenge because they like what they like and they know what they know," Warwick said. "We tried to keep it as Americanized as possible."

The teams themselves left the United States on Wednesday evening, but even their departures looked different. For domestic game travel, both teams go through TSA security screening at their respective stadiums before boarding buses and heading to their charter flights.

But for an international trip, both teams must go through the regular security line at their respective airports. It is one thing for Florida State to go through its small regional airport in Tallahassee. But just imagine the 289-person Georgia Tech travel party pulling up to Concourse F at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta and going through security.

Aer Lingus, the title sponsor of the game, had to get special permission to secure a gate. Thompson said he has been assured there will be extra security lanes open to get Georgia Tech through efficiently. He plans to use a "pod system" where he separates the players into groups, with one designated the captain and responsible for making sure everyone has their passports.

Players will be reminded frequently about do's and don'ts if they are bringing carry-ons, including the size of allowable liquids.

"I can't wait to see when I'm the last person that goes through the TSA line what all was taken during that time," Thompson said.

Now picture this upon arrival: Players standing around the baggage carousel, waiting for their player equipment bags. Those bags had to travel with them because both teams practiced all the way up to their departure day. So the bags get checked onto the plane upon airport arrival, for pickup in baggage claim, in addition to their own personal luggage. For this trip, Florida State got its players customized roller suitcases. Both teams will have a light practice at the stadium after they arrive, with the main goal to get everyone acclimated to the five-hour time change. Georgia Tech coach Brent Key, who went to Ireland for a game as a UCF assistant in 2014, said he does not want to make the trip any bigger than it has to be -- drawing from his previous overseas experience.

"We overcoached those kids," Key said, referring to UCF's 26-24 loss to Penn State. "We tried to give them an experience. We took them to different places, took them on tours and it was just too much stuff when you're going over there to play football game. Do you know what makes a great experience? Winning."

To that end, Georgia Tech will fly home after the game as it has a tight turnaround to the following week. Because Florida State plays on a Monday night, coach Mike Norvell decided to have the team stay on Sunday for some sightseeing before returning to Tallahassee.

Though that approach is different, planning the logistics in the lead-up to the game has been identical. The schools have been in constant communication, but there will be anxiety upon arrival, during the game and postgame, too. Everything has to be repacked for travel back home, and at customs Saturday night. In both cases -- travel to and from -- both schools have to rely heavily on people they have never met to get the job done.

"Anytime and every time I travel, I worry if my bag is going to get there, so you definitely worry about that," Thompson said. "You're moving almost 300 people at one time. So you just have to make sure it is correct and right."