quick trips to ireland

22 Travel Tips For Ireland For First-Time Visitors

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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.

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Europe , Ireland , Travel Guides · Last Updated: April 9, 2024

One-Week Ireland Itinerary for First-Timers (Based in Dublin with Day Trips)

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Wanting to visit Ireland but have limited time? This one-week Ireland itinerary is a great introduction to Ireland. Base yourself in Dublin, exploring the city’s history and food scene while taking day trips to see the island’s scenic side!

Green pastures dotted with sheep and cows for miles. Stunning coastlines and castle ruins. Hearty stews, fresh seafood, full pints of Guinness, and cozy pubs. This is Ireland in a nutshell and I loved every bit of it!

Ireland is rich in culture and history with scenic beauty at every turn. Its folklore that tells tales of giants and fairies make it all the more magical! And did you know Ireland actually has some pretty great food too? People like to downplay the cuisine in the British Isles, but I knew we’d find the most delicious things.

For our first trip to Ireland, I wanted to keep things relatively simple. Sure, we could have rented a car and braved driving on the left for that quintessential Irish road trip. But we only had one week and I wanted to maximize as much of that time as I could with sightseeing (and eating all the foods of course).

Here, you’ll find a very detailed breakdown of my one-week Ireland itinerary for our first visit to the Emerald Isle. In this post, I list out everything we did, how to book the same activities, and also note if there’s anything I might do differently.

Who This Itinerary is Best For

• First-time visitors to Ireland
• Those visiting Ireland with limited time
• Active travelers (there’s no downtime this week!)
• Travelers without a car (who don’t mind walking & bus tours)

Since we only had one week to explore Ireland for our first trip, I based us in Dublin so we wouldn’t have to worry about moving to different hotels. That meant we could just focus on exploring rather than spending extra time traveling in between places to stay!

Each and every day of our itinerary was packed full. This was by no means a relaxing trip . There’s just too much to see (and eat) in Ireland! My nature is to do everything I possibly can because I never know if I’ll get to visit a destination again. If you follow any part of this itinerary, comfortable walking shoes are a must . Your feet are gonna see some action!

Why no car?

Just being in Ireland for a week and not wanting to worry about transit time too much, we decided against an Irish road trip. Of course, seeing Ireland’s countryside and all the different little towns is one of the best parts about Ireland. Someday, we’ll return and explore more (maybe by car or maybe just by train or bus?).

Also, in Ireland, cars drive on the left . It may be easy for some to pick up straight away, but we didn’t want to have that added stress this trip. We were still able to see some really neat places by taking day tours from Dublin.

Our Travel Details

• Month Traveled:  Last week of October (including Halloween!)
• Airline & Flights:  SFO to DFW to DUB via American Airlines; Home – DUB to LHR to SFO via British Airways
• Transportation : We used taxis and Uber for our entire trip in Ireland (in addition to day tours on a bus). Even if you use Uber in Ireland, they are only allowed to be certified taxi drivers (which I actually like). The Uber app just makes scheduling your ride easier. Some drivers even prefer it to Free Now, which is another widely-used app for taxi service.

Where to Stay in Dublin

When it came time to choosing our hotel for our one-week stay in Dublin, there was only one real option for us – the Hyatt Centric Liberties ! The main reason we chose this particular hotel was that we had Hyatt points to spend and it’s currently the only available Hyatt property in Dublin.

The Liberties is actually a great neighborhood in my opinion – it’s quiet and close to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as well as the whiskey distilleries (priorities!).

We stayed in a standard king room which was fine for a week. I do wish we could have splurged for a slightly bigger room but hey, sometimes you need to take what’s available.

Staying at the Hyatt put us within walking distance of 20 minutes or less to most things we wanted to see, and there were pubs and restaurants close by too. For convenience, there’s a Spar store just a block away for snacks and bottled water (we visited often) and Molloy’s for beer and liquor . Each room comes with a mini fridge to keep your provisions cool as well.

Book the Hyatt Centric Liberties on Hotels.com , Booking.com or direct .

One-Week Ireland Itinerary Summary

For our first trip to Ireland, I felt my one-week Ireland itinerary was a good balance of being able to see as much of Dublin as we could, along with exploration of must-see sights outside of the cities!

• Day 1: Arrival to Dublin plus a tour of the Jameson Bow St. Distillery
• Day 2: A full day exploring Irish food and drink (including the Guinness Storehouse tour)
• Day 3: Cliffs of Moher, Wild Atlantic Way, and Galway City all-day tour
• Day 4: Book of Kells, Trinity College, Dublinia Viking Museum, and more of the Dublin food scene
• Day 5: Half-day trip to Howth for seafood & afternoon tea back in Dublin
• Day 6: Northern Ireland day tour (including Belfast, Dunluce Castle & Giant’s Causeway)
• Day 7: Irish breakfast, doors of Dublin, St. Stephen’s Green, BrewDog & Dark Dublin Tour

Day 1 – Arrival to Ireland

On our first day in Ireland, we arrived in Dublin in the late morning and breezed right through customs and immigration. I was shocked at how fast we got out of the airport (but also super pleased)! That meant we had more time to explore the city on our first day.

We grabbed a taxi to our hotel where we got an early check-in , took a quick power nap , and then went out for lunch at The Brazen Head before our tour at Jameson . We ended the night at The Landmark Pub eating fish and chips and beef stew and sipping our first pints of Guinness while watching rugby. Is there anything more Irish?

Day 1 Highlights

• Arrival at hotel (with early check-in)

Lunch at The Brazen Head

Jameson distillery tour, dinner at the landmark pub, check into hotel.

After arriving to our hotel for the week, The Hyatt Centric Liberties , we were lucky enough to find our room was ready for us! If you’re a World of Hyatt Member and you book direct , you can request an early check-in (which I did). It’s not guaranteed, but why not try? We were glad to be able to get right into our room, shower, and take a power nap so we could feel refreshed for the rest of the afternoon.

Our first adventure in Dublin was to visit The Brazen Head – Ireland’s oldest pub !

We actually had a little mishap on the way where I almost got my husband hit by a car (you can read all about that in my Biggest Travel Fails of 2023 ). Because of this, we were a little flustered by the time we arrived to the pub. In our traumatic daze, we ended up ordering chicken goujons. Sounds cool and exotic right? Goujons are, in fact, chicken strips and thus, not very exiting. They were good, but not exactly the first meal you want to order in Ireland!

I did at least get to have my first bowl of seafood chowder – one of the Irish foods I knew I’d be trying a lot of in Ireland.

If I’m being completely honest, I wasn’t blown away by the food and vibe here but it was super cool to be able to say that we visited Ireland’s oldest pub ! I’d recommend a stop here for a pint but skip the food.

As fans of Irish whiskey (and regular drinkers of Jameson back home in The States), the Jameson Distillery Tour was a must for our visit to Ireland . We arrived a little early before our tour start time and were happy to find a full-service bar where we could order a drink to sip on while we waited.

The tour itself was great and I found it very informative on the history of Jameson and their distillation process. As part of the tour, we also got to sample a few whiskeys, some of which are only available in Ireland!

We also had the cask draw add on , which I highly recommend. You get to pop into the maturation room and sample whiskey straight from one of the casks.

When the tour was over, we went back to the bar (surprise, surprise) and grabbed our “free” drink which was included with our tour ticket. We also ordered a pour of the Black Barrel Cask (which you can only get at the Jameson Distillery in Dublin) and an Irish coffee (because – when in Ireland, right?).

Book the Jameson Tour here .

For dinner, we took a walk down to The Landmark Pub , which was less than 10 minutes from our hotel . It was bustling! We ordered up some fish and chips and beef and Guinness stew in a bread bowl and it was fantastic first dinner in Ireland. It was also the perfect spot to sip on our first pints of Guinness, which we had while kicking up our feet to watch a bit of rugby.

I absolutely love pub culture . Visiting all the pubs was one of my favorite things about our first visit to London , and we tried to get in as many pub visits in Dublin too!

Day 2 – The Dublin Food Scene

Day two in Dublin was all about exploring food and drink and boy did we pack in a lot! Ireland has it’s own food culture and there are a ton of Irish dishes (and drinks) that you should try when visiting. I made sure to try a variety of not only distinctly Irish foods, but also some international options to showcase the diverse food landscape of Dublin.

And of course no visit to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, which was the main event for this day!

Day 2 Highlights

• Quick breakfast of Argentine empanadas & an alfajor at Bakeology
• Guinness Storehouse self-guided tour
• Whiskey tasting at Roe & Coe
• Temple Bar & lunch at Gallagher’s Boxty House
• A visit to the Molly Malone statue
• Ice cream from Murphy’s
• The Whiskey Reserve for more whiskey tasting
• Dinner at The Fourth Corner Pub

Breakfast at Bakeology

On our way to our tour at the Guinness Storehouse, I wanted to make a quick stop at Bakeology – a highly-rated Argentine bakery. Who says you can’t have empanadas and cookies for breakfast ?

We grabbed a couple of jamon & cheese empanadas and they were honestly the best empanadas I’ve ever had. I regretted not grabbing a few more, but we were in a bit of a hurry. I also snagged a chocolate-covered alfajor (Dubliners call them alfies) with passion fruit filling and yep, it was also delicious.

Breakfast of champs folks!

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Our big activity for the day was the Guinness Storehouse Tour . Even if you aren’t a big beer drinker, you’ve just got to visit the Storehouse! It’s important to learn about Ireland’s history and that includes its national drink.

A visit to the Storehouse is a self-guided experience, making your way through seven floors of interactive exhibits . At the Storehouse, we spent approximately two hours learning about the history of Guinness, the brewing process, and sampling the famous brew along the way.

There are also several add-on options to the tour, including a Stoutie (which we did) where you get your photo printed on the head of a pint of Guinness. Or, you can take a lesson on how to pour Guinness yourself . I think the Stoutie was a fun little addition and nice to get a pint before making our way to the top.

We ended our tour at the Gravity Bar on the top floor of the Storehouse where we got our “complimentary” pint of the black stuff. It was packed by the time we made it up there and unfortunately, there were no seats available. All good though – we just walked around with our pints and were still able to take in the 360° views of Dublin City.

Book a standard Guinness Storehouse tour with Viator or direct if you’re interested in the Stoutie or Guinness Academy add-ons.

Whiskey Flights at Roe & Coe

After the Guinness Storehouse, we headed around the block to get some whiskey tasting flights at Roe & Coe . We weren’t up for another tour at this point, so we were thankful we could just go to the bar and order flights to taste through.

Roe & Coe is officially my new favorite whiskey brand! We had some really unique whiskeys and man are they strong. My favorite was the Cask & Keg Citra IPA with notes of citrus sherbet, white peach, apricot jam and grapefruit peel. I wish I could find that specific one in the U.S.!

Flight prices vary from $18 to $27, depending on how fancy you want to get and I felt the tasting samples were generously poured for the price.

Temple Bar & Gallagher’s Boxty House

As any good tourist does when visiting Dublin, we made our way to the Temple Bar area to get a peek at the famous bar before heading to Gallagher’s Boxty House for lunch.

Boxty was on my list of must-try Irish foods for our trip to Ireland. Boxty is an Irish potato pancake made with a combination of shredded raw potato and mashed potatoes and can come in thick patty form or in the case of Gallagher’s, almost crepe-like with heaps of unique toppings. My favorite was the Gaelic boxty, topped with tender Irish beef fillet , roasted cherry tomatoes, fried onions and a creamy pepper mushroom gravy.

We also got the Spice Boxty , which had a punch of flavor! This boxty is a take on the Irish Spice Bag and came topped with crispy fried chicken, peppers, and onions packed with flavor from the curry sauce.

And I couldn’t resist trying their sticky toffee pudding (one of my favorite desserts) and a flight of the beer brewed just for them (Jack Smith). I wasn’t a huge fan of their beer, but the sticky toffee pudding was delicious!

Molly Malone, Ice Cream & Whiskey

After our hearty lunch, we wandered over to see the statue of sweet Molly Malone , the folksong of which is the anthem of Dublin City. In Irish folklore, Molly Malone was a fishmonger who sold cockles and mussels by day and was also a part-time lady of the night – earning her the classy nickname “The Tart with the Cart.”

Somewhere in time, it was decided to be good luck to put your hands on the breasts of the statue. The bronze has been clearly worn from all the boob grabs. Okay then.

Murphy’s Ice Cream

From Molly Malone, we headed over to Murphy’s to get some tasty Irish ice cream! Murphy’s was founded in Dingle but they have several shops on the island, including in Dublin. We had to try their Irish brown bread flavor which is filled with little bits of caramelized brown bread. Such a fun and tasty way to incorporate another Irish food! While the brown bread was good, the butterscotch was my absolute favorite.

Murphy’s ice cream is made with milk exclusively from the rare and indigenous breed of Kerry cow. Their ice cream is really creamy and top quality. It is a little pricey, but you can just grab a small one and be satisfied.

whiskey break

Before heading back to our hotel for a break before dinner, we walked back through the Temple Bar area and popped into The Whiskey Reserve – a beautiful, cozy bar where you can sample all sorts of different whiskeys. We sipped on some Jameson Black Barrel and 18-Year Tripled Distilled whiskey and had a nice conversation with some fellow travelers who were winding down their trip to Ireland in Dublin.

Dinner at The Fourth Corner

For dinner, we headed over to The Fourth Corner pub near our hotel and shared an nduja ketchup smash burger and some wings. While this meal wasn’t exactly Irish, the burger was absolutely delicious!

Since we visited, they’ve implemented a new menu where they source their food from the nearby Dublin Pizza Company. The burgers are gone! Sad, but the Dublin Pizza Company is also a highly-rated alternative.

Day 3 – Cliffs of Moher Day Trip

The Cliffs of Moher had been on my bucket list for a long time and there was no way we were going to Ireland without seeing them! We booked a tour with Wild Rover for a full day out to the Cliffs of Moher, the Wild Atlantic Way, and Galway City . It was a long day but it was filled with beautiful scenery and some delicious eats!

Book this tour direct with Wild Rover and get 10% off if you book two tours. Or, you can book with Viator .

Day 3 Highlights

Cliffs of moher.

• Wild Atlantic Way and The Burren scenic drive
• Galway City
• Late lunch at Quay Street Kitchen in Galway
• Takeaway pizza for dinner from Coke Lane

Pro-Tip: Bring snacks or a handheld breakfast for the bus ride (no hot foods, though). Food is available at the cliffs, either in the café or one of the shops – but don’t fill up too much. Galway City has tons of restaurants to choose from for a late lunch!

Because we were based in Dublin for the week without a car, group day tours were the best option for us to get out of the city to see more of Ireland. Despite being a foggy day (more on that below), we really enjoyed our Cliffs of Moher tour with Wild Rover ! Our guide, Sean, was well-versed in Irish folklore and he regaled us with so many fun stories to help time pass while we were on the bus.

Getting to see the countryside on the way out to the cliffs was everything you’d think of when it comes to Irish scenery. Green pastures went on for miles with fluffy sheep and little castles and ruins popping up everywhere. We were lucky to have the front-row seat, which I think offered the best views of the drive!

Upon arriving at the Cliffs of Moher, we decided to skip the visitor’s center and head straight for the cliffs. Sadly, the cliffs were shrouded in fog that morning . My heart sank! Fog was the thing I feared most – even more than a rainy day. However, I remained positive while we walked along the paths at the top of the cliffs, saying hello to the cows and waiting for the perfect moment for things to emerge from the fog.

Finally, towards the end of our nearly two hours there, the sun tried its darnedest to break through and the fog started to lift. It was not quite enough to see the cliffs in all their glory, but enough to get a glimpse of their natural beauty . It was definitely worth the wait!

Wild Atlantic Way Drive

From the Cliffs of Moher, we drove along the Wild Atlantic Way through the Burren National Park and around Galway Bay. I absolutely loved the scenery of this part of Ireland. The views were breathtaking! Little white cottages dotted the green and sometimes rocky landscape overlooking the sea. It made me long to spend more time on Ireland’s west coast.

Should we move here, I thought to myself? As someone who never really feels settled, I’m always in search of “my place” in the world. This could be a contender.

Galway City & Late Lunch

We arrived in Galway City shortly after 3:00 p.m. and we were famished! This Wild Rover tour does include a Galway City walking tour that lasts about 30 minutes, but we really needed food so we decided to head straight to lunch.

We made our way over to the Quay Street Kitchen where we ordered some delicious Irish comfort food, including seafood chowder, mussels, and a giant lamb shank with mashed potatoes and veggies .

The seafood chowder was packed with chunks of seafood and was so tasty. It’s worth coming here just for a bowl of it! The mussels were simple but aromatic and flavorful, steamed with onion, garlic, cream and white wine. And after digging into that hearty lamb shank, I felt like having a proper nap! It was lovely having a hot meal after the a visit to the windy and chilly cliffs and long bus ride.

After lunch, we wandered around quirky Galway City for a bit, checking out a few little shops before heading back to the bus for our journey to Dublin.

A Pizza Dinner

Arriving back in Dublin, pizza sounded so good after a long day so we found a spot just up the road from our hotel.

Located in the back of a funky bar called Lucky’s in The Liberties neighborhood is Coke Lane Pizza . While the bar scene was absolutely not my vibe (I don’t recommend hanging out here on a Friday night unless you want to go deaf), the pizza amazed us! We ordered our pizzas to go and happily ate them back in our quiet hotel room.

Pizzas from Coke Lane are Neapolitan style (my favorite kind!) and are 10 inches in size. We demolished every last bit of each (the answer is “yes, you can eat one whole pizza per person”).

Day 4 – Dublin on Foot

The theme of day four in Dublin: history in the morning, beer and whiskey in the afternoon! Even though I’m more of a foodie traveler, I do like to learn a bit of history about the destination we’re visiting. In the morning, we visited Trinity College to learn about the Book of Kells and see the Old Library, before heading over to Dublinia to learn about Viking history.

We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring more of the food, whiskey and beer scene of Dublin. Things we do best!

Day 4 Highlights

• Book of Kells & The Old Library Long Room at Trinity College

Dublinia Viking Museum

• Beer break at Fidelity Bar

Lunch at The Fish Shop

Guinness open gate brewery.

• Whiskey tasting at Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Dinner at Big Fan

Book of kells & old library.

One of the most popular attractions in Dublin is the Book of Kells, which is an old manuscript filled with artistic renderings of the Four Gospels. It’s a wonder how this old thing survived the Vikings’ raids on Ireland!

As someone who isn’t religious, there wasn’t a huge connection for me to see it. However, I will say the detailed artwork is pretty impressive . Seeing the actual book is a little underwhelming as they just have it turned to one page for viewing, so the preceding exhibit is actually the best part.

After the Book of Kells, we made our way to The Long Room at the Old Library , which is was what I really I wanted to see most at Trinity College. This library is such an incredible work of architecture!

On our visit, they had most of the books off the shelves for a years-long restoration project. Thankfully, there were at least a few sections with books on them so we could get a glimpse at how cool a filled shelf looks.

I recommend booking this experience ahead of arriving in Dublin, especially during peak season. This will sell out! Book your tickets here .

Fun fact: a lot of people tend to reference this as the “Harry Potter library” due to its similar look, but the real library used for filming is actually at Oxford University in England.

From here, I gave my husband a choice to either do the Irish Whiskey Museum or Dublinia . We thought it was a bit too early in the day for whiskey (the museum tour comes with tastings), so we headed to Dublinia to learn a bit about Vikings and medieval history in Dublin.

Dublin (and Ireland for that matter) has deep Viking roots. There was actually a lot to learn about and see in Dublinia!

I think this museum is also well-suited for travelers with children as they have quite a few interactive exhibits to keep things interesting . For example, you can write your own name in runes or try on Viking gear and take photos. They even have people dressed up in the marketplace replica that speak in first person about their goods and services.

You can also purchase tickets that include entry to Christ Church Cathedral , which is adjoined to Dublinia. It was time for us to move on to the foodie part of our day so we skipped the cathedral. It is a really beautiful church though, at least from the outside!

Beer Break at Fidelity Bar

After Dublinia, we still had a bit of time to kill before our lunch reservation. Having a museum and walking-heavy morning was tough on the feet and we needed somewhere to sit for a bit. I found Fidelity Bar on a whim, seeing it was close to our lunch spot, and it ended up being a really cool find!

Fidelity Bar is part of a collab from the owners of The Big Romance and Whiplash Beer , the latter of which supplies its craft beer to have on tap. After drinking Guinness primarily thus far, it was nice to have a good craft beer break.

The Fish Shop in Dublin popped up on a lot of “must eat” lists for restaurants in Dublin, so I, of course, made a reservation to check it out for myself. This restaurant is a tiny, very cozy spot with maybe 10 to 15 seats total. Reservations are a must even for lunch .

At The Fish Shop, they focus on a limited menu of fresh seafood dishes and have a lovely curated wine menu. For starters, we each ordered a Gilda pintxo and shared the squid and capers on toast . I’m typically weary about squid dishes (it’s a texture thing for me) but this was actually my favorite bite of food here!

Next up were cockles in sherry and chorizo . It was our very first time trying cockles and I’m definitely a fan! And we couldn’t resist splitting an order of the haddock fish and chips . The batter on the fish and chips was light and well-seasoned and I appreciated their nice thick-cut chips.

At the end of our meal, we saw some fresh oysters come out for another guest and we just couldn’t pass them up. Ireland is known for having great oysters and I can confirm, these are a must-try.

A+ to The Fish Shop for a delicious meal!

Originally, a visit to Pearse Lyons Distillery was next on the itinerary. However, you can’t get in there to taste the whiskey without a tour (bummer) and we had just missed the next one. So we crossed the street and stopped in at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery , where they serve experimental beers and a pub-style menu. We paired our beer order with their Guinness caramel panna cotta and it was the perfect after-lunch dessert!

Whiskey Tasting at Teeling

Still needing to get our whiskey fix for the day, we headed down to Teeling Whiskey Distillery because I knew we could get in there without having to do a tour.

At their Bang Bang Bar , we ordered a flight of whiskeys to try, along with a couple of their signature cocktails. We sat by the window sipping our whiskeys and drinks while watching the rain patter against the glass. Maximum coziness!

When traveling to a bigger city, there’s usually going to be a diverse food scene to check out and Dublin is no exception. As much as I love pubs, I didn’t want to eat pub grub every single day. So, I scoured the Dublin restaurant landscape for some unique eats and found Big Fan – a Michelin-recommended modern Chinese restaurant . If you like bao buns and dumplings, this needs to go on your must-eat list!

Everything we ordered at Big Fan were little plates of happiness and comfort. The absolute standouts for me were the crispy duck wings, wagyu cheeseburger jaozi, and the pork snowflake dumplings .

Have you ever had duck wings? Forget chicken wings. These were unlike anything I’ve had before – super crispy with zesty flavors of Chinese-five spice and rich-flavored duck meat. I almost had to get a second order. And don’t even get me started on wagyu cheese burger dumplings – just say yes. If you are a cheeseburger fan, these are a must!

Dinner at Big Fan was the perfect ending to our day – even though back at home, our water heater busted and we got the call during our dinner here. Such is life.

Day 5 – Howth & Afternoon Tea

Day five in Ireland got off to a bit of a rocky start as there were issues with public transportation that affected our travel plans! However, we figured out a (very expensive) workaround and ventured out to the little seaside fishing village of Howth . Our mission here? To eat all the delicious seafood we could find! We ended the day back in Dublin at The Morrison Hotel with a cheeky his and hers afternoon tea.

Day 5 Highlights

• Half day trip out to Howth

Lunch at Baily Bites at Kish

• Explore Howth
• Crab claws at King Sitric

Afternoon Tea at The Morrison

Trip to Howth

Let me just say that sometimes things don’t always go your way with travel (this was another one of my big travel fails of the year ). I had planned for us to take the DART train out to Howth but after walking 30 minutes to the train station from our hotel, we found the trains were not running that weekend! Cool.

What’s Plan B? Take the bus. After asking for directions several times, we finally located the correct bus stop. Unfortunately, the bus was running late and when it finally came, it sat forever while they changed out drivers. By that time, there was a swarm of other people ready to pounce once the doors opened. Lovely.

Since it was also raining pretty heavy at this point, we said “screw it” and just grabbed a taxi just around the corner. We ended up having a very pleasant (and private ride) out to Howth! While it was pricey, I don’t have any regrets.

Howth Transportation

If you’re looking to get to Howth, here’s a recap on the transportation options if you don’t have your own car:

• DART Train – travel time: approximately 30 minutes from Tara Street or Connolly Station; cost: €5.00 for roundtrip ticket
• Bus – travel time: approximately 40 minutes; cost €2.00 to €4.00, depending on departure point
• Taxi – travel time: approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic; cost: approximately €40 plus tip, depending on departure point
• Day Tour – take the worry out of the equation and book a guided tour which includes tour bus transportation from Dublin, plus a guided cliff walk!

And here is the reason we have no regrets paying close to €100 for a roundtrip taxi ride to and from Howth: lunch at Baily Bites at Kish was our favorite meal in Ireland!

Upon arriving in Howth, we walked down the West Pier to Baily Bites at Kish – a little airstream trailer tucked away next to Kish Fish. We ordered fresh oysters and cold beers, a bread bowl filled with seafood chowder , and the fish and chips combo with both haddock and smoked hake. Everything was as magical as you’d want a seafood lunch to be.

The seafood chowder was incredible – packed with flavor, super creamy, and loaded with chunks of delicious seafood! That steaming hot chowder was perfect for this cold, windy and rainy day.

Their fish and chips (particularly the smoked hake) was one of the best meals of fish and chips we’ve ever had. The smoked fish introduced us to a whole new flavor profile for fish and chips and the batter was perfectly crisp (not to mention they had the best chips of the trip too).

We topped it all off with a round of fresh oysters washed down with our beers before heading off to explore Howth. Seafood mission accomplished.

Wandering Howth

After lunch, we walked to the end of the pier for some scenic views and to locate the footprints of King George IV . The king’s footprints were cast by a stonemason commemorating his first visit to Ireland in 1821 (allegedly after staggering off the boat quite inebriated). What tiny feet he had! The footprints can be hard to find, so just look for the blue plaque pointing you in the right direction.

harbor seals

Heading back down the West Pier towards Howth Market, we spotted some seals in the water gathered close to the dock in the harbor. Tourists used to feed them years ago, which is now banned because c’mon…wildlife should not rely on humans for food. Apparently, some seals were even into the habit of waving after getting a fish. Clever fellas using tricks to draw the crowds! I’m guessing by the fact that they still congregate where there’s a group of humans suggests people are still slipping them some fish…

howth market & escaping the rain

At this point, the sky decided to dump buckets of rain and I was glad for my water resistant leggings and umbrella (husband did not fare so well with his jeans)! We quickly walked through Howth Market, which showcases local crafts and goods. I longed to snag some pretty cookies and cupcakes but we were stuffed from lunch and the heavy rain made wandering through the stalls less than ideal.

We ended up ducking into a pub that had a couple open seats on a covered, heated patio to enjoy some drinks while we dried off a bit and waited out the rain.

Crab Claws at King Sitric

While we sat at the pub enjoying our drinks, I started searching for other things to do in Howth. Please tell me why I decided to Google more restaurants after eating an enormous lunch? Foodie life, I guess?

I came across a photo of some gorgeous crab claws swimming in garlic butter at King Sitric , just around the corner from where we were. Once I showed the picture to my husband, there was no turning back.

The crab claws were indeed worthy of expanding the waistline for – delicate and rich, complemented well by the plate full of melted garlic butter and a glass of crisp white wine.

Fun Fact : If you’re following in the footsteps Anthony Bourdain, he ate here during his travels to Ireland!.

Our last activity for the day was afternoon tea at The Morrison Hotel back in Dublin. I had reserved the Fancy Pants Tea for myself (their traditional tea offering) and the Gentlemen’s Tea for my husband.

I chose The Morrison specifically for their unique Gentlemen’s Tea, which has a rugged menu of things like sausages and sliders paired with a beer. It’s not just for men of course, but I figured it would entice my husband to go to afternoon tea a bit more than dainty tiers of tea sandwiches and sweets.

The Morrison’s ambiance has a modern hotel lobby feel versus cozy or high end. But I was okay with that because I didn’t really pack a proper afternoon tea outfit for this trip.

In terms of the food, my scones and clotted cream were delicious (scones are usually my favorite afternoon tea snack), but I think the sandwiches and some of the sweets could be improved upon. My husband enjoyed his Gentlemen’s Tea offerings, which I would rate slightly higher. The savory components on his plate were definite winners! Overall, I’d give the afternoon tea experience here about a 7/10.

After our afternoon tea, we were pretty stuffed and called it an early night so we could be well-rested for our next day tour up to Northern Ireland.

Afternoon Tea Alternatives

Some other unique and highly rated afternoon tea alternatives in Dublin include:

• The Vintage Tea Bus Tour – a fun ride around Dublin in a vintage double-decker bus serving afternoon tea
• Upscale afternoon tea at The Shelbourne
• The Merrion’s lavish afternoon tea with sweets crafted to look like actual works of art!

And many, many others!

Day 6 – Northern Ireland

Day six in Ireland was all about exploring the north on another tour with Wild Rover – this time, to Northern Ireland. Did you know that Northern Ireland is its own country under the United Kingdom? Kind of neat to be able to say you visited two countries on one island!

Our day tour included a Black Cab Tour in Belfast to learn about the history of The Troubles , a visit to Dunluce Castle (which doubled as the House Greyjoy in Game of Thrones), and Giant’s Causeway . It was another long day but we got to see some unreal scenery!

I booked this tour direct with Wild Rover to get a discount on two or more bundled tours . This tour is also available to book via Viator .

Day 6 Highlights

• Black Cab Tour in Belfast

Dunluce Castle

Lunch at the nook, giant’s causeway.

• Burrito takeaway from Boojum for dinner

Currency Note: Since Northern Ireland is a part of the U.K., they use GBP (pound sterling – £) as their currency . Coming just for the day with Wild Rover, you can get away without bringing cash in pounds if you have credit cards.

Belfast Black Cab Tour

First up on our tour after the drive up from Dublin was a Black Cab Tour in Belfast to learn about the tumultuous times of The Troubles.

On this tour with Wild Rover, you actually get to choose between two options for your time in Belfast – the Black Cab Tour or a visit to the Titantic Museum . It was a tough choice because the Titanic Museum is pretty state of the art! In the end, we wanted to learn a bit more history of Northern Ireland.

Quick breakfast & rest stop

Thankfully, the Black Cab Tour pickup spot was at a small mall. We were able to use the restroom and grab something hot to eat, which was much needed! One of the cafes is well-prepared for the tour bus crowd and has a few menu items set for churning out quickly.

We got a simple ham and cheese toastie to scarf down before getting in the cab. It was the perfect amount of food to hold us over until lunch and a much better option than the Tayto Crisps breakfast we had on our tour to the Cliffs of Moher…

Learning about The Troubles is important when visiting Northern Ireland as it is a big part of their modern history. The Troubles were a decades-long political conflict wherein more than 3,000 people lost their lives.

The conflict essentially existed between loyalists who wanted to remain under the United Kingdom (largely Ulster Protestants) and nationalists/republicans who wanted one united Ireland (many who were Irish Catholic). The Troubles technically ended in 1998, though evidence of tensions still exist.

For the tour, we piled into black cabs in groups of four to five, and our guides drove us around to different spots in Belfast to acquaint us with history and show visual memorials relating to The Troubles. We visited many mural sites, stopped at a Sinn Fein political office, wandered through an old church, and ended at a large peace wall.

Word of warning – the Northern Irish accent can be tough to understand and is completely different than the rest of Ireland! A lot of the stops on our tour were by busy roads and noise from passing cars made it even more difficult to understand our guide. There was a lot of awkward smiling and nodding. Liam Neeson – you did not prepare us well for this.

Overall, I found learning about The Troubles to be a fascinating but somber experience, but I’m glad we did it.

Onto more upbeat things! Next up on the tour was a visit to Dunluce Castle, also known as House Greyjoy from Game of Thrones . The scenery around Dunluce Castle included some of my favorite views of the Irish coast! Just look at those beautiful limestone arches stretching along the coast. Stunning.

We had about 30 minutes to explore the castle ruins and take in the beauty of the location before heading onto our next stop on the tour. This was plenty of time to explore and admire the scenery.

It was quite cold and very windy here so I definitely recommend bringing a hat and wind breaker-style jacket to keep warm.

After our black cab tour and stop at Dunluce Castle, lunch was much needed. We were given two options to choose from that are right near the Giant’s Causeway entrance – The Nook or the restaurant at The Causeway Hotel. We chose The Nook since we were dropped off right at the pub’s entrance.

Eating first before exploring the Causeway was a brilliant idea. We were honestly just really hungry at this point and were lucky to get in and out before the pub filled up with people!

Our food came out fast and it was surprisingly delicious for being a pub so close to a major tourist attraction. We got the lamb stew with a side of brown bread and I immediately understood why Irish stew is the national dish of Ireland. Warm and hearty stews pair so well with the moody Irish weather!

We also ordered the Steak & Guinness Pie, which was topped with a puff pastry and served with peas and mashed potatoes. This was so rich and flavorful! I only wished our portions were bigger to enjoy it all the more.

Finally, it came time for us to head down to the Giant’s Causeway – a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of roughly 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns .

Irish folklore tells of how this phenomenon was formed by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (aka Finn McCool) who built the Causeway to fight the giant Benandonner over in Scotland. After seeing how large Benandonner actually was, Fionn decided to outsmart him instead. His wife disguised him as a baby and Benandonner was fooled into thinking the “baby’s” father (Fionn) must be an even greater giant by the size of the “baby!” He destroyed the Causeway while fleeing back to Scotland.

The less exciting version of how The Giant’s Causeway was formed was the basalt columns were a result of volcanic activity. I’m personally more of a fan of the Irish folklore version.

Regardless of how it was formed, the Giant’s Causeway is really a unique geological wonder and an absolute must when visiting Northern Ireland!

Pro-tip: There is some walking involved to get down to the Causeway site. If you aren’t up for the walk, you can pay one pound to take the shuttle down or up (and they do take credit card if you haven’t brought cash).

Read this post for more details on how to prepare for a Northern Ireland day trip.

Late Night Burritos at Boojum

After a long tour day, we decided to grab some burritos on our walk back to our hotel room from the tour drop off back in Dublin. We swung by Boojum , which is essentially Ireland’s version of Chipotle. Was it truly Irish cuisine? No, but I’m okay with that. I think Chipotle is a bit better but I was happy to visit a spot selling one of my favorite comfort foods.

Day 7 – The Wind Down

I had originally planned for our last full day in Ireland to be a chill day in Dublin but we ended up walking A LOT, must to my husband’s dismay (his feet were dead at this point). What can I say – so much to see, so little time!

We started our final day in Dublin with a full Irish breakfast at the Cheeky Piglet and walked off our hearty meal at St. Stephen’s Green . I drug my husband all around Merrion Square hunting for unique colored Georgian doors before heading over to The Docklands to pay a visit to the BrewDog taphouse. We ended the day with a Dark Dublin walking tour (which also happened to be on Halloween). That was truly a gruesome (but super cool) way to end our time in Ireland!

Day 7 Highlights

• Breakfast at The Cheeky Piglet
• Meandering through St. Stephen’s Green
• Hunting for pretty Georgian doors
• BrewDog for beers and late lunch
• A quick visit to the Irish Famine Memorial
• Dark Dublin walking tour

Brekkie at the Cheeky Piglet

I had intended to try an Irish breakfast nearly all week long but we are terrible about getting up and being ready for breakfast before our daily activities. We just don’t prioritize it when traveling. However, Irish breakfast is something you’ve got to try at least once when in Ireland!

Irish breakfast is similar to an English breakfast but with an Irish, you get black and white puddings along with some type of potato. It’s a hearty meal packed with lots of protein!

We visited the Cheeky Piglet in The Liberties neighborhood and they did an outstanding job with all components . I even enjoyed the black and white puddings! Black pudding is a blood sausage but it’s nothing to be afraid of. This was such a great and filling meal to get in before a day of sightseeing.

St. Stephen’s Green

St. Stephen’s Green is a beautiful park located in Central Dublin and I figured it would be the perfect place to burn the calories from breakfast . It was so peaceful to walk through the lush, green park. Even though it was an overcast day, the park was filled with people taking walks and watching all the birds in the pond.

I absolutely love experiences like these when traveling because they remind me of the need to slow down.

Georgian Doors

Next up on the itinerary for the day was something a little unique – tracking down different-colored Georgian doors around the squares. It’s hard not to miss these vibrant doors when visiting Dublin!

I’ve heard different versions of why they’re painted in such a way, one being to defy a royal decree to paint them all black to mourn the passing of Queen Victoria. Another story suggests women painted the doors to stand out to their men coming home drunk from the pubs! Either way, I love the pop these colors add to the buildings of Dublin .

I tried to snap photos of as many colors as I could but could have spent hours trying to find them all. Most of mine were seen around St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square , but you can also find more around Fitzwilliam Square, Pearse Square, and Mountjoy Square – just to name a few.

After my Georgian door hunt, we hoofed it all the way out to the Docklands. It was truly quite a trek and a strong beer was much-needed by the time we reached the tap house!

We love visiting breweries when traveling. BrewDog has become a favorite of ours since our first trip to London where we visited two separate BrewDog locations. We’re making it a point to visit one wherever we travel! We just enjoy their beer and it’s sort of nostalgic for us too.

We kicked back for a couple of hours here, tasting many beers and devouring some wings and pizza.

Irish Famine Memorial

After our BrewDog visit, we started making our way back towards the center of the city for our evening walking tour. We passed by the Jeannie Johnston ship and the Irish Famine Memorial , which was pretty sobering. From 1845 to 1849, 1 million people died and 1 million more ended up emigrating from Ireland. It’s a sad part of Irish history and these sculptures really captured that.

I actually intended to also visit the EPIC Irish Immigration Museum at this point but we had run out of time. If you get to breakfast earlier in the day, you can easily add this on the route.

Dark Dublin Walking Tour

Our last night in Ireland fell on Halloween so I wanted to do something spooky seeing as Halloween actually originated in Ireland. I stumbled upon the Dark Dublin tour , which is a walking tour around Dublin that dives into some of the dark details of Dublin’s past. I’m talking tales of torture, murder, proposals to eat babies, and so on. Yikes!

The tour was indeed quite dark and fitting for Halloween night! Our tour guide, Cillian, was brilliant and we enjoyed the tour very much. It was a great way to end our time in Ireland!

Tipping : One thing I observed was the lack of tipping to the guides. This tour is quite affordable and I highly recommending throwing some euros at your guide if you enjoyed your time with them.

What to Pack for Ireland

What to pack for your trip to Ireland is going to be entirely dependent upon the season. I have a separate, detailed post of everything I packed for our trip to Ireland, but here are some essentials for fall travel :

• Waterproof shoes that are comfortable for walking – I brought my Waterproof Vessi sneakers and Waterproof Boots from Timberland and both worked well.
• Fleece Jacket
• Rain Jacket
• Umbrella (for city walking)
• Moisture-wicking beanie
• Wool socks like these or these
• Water resistant fleece-lined leggings

I typically travel with a backpack instead of a purse or cross-body bag because I need something big enough to hold my camera gear. My favorite travel backpacks are somewhat stylish, “waterproof,” and anti-theft and I absolutely love both of these bags that come in black nylon and brown faux leather . My brown backpack was the perfect color for fall and kept everything in my bag dry!

Read More: What to Pack for Fall in Ireland

General Ireland Travel Tips

• Currency : Euros in The Republic of Ireland and Pound Sterling in Northern Ireland
• Driving : Driving is on the left side of the road. If you don’t want to drive in Ireland, you can easily get around by bus, train, or rideshares (like we did)!
• Street Crossing:  Because cars may drive on the opposite side of the road than your home country, be sure to look in the proper direction when crossing streets. I speak from experience that if you don’t do this, you’re playing a dangerous game (just read all about how I almost got my husband hit by a car! ).
• Tipping:  Small tips are acceptable in Ireland but not always necessary. For tours, however, I recommend a generous tip – especially to the guides and drivers on the long bus tours! It’s hard work keeping us tourists entertained for 12 hours.
• Taxis : You can use Free Now or Uber apps to hail taxis in Ireland. All drivers must be certified taxi drivers, even with Uber. This is great for safety!

I hope you enjoyed my one-week Ireland itinerary recap! The Irish people are so friendly and welcoming and I was blown away by the country’s scenery – especially along the west coast and the coastal areas of the north.

There are SO many things I’d love to see on a return visit to Ireland. It’s always hard to pack things in with limited time, but I feel like we did our first week in Ireland justice. I can’t wait to come back!

Are you ready to discover Ireland’s magic yourself?

Read Next: What to Eat in Ireland: Must-Try Irish Dishes, Drinks & Snacks

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Best 7 Day Ireland Itinerary: How To Plan an Ireland Trip

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Planning a 7 Day Ireland Itinerary can feel like a humungous task – but we can assure you that it doesn’t have to be. While there is a lot that goes into planning an Ireland trip, we are sharing our top tips that will help you plan the absolute best 7 Day Ireland Itinerary!

A few things travelers to Ireland need to determine is where to go, what to see and how long to stay in each destination. Plus, there are important details, like choosing when to go to Ireland, deciding whether or not to rent a car and when to start booking accommodations. In our week-long Ireland Itinerary, we cover the top trip planning essentials, plus our insider advice.

How To Plan a Trip to Ireland: Itinerary Tips

Ireland boasts a buzzing capital city, an astounding coastline and quaint villages. We think the best way to plan a trip to Ireland – especially for first timers – is to experience a little bit of everything.

That said, how you plan an Ireland trip will come down to your overall interests, allowable time, travel budget and comfort levels.

We feel that our itinerary is the best way to see Ireland…but it may not be for everyone. Travelers looking to create their best Ireland vacation itinerary can use our outline as it’s written or as a starting point for their trip plan.

Planning the Best Ireland Itinerary 7 Days from Abroad

Our itinerary of Ireland that we outline below offers detailed information about visiting the Emerald Isle. However, visitors traveling to Ireland from overseas should check out the additional tips that we share in our How To Plan a European Vacation article.

Organizing Your Ireland Trip Ideas

As you plan your week trip to Ireland, organization is key! To stay on top of all the important details of your itinerary for touring Ireland, we recommend using our Printable Travel Planner . It includes 26 pages of vacation organization!

Ireland Itinerary 7 Days FAQs

Before we dive into our Best Ireland Trip Itinerary, we want to cover a few of the basics and most frequently asked questions. Covering these need-to-know details now will help you plan your 1 Week in Ireland Itinerary later.

What Is the Best Way to See Ireland?

The first – and probably most important – question that comes up when planning a One Week Ireland Itinerary is, What is the best way to tour Ireland? Travelers can opt to join an organized multiday tour or plan the trip on their own.

One of the benefits of joining a tour of Ireland is that all the trip details are planned for you – all you need to do is show up on time! Plus, you get to meet other travelers and have a driver and/or tour guide that share information and insight. Organized multiday Ireland tours – like this one – get rave reviews.

The downside of joining a tour, however, is that you are committed to that Ireland 1 Week Itinerary. You have to go where they take you and leave when they say so. Plus, it can be expensive – especially for travelers visiting Ireland on a budget. Generally speaking, we like having flexibility in our travels and we typically plan trips on our own.

How To Tour Ireland on Your Own?

If you opt to plan a trip to Ireland on your own, the next questions is, Should I travel Ireland by car or use public transport? It is often touted that you need a car for an Ireland tour itinerary, but we disagree. In fact, there are a few really good reasons not to drive in Ireland.

First and foremost, they drive on the left in Ireland, which can be trying (or downright dangerous) for visitors accustomed to driving on the right side of the road. Second, rental cars (plus gasoline and required insurance) can be outrageously expensive. Third, driving while on vacation can be a really stressful, and no one wants that on their holiday!

On the flip side, driving a car allows for much more freedom and flexibility. Travelers who want to rent a car should read our Tips for Getting the Best Car Rental Prices before reserving one.

Our outlined 7-day tour of Ireland can be completed with or without a car. To help travelers using public transit, we share details on how to get between each destination using trains and buses.

How Do I Plan a Self-Drive Tour of Ireland?

Planning a Self-Drive Ireland Itinerary can be straightforward. On an Ireland road trip, you choose where you want to go and you can opt to take any detours along the way.

In addition to deciding which destinations to include for your itinerary in Ireland, you will also need to research driving directions, calculate driving times and find out where you can park in cities, towns and accommodations. 

Perhaps more importantly, travelers driving in Ireland need to know the rules and laws. Visitors may need to obtain an International Drivers License (although it is optional for EU, Canadian and US citizens) and proof of third-party insurance is required. Travelers renting a car for a 7 day trip to Ireland can use these Ireland driving tips .

How To Tour Ireland Without a Car?

Creating a 1 Week Ireland Itinerary with no car is not difficult, per se, but it does require travelers to do some research and keep track of a few more details (which is why a Travel Planner is so important!).

Obviously, the destinations that you choose for your Ireland Itinerary Without A Car need to be connected via public transportation. Furthermore, you need to check transit schedules, understand fares (and how they are paid) and figure out how to get to the top sights.

While figuring out how to see Ireland without a car might seem like a daunting task, we’re here to help make it simple. In the outline that we share for a ‘7-Day Itinerary Ireland No Car’, we include important details and useful links.

Is the Outlined Trip Plan an Ireland by Train Itinerary?

Yes and no. The trip plan that we outline is an Ireland Itinerary by Train and Bus. So, we like to think of it as an Ireland By Public Transport Itinerary.

While there is a decent train network in Ireland, the bus system is much more robust. Direct trains are slightly faster than buses, but they are also much more expensive. Additionally, Irish Rail trains don’t service many destinations at all.

Therefore, rather than just creating an Ireland by Rail Itinerary, we recommend using a combination of both trains and buses.

How Many Days to Spend in Ireland?

For many travelers, how long to travel around Ireland is one of the biggest questions when creating a trip plan. Is an Ireland One Week Itinerary enough time? Is 2 Weeks in Ireland too long?

How long to stay in Ireland boils down to your specific interests, your overall allotted time for the trip and your budget. That said, it would be impossible to ‘see it all’ on a single trip – unless you plan on touring Ireland for months on end!

We think a Ireland 7 Day Itinerary is optimal for most travelers. Our proposed One Week Ireland Itinerary allows enough time to see the highlights at a reasonable pace.

However, to help fellow travelers with different times frames, we have created additional sample itineraries for Ireland. Whether you are planning a quick 5-day trip or intend on creating an Ireland 10 Days Itinerary, we’ve got it covered. We also share tips for combining a week in Ireland Itinerary with other nearby destinations – like Scotland, England and France.

When Should I Travel to Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland is when it is dry and sunny…which is pretty tough to predict in a country where it rains year-round. The best chance for the best weather in Ireland, however, is in late spring and summer.

The temperatures in Ireland are mild throughout the year – meaning it doesn’t get too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer. And, while precipitation is often predicted, it doesn’t always rain or it’s just a passing shower.

In order to plan the best trips to Ireland, we recommend anticipating rain, wind and cloudy skies. Dress in layers (even in the summertime), bring a raincoat and always explore with a travel umbrella tucked into your day pack . In the summer, also pack sunscreen , as the sun can be deceptively strong even when the air is cool.

We share more tips of what to pack for your trip to Ireland at the end of the article.

This is the Best Itinerary for Ireland for Who?

Our sample Ireland Itinerary 7 Days can be used by anyone! It’s a great First Trip to Ireland Itinerary because it covers the top-rated sights. It can be used as a Backpacking Ireland itinerary and is great for budget travelers. Most of the recommendations are kid-friendly, so it can be used as a family trip to Ireland Itinerary, too!

What Are the Best Places to See in Ireland in 7 Days?

Labeling any attractions in any country as the ‘best places to see’ is, obviously, subjective. For our sample itinerary for Ireland, we include the places that we think are the best for a 7-day trip.

The destinations that we include in our 7 Days in Ireland Itinerary are Dublin , Limerick, Doolin  (to see Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands ) and Galway .

Those exploring Ireland over a longer period of time can also include Cork (along with the Ring of Kerry and Killarney) and/or Belfast, Northern Ireland and Giants Causeway. We include specifics of how to work these sights into your trip plan later.

7 DAY IRELAND ITINERARY

Now that we’ve answered the basics about planning a trip to Ireland, it’s time to dive into the day-by-day specifics of our Best Ireland Itinerary! We include everything you need to plan each day’s adventure, plus we share a helpful Ireland Map of the route.

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Ireland Travel Blog to plan – and during – your trip!

DAY 1: Discover Dublin Highlights

Kick off your 7 Days Ireland Itinerary in the capital of Dublin. The city has a long history and is home to many of the top attractions in Ireland.

After getting settled into your accommodations ( recommendation : Temple Bar Inn ), start your discovery of Dublin by getting your bearings on an Organized  or Self Guided Dublin Walking Tour . The city is incredibly walkable and the best Dublin sights are easy to reach on foot.

In the afternoon, plan to see one (or more) of Dublin’s top attractions. The Guinness Storehouse , the Book of Kells at Trinity College and the Jameson Distillery are top picks. As these are the most popular sights in Dublin, it is best to book tickets in advance.

Use should also consult our complete Dublin Itinerary for more tips and details of what to see and do in the city.

In the evening, sip a pint of Guinness at one of the Best Pubs in Dublin . We recommend enjoying music and imbibing in the always entertaining Temple Bar District.

Public Transit Options for Day 1

It’s fairly easy to get around Dublin on foot, however, there is also an extensive public transit system that includes buses, trams and trains. Use the TFI website for routes and fare info. Alternatively, you can use the Hop On Hop Off Bus to conveniently get to top Dublin tourist attractions.

DAY 2: Explore More of Dublin and the Irish Coast

On the second day of your Ireland in 7 Days Itinerary, explore more of Dublin in the morning and then set off for a short excursion to one of the best coastal towns.

Dublin is teeming with sights and attractions – so pick one or two to see in the morning. There are a copious number of museums in the city and, when the weather cooperates, the outdoor spaces are nothing short of spectacular.

We loved the Little Museum of Dublin (especially the U2 exhibit), but the National Gallery of Ireland is a good choice, as well (plus it offers free admission, making it one of the best free things to do in Dublin !).

Visitors who would rather spend the morning outdoors will find ample green spaces in Dublin. Our favorite spot is Phoenix Park, where deer roam the meadows, but the National Botanic Garden is a lovely place to explore as well.

Take a short trip in the afternoon to one of the picture-perfect towns on along the coast – like Howth, Bray or Malahide.

On a trip to Howth , gorge on fresh seafood and then stretch your legs on the stunning coastal walk. Alternately, travel south to the seaside resort town of Bray , where you can put your feet in the sand and then hike to the top of the hill for phenomenal panoramas. The highlight of a trip to Malahide is the impressive and mighty Malahide Castle but leave enough time for a stroll through the picturesque town, too!

End the second day of your travel itinerary for Ireland at the oldest bar in Dublin, The Brazen Head , where they serve exceptional Irish stew and pour a very tasty pint of Guinness.

Public Transit Options for Day 2

All three coastal towns are easy to get to by the DART public transit train line. Tickets are inexpensive and fares can be paid with a Leap Card or purchased at kiosks located at most stops. Find more information on the DART website . 

DAY 3: Spend a Day in Limerick

On Day 3 of your One Week in Ireland Itinerary, travel west from Dublin to the city of Limerick, which is a great place to stop to break up the journey across the country. Limerick, which sits on the banks of the River Shannon, is steeped in history and has a handful of sights that are well-worth seeing.

Once you get checked into your hotel ( recommended : Pery’s Hotel ), set off to see the two best and historic Limerick attractions: St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John’s Castle.

The Cathedral was founded in the year 1168 and features exquisite stained-glass windows, ancient artifacts and a small cemetery.

Next, step inside the landmark King John’s Castle, which marks the heart of the city’s Medieval quarter. The interactive museum features exciting displays that showcase the interesting history and the great importance of the 800-year-old castle.

If time allows, cross over the bridge to the opposite side of the river. There you will find the Treaty Stone (where the 1691 Treaty of Limerick was signed) and fabulous views of the castle and church.

Stop at Treaty City Brewery for a locally crafted brew (they make excellent IPAs…or you can sample them all with a flight). Then, for dinner, go to The Locke Bar. Eat al fresco at one of the riverside picnic tables, but duck back inside for the live music after your meal. Just don’t stay out too late, as tomorrow is a big day!

Public Transit Options for Day 3

Visitors can travel to Limerick from Dublin via bus or train.

The Dublin Coach Bus 300 M7 Express Service from Dublin City Burgh Quay departs multiple times daily. To allow plenty of time for sightseeing in Limerick, we recommend being on one of the morning departures. Find timetables and info here .

The first direct train from Dublin Heuston to Limerick Colbert Station departs at 3:30pm, which is too late to enter the sights in Limerick, but a good option for travelers who’d prefer to spend a few more hours sightseeing in Dublin. There are earlier trains, but they require a switch at Limerick Junction. See the timetable and find fare info here .

DAY 4: Travel to Doolin and Walk to the Cliffs of Moher

Get an early start on Day 4 of your 7 Day Itinerary Ireland and travel to the dramatic Irish West Coast and the charming Village of Doolin.

Inquire if early check in is available at your hotel ( recommended: Hotel Doolin or Oar Rooms ) – or at the very least if you can store your luggage. Once you have that sorted, immediately set off on an absolutely epic coastal walk to the famous Cliffs of Moher.

The well-marked Doolin to Cliffs of Moher Trail follows the coastline, passing by grazing cows and horses. Hikers can walk all the way to O’Brien’s Tower, the Visitor’s Center and beyond (although the best views of the Cliffs of Moher are during the hike, not from the top). While not technically difficult, the round-trip walk is about 10 miles in length and will take about 5 hours to complete.

When you finish the hike, have dinner, drinks and enjoy the craic in Doolin at one of the town’s best bars: McGann’s Pub, Fitzpatrick’s Bar or McDermott’s Pub.

Top Tip: Use our guide of the Top Things To Do in Doolin  for more tips and details about the hike, sights, restaurants and bars.

Public Transit Options for Day 4

To get from Limerick to Doolin, we recommend using a combination of train and bus. There is no direct route between the two locations.

From Limerick, take the train to Ennis; purchase tickets at a kiosk or ticket window in the station. Be on the 9:20 train in order to catch the 10:30 Route 350 Bus to Doolin (the train and bus stations are connected). Fares for the bus to Doolin are paid via a Leap Card, cash or online ticket.

DAY 5: Take a Day Trip to the Aran Islands

On Day 5 of your 7 Day Itinerary for Ireland embark on memorable day trip to the rustic and fascinating Aran Islands. The three islands sit just offshore and boast centuries of history and tradition.

Take the morning ferry from Doolin to Inis Oirr – the closest, smallest and in our opinion the best Aran Island to visit on a day excursion.

Once on the island, rent a bicycle for the day and pedal your way to the top sights. The best things to see on Inis Oirr are the Plessey Shipwreck, the sunken church, the sandy beach and the lighthouse.

Return to Doolin in the late afternoon and hop on the Cliffs of Moher Scenic Tour Boat ( book both boat trips together and save a bit of money). The boat ride features stunning views of the cliffs from sea level – which offers quite a different perspective from hiking on top of them!

When you return to Doolin Village, stop at the famed Gus O’Connor Tavern for a beverage, a bite to eat and the nightly music session.

Public Transit Options for Day 5

The only way to get to the islands is by public ferry. The ferries do fill up, so be sure to buy your tickets in advance .

There is no bus service to get around Doolin. Travelers without a car will need to walk from their accommodations to the ferry dock, which is about 1 mile from the heart of the village.

DAY 6: Go to Galway via the Wild Atlantic Way

The next stop on your Ireland Travel Itinerary is Galway…but getting there is half the fun! The route from Doolin to Galway is along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the most iconic coastal routes in the world.

After a leisurely breakfast, depart Doolin and navigate through the rocky terrain of The Burren. Continue through the countryside and small villages to the Dunguaire Castle, where you can spend a couple hours touring the castle and eating lunch in the village of Kinvara.

The charming castle sits right on Galway Bay and is open to visitors for a small fee. For lunch, indulge in a steamy bowl of creamy seafood chowder at The Pier Head or one of the fun pubs on Main Street.

After the stop in Kinvara, continue your journey to Galway City – the final destination on your Itinerary for Ireland. Check into your accommodations ( recommended : Thirteen on the Green or Skeffington Arms Hotel ), then enjoy a leisurely evening of Galway sightseeing.

Walk through Eyre Square and follow Williamsgate Street into the tangle of pedestrian-only Medieval lanes in the Galway Latin Quarter. Listen to buskers, pop into shops and simply enjoy the jubilant atmosphere!

For dinner, get a woodfired pizza from The Dough Bros (ranked one of the best pizzas in Europe) or feast on a classic meal of fish and chips at the family-run McDonagh’s. End the day at one of Galway’s best taverns – like Tigh Choili or Tigh Neachtain – where you can catch a live Irish Traditional Music Session.

Public Transit Options for Day 6

Doolin is connected to Galway via Bus #350 (the same route used to get to Doolin from Ennis) and there are several departures throughout the day. Fares are paid in cash or with a Leap Card and can also be purchased online.

Travelers who want to make the stop at the Dunguaire Castle can take the 8:30 or 11:30 Route 350 bus and stop at Kinvara. Just keep in mind that the castle does not open until 10am and is about a 15-minute walk from the bus stop.

Keep an eye on the time throughout the afternoon and either catch the 14:57 or 16:57 bus to Galway. The ride to Galway City from Kinvara takes about 40 minutes.

DAY 7: Enjoy Galway Sights

On the last day of your One Week in Ireland Itinerary, spend a full day sightseeing in Galway. Use our guide of Things To Do in Galway  to plan your day’s adventure.

Start the day in the Latin Quarter checking off the sights that you didn’t see the day before, like the Spanish Arch, Lynch’s Castle and the St. Nicholas Church. Stop by the excellent (and free) Galway City Museum and then walk along the riverside path north to the Galway Cathedral. If time allows, wander through the University of Galway campus.

In the afternoon, either walk the seaside promenade to Salthill – a fun entertainment district and home of the National Aquarium of Ireland – or take a leisurely river cruise on the Corrib Princess boat.

End the day in Galway’s Westend, where there are ample trendy cafes, hip restaurants and fun pubs. Enjoy one last pint of Guinness at Monroe’s, where there will almost certainly be live music and a fun crowd to wrap up your 1 Week Vacation in Ireland!

Public Transit Options for Day 7

No public transit is needed for Day 7 of our Ireland sample itinerary – everything can be reached on foot!

Ireland Itinerary Map

Use this link to Google Maps for an online version of our Ireland Travel Itinerary 7 Days.

More Ireland Itineraries

Our suggested itinerary for Ireland covers what to see in the country in 7 days. However, we have a few more tips for travelers with more – or less – time for their visit. We are sharing Ireland trip planner tips for 5 Days, 10 Days and 14 Days.

Ireland Itinerary 5 Days

Spending just 5 days in Ireland is not a lot of time, but travelers can still see the highlights! The trip will be a short, fast-paced journey. Our sample Ireland itinerary for 5 Days includes stops in Dublin (1 night), Limerick (1 night), Doolin (2 nights) and Galway (1 night).

5 Day Ireland Itinerary

On Day 1, arrive in Dublin and see the highlights (follow Day 1 of our 1 Week Itinerary Ireland).

For Day 2, see sights in Dublin in the morning, but depart by mid-day for Limerick. In Limerick, see the sights (if they are still open) and eat dinner on the riverside.

Get an early morning start on Day 3 and travel from Limerick to Doolin to hike to the Cliffs of Moher (following the advice for Day 4 in our One Week Ireland Trip Itinerary).

Spend Day 4 on a day trip to the Aran Islands and take the Cliffs of Moher Scenic Boat Trip in the late afternoon. Enjoy the evening in Doolin at one of the fun pubs.

Start Day 5 early and depart Doolin via the Wild Atlantic Way toward Galway. (Use the tips from Day 6 in our Ireland in One Week Itinerary.) Once in Galway, explore the sights in the Medieval Latin Quarter.

Another way to plan an Ireland 5-Day Itinerary is to fly to Dublin and spend time exploring on your own, then join a 3-Day Organized Tour . 

Ireland Itinerary 10 Days

With 10 days in Ireland, you can build a perfect itinerary that features one more destination. We recommend adding Cork (and the Ring of Kerry) to your trip Ireland trip plan or venture up to Northern Ireland to visit Belfast (and the Giants Causeway).  

Using our Best One Week Ireland Itinerary above, visitors spending 10 days in Ireland need to only make a few adjustments.

10 Day Ireland and Northern Ireland Itinerary

To add Northern Ireland sights to your trip plan – including the City of Belfast and the incredible Giants Causeway – use our recommended Ireland Itinerary for 7 Days as a basic outline. However, instead of traveling from Dublin to Limerick, travel from Dublin to Belfast.

Spend 3 days in Belfast – including the day of travel, a day trip to Giants Causeway (and Rede Rope Bridge) and a full day exploring Belfast City Center. Use our Belfast Things To Do  for tips on how to plan your time in Northern Ireland.

On Day 6, travel from Belfast to Limerick via Dublin – and follow the remainder of our itinerary from Day 3. To travel from Belfast to Limerick, visitors can use buses or trains, but all routes will include a switch in Dublin.

If using trains, bear in mind that the trains from Belfast terminate at the Dublin Connolly Station and trains from Dublin to Limerick depart from Heuston Station. The two stations are connected via the LUAS Tram (Red Line) or a quick Uber/FreeNow taxi ride.

If traveling by bus, the Coachstar X1 and X2 buses from Belfast to Dublin terminate at the Busaras Station, which is just a short walk from the Dublin City Burgh Quay bus stop, where the Dublin Coach Bus 300 M7 Express Service departs from about every half hour throughout the day.

10 Day Ireland Itinerary with Cork

Travelers can also create an Ireland 10 Day Itinerary that includes Cork and the fabulous Ring of Kerry.

To create a perfect 10 Days Ireland Itinerary, use our outline for one week, but instead of traveling from Limerick to Doolin on Day 4, detour to the south and spend 3 days in Cork. We recommend using the Expressway 51 Bus . 

On the day of arrival, see the sights in Cork City Centre (like The English Market, St. Patrick’s Street, Elizabeth Fort and Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral). On the next day (Day 5 of your Ireland 10-Day Trip), join one of the organized tours from Cork to the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park. Then, on the final day in Cork (Day 6), travel by public bus to Blarney to see the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone.

On Day 7, take the 7:25 Expressway 51 Bus to Ennis – which, with little time to spare, should get you to Ennis in time to catch the 10:30 Route 350 bus to Doolin. From there, follow our above Ireland in a Week Itinerary for the remainder of your trip starting from Day 4.

Ireland Itinerary 14 Days

With a full 2 Weeks in Ireland Itinerary, travelers have time to see many of the top sights! Using our above Ireland vacation ideas, visitors can easily create an ideal 2-Week Ireland Itinerary.

We would plan a 14-Day Ireland Itinerary like this:

• Dublin – 2 Days
• Belfast – 3 Days
• Limerick – 2 Days
• Cork – 3 Days
• Doolin – 2 Days
• Galway – 2 Days

Scotland and Ireland Itinerary

Due to their close proximity, many travelers plan an itinerary for Scotland and Ireland. In fact, it’s how we organized our trip, too!

There are many different ways to plan an Ireland and Scotland Itinerary. Travelers without a car, however, will likely want to base themselves in Edinburgh. From there, visitors can plan their own day trips to the exciting city of Glasgow and the coastal town of Dunbar . There are numerous day trips from Edinburgh and multiday trips  that go north into the highlands.

Travelers planning an Ireland – Scotland Itinerary can use our tips for Things To Do in Edinburgh and our guide of What and Where to Eat in Edinburgh .

Ireland Scotland England Itinerary

With enough time, it is possible to plan an England, Ireland, Scotland Itinerary. Travelers can use the tips in our London 3 Day Itinerary  for tips on what to see and do in London.

Ireland London Paris Itinerary

Another great trip combination is Ireland, London and Paris. We recommend following the tips in our Ireland Itinerary One Week Trip above – and then spending a few days in London before traveling to Paris for a week .

Travel Tips for your One Week Ireland Itinerary

We have outlined the Perfect Ireland Itinerary, but we have a few more Ireland travel tips to help you make the absolute most of your trip!

How To Get To Ireland

In our Ireland suggested itinerary, we start in Dublin on the east side of the country and end in Galway on the west side. Therefore, you could book flights into Dublin (DUB) and out of Shannon (SNN). That said, it only takes about 2 hours to get back to the Dublin Airport from Galway.

For your 7-Day Ireland Itinerary from Dublin, we recommend searching for the best fares and flight times from both cities – Dublin and Shannon – to see which one offers the best prices and schedules.

Using a airline booking tool, like Skyscanner , can help you narrow down the best flight options. We share more tips in our article about Finding the Best Flights for Cheap . 

Tips for Ireland Accommodations

Throughout our 7 Nights in Ireland Itinerary, we shared our top picks for where to stay in each destination. Most of the recommendations are well-priced and near the center of town. However, we have a few more tips to share about finding places to stay in Ireland.

Hotels in Ireland are expensive – especially in Dublin. Expect rates for average hotels to be priced close to $200 USD per night. Be sure to use our Tips for Finding Cheap Hotels before booking!

The best value hotels get booked early, so we recommend starting your search for accommodations early in your Ireland trip planning process.

Typically, we enjoy staying in Airbnb apartments when we travel. However, with a quick moving vacation – like our Seven Days in Ireland Itinerary – we think hotels are a better option. Hotels typically have a more lenient check-in/check-out policy and are likely to have luggage storage, if need be.

What To Pack for a 7 Day Ireland Tour

Our final advice is about what to pack in your suitcase . You can find all of our packing hacks on our Travel Packing Tips page. You can also get our free, printable packing checklist !

Walking Shoes for your Ireland 7 Day Trip

It is oh-so-important to have the right shoes for your trip! We advise wearing lightweight, versatile and comfortable shoes – like everyday sneakers or these trail shoes . You can find more specifics in our tips for The Best Travel Shoes .

Weather Gear for a 7 Day Trip to Ireland Itinerary

We already mentioned that the weather in Ireland can be quite wild, so it’s essential to pack accordingly! Layers are ideal – even in the summertime. Wet weather gear – like a rain jacket and travel umbrella – are a must. And don’t forget the sunscreen – as the summer sun is still intense when it does make an appearance!

Best Camera for your Tour of Ireland Itinerary

The landscapes in Ireland are unbelievably beautiful! For your trip to Ireland, we highly recommend upgrading to a DSLR Camera .

There are many great (and some very expensive) cameras, but we suggest starting with a Canon Rebel . It’s what we use on our travels (with a 18-135mm lens ). We think it’s a great camera for budget travelers because it’s well-priced, takes quality photos and comes with many super accessories.

Good Day Pack for your Week Trip in Ireland

With long days of sightseeing, you will want to make sure you carry everything you need with you in a travel day bag. There are numerous styles – like the backpacks we use to cross-body bags to hip packs. We detail many of the top options in our post on the Best Day Packs for Travelers .

Travel Insurance for your Seven Day Ireland Itinerary

Regardless of how well you plan your Ireland 7 Day Itinerary, things can go wrong. Flight delays, cancellations, lost luggage and illness abroad are just a few of the unexpected things that can happen while traveling. A trip insurance policy might help cover the costs. Check the affordable rates and coverages at World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Ireland ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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How to Plan the Perfect Ireland Itinerary (5 Days-4 Weeks)

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/25/2023

Planning your Ireland itinerary can be a bit daunting when there are so many beautiful places to visit in Ireland but have no fear, dear reader, I’ve got you covered. I spent a month traveling around Ireland and I’m sharing all the need-to-know (and what to miss) details with you.

Ireland is a special place and many people end up returning to the Emerald Isle. I can’t blame them!

This Ireland itinerary covers both Ireland and Northern Ireland. It’s packed with Ireland travel tips and is designed to help you create the ideal itinerary for Ireland specifically for you .

It can be a self-drive Ireland itinerary or a plan to help you get around by train or bus. I’m your virtual Ireland trip planner!

While I dive straight into the itinerary, keep reading as I provide additional tips for exactly how to plan a trip to Ireland. From when to visit, what to see and do, budgeting, and detailed daily itineraries as suggestions to maximize your time.

Table of Contents

Ireland Fast Facts

The first thing you need to know before visiting Ireland is that Ireland is two countries. What?  Yeah, I didn’t know this for the longest time! The island is in fact divided with the majority of the island being the Republic of Ireland which is an independent state while a small part of the island is Northern Ireland which is a part of the UK.

Currency:  Republic of Ireland uses euros, Northern Ireland uses pounds Languages:  English, Irish Population: Republic of Ireland is 4.7 million, Northern Ireland is 1.8 million Religion:  Christianity is the majority

Ireland Itinerary

How this itinerary works:  I recommend where to go in Ireland and the least amount of time to the max amount of time to spend in each destination.

I share which Ireland travel destinations to pair together to help you decide and the best places to travel in Ireland for your allotted time. You can then mix and match which days appeal most to you to create the best Ireland itinerary between 5 days and 4 weeks.

These trip ideas are designed for road trips and even as a backpacking Ireland itinerary.

Recommended Ireland Tours

Skip planning your trip yourself with these top-rated tours around the country.

• Best of Ireland in 10 days
• Wild South in 7 days  (small group)
• Great Atlantic Adventure in 7 days  (small group)

Ireland Itineraries by Length

Choose an itinerary and start booking! The full itinerary will take you clockwise around all of Ireland. These are rough suggestions for a first trip to Ireland itinerary.

Do the research and look into how long it takes to get to each new destination as you might not want to move as fast. If you’re renting a car then hitting all the destinations suggested will not be an issue.

5 Day Itinerary

• Day trip to Giant’s Causeway
• Day trip to Cliffs of Moher

7 Day Itinerary

• Day trip to Giant’s Causeway or Belfast from Dublin

10 Day Itinerary

2 Week Itinerary

3 week itinerary, 4 week itinerary.

• All destinations plus 2 extra days to spend where you please

Daily Breakdown of My Ireland Trip Itinerary

Dublin: 2-5 Days

Dublin is the largest city in Ireland, the capital and the cheapest place to fly into so your Ireland trip will most certainly have a stop in this famous city!

Dublin has a ton of history and many major attractions with most of them being drinking activities such as the Guinness Storehouse, the Jameson Distillery, the Whiskey Museum and of course pub culture (the oldest pub in Ireland is in Dublin!).

But if drinking isn’t your thing you can visit one of the many museums such as The Little Museum of Dublin and the Natural Museum of Ireland. 4 days in Dublin is a great amount of time if you want to explore the city at a leisurely pace.

DAY 1: The must-do activities in Dublin are a free walking tour to learn about the history of the city and see some of the top sites. Then a visit to the Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Distillery (though I recommend the Whiskey Museum !).

DAY 2:  Make a stop at Trinity College where you can see the Book of Kells and the Long Hall which is a gorgeous library. If you didn’t on day one you have to walk through the Temple Bar area and grab a pint!

DAY 3:  Add in a trip to Kilmainham Gaol, an abandoned prison with lots of stories ( be sure to book in advance ), visit a museum to kill some time while it rains, spend some time walking through the city’s gardens like Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens, St. Stephen’s Green or check out the Dublin Zoo. Lastly, you’ll also have time for some churches.

DAY 4 & 5: Add in some time to relax, do a day tour or a tour around Dublin such as a food tour or even a beer tour!

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Dublin

Best Day Trips from Dublin

These day trips from Dublin are the most popular but not all are worth doing from Dublin if you’re visiting a city closer to the location of the tour! Plan accordingly.

Wicklow National Park Half-Day Tour Visit the Wicklow Mountains (where parts of P.S I Love You were filmed), Glendalough monastery, Guinness Lake and Sally Gap to understand why this part of the country is called the Garden of Ireland.

Blarney Castle Did you really visit Ireland if you didn’t kiss the Blarney Stone? This full-day trip will take you through County Cork, to Blarney Castle and the Rock of Cashel. This tour is recommended if you are not visiting Cork.

Giant’s Causeway Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway, walk across the small but famous Carrick-A-Rede Bridge, spend time in Belfast and drive past stunning coastal scenery. This is only recommended for those who are not including Belfast in their itinerary.

Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Galway If you’re short on time and opting to skip Galway you simply must include a day trip to the lovely city and the Cliffs of Moher as they are an iconic site in Ireland.

Where to Stay in Dublin

Budget: Jacobs Inn A modern and funky hostel with an excellent location in Dublin. Jacobs Inn offers private dorms, rooms and single beds in dorms, all with ensuite, private bathrooms.

Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre Stay in Dublin’s city-centre on one of the city’s most popular streets, O’Connell, and be within walking distance to many of Dublin’s top sights.

Luxury: The Fitzwilliam Hotel Modern, chic and trendy, this luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of Dublin has everything you need within the hotel for entertainment and relaxation plus the top things to see in Dublin practically on its doorstep.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Dublin & Best Castle Hotels in Ireland

Kilkenny: 1-2 Days

Kilkenny is a medieval town southeast from Dublin and is a great place to stop before getting to Cork. It can be a few hour stop to as much as 2 days if you’re more interested in medieval history.

DAY 1: The main things to do in Kilkenny are Kilkenny Castle (including the gardens and park), Saint Mary’s Cathedral which has breathtaking stained glass, St. Candice’s Cathedral and Round Tower for the best views of the city and the Black Abbey.

Spend some time strolling along Medieval Mile and you’ll find all of the main attractions, shopping and restaurants.

Be sure to check out Kyteler’s Inn to hear the history of the building which includes witches and poisoned husbands. The food served is classic pub fare inside a pretty cool building!

DAY 2: And if you stay for a full 2-days stop by the Smithwick’s Experience for a brewery tour , join a theatrical walking tour of the city or try your hand at hurling, a Gaelic sport that is also the fastest in the world!

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Kilkenny

Where to Stay in Kilkenny

Budget: Macgabhainns Backpackers Kilkenny A small hostel in the centre of Kilkenny that offers both private and dorm rooms.

Mid-Range: Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel One of the most highly-rated hotels in Kilkenny, this boutique hotel is just behind Kilkenny Castle with modern amenities.

Luxury: Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel A top-rated and award-winning hotel, the Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel sits in the city-centre just outside of the city’s castle grounds.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Kilkenny

Cork: 1-3 Days

Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland and is a university town. The city is worth a day or two stop before moving on to more scenic areas of Ireland. It is also a good base to catch some of Ireland’s highlights from if you aren’t road tripping.

DAY 1: Check out the city! Walk down St. Patrick’s Street which is lined with shopping, stop by the English Market for some delicious food, marvel at St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral and head over to the Cork City Gaol.

If you have more time other highlights worth seeing are the Shandon Bells at St. Anne’s Church which you get to ring yourself, Fitzgerald Park or Blackrock Castle Observatory. Walking tours are also available .

DAY 2: Is a trip to Ireland complete without kissing the famous Blarney Stone ? I don’t think so. Pop on over to Blarney Castle where you can kiss the stone and roam the grounds through pretty gardens. Add in any sites that you didn’t get to the first day for half of day two or join a Jamison whiskey tasting tour .

DAY 3: If you’re driving be sure to make a stop before getting to Cork at the Rock of Cashel. If you’re not driving then day tours are available which I highly recommend as the Rock of Cashel was personally one of my favourite things to see in Ireland.

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Cork

Where to Stay in Cork

Budget: Oscar’s Hostel A simple hostel 5-minutes walk from the bus station that offers small bunk rooms and private ensuite rooms.

Mid-Range: Jurys Inn Cork A modern and spacious Cork hotel that overlooks River Lee that is within 5-10 minutes walking distance from Cork’s top attractions.

Luxury: Imperial Hotel Cork City Luxury at it’s finest in the centre of Cork, this highly-rated hotel is home to a spa, on-site restaurant and finishes that will make you feel like royalty.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Cork

Killarney: 3-5 Days

Killarney is a gem in Ireland and has so much to do! It became a tourist town thanks to a visit from Queen Victoria in 1861 which really put Killarney on the map as a must-visit destination in Ireland. It really is one of the best places to see in Ireland.

It was also here that I fell in love with Ireland and where you can see much of the beauty from stunning landscapes. Killarney is also a great spot to set up base and explore some of the most popular attractions of the area in Ireland if you’re not driving and it gives you your first taste of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s jaw-dropping west coast.

DAY 1: Spend some time in town where you can roam through the cutest streets popping into little stores to find beautiful decorations, handmade things and more. If you fancy a classic Ireland souvenir stop by the Aran Sweater Market (there is also one in Dublin, on Inis Mor and in Galway) where you can get a sweater made out of Ireland’s famous wool.

Then you can make your way to Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. Be sure to stop by Muckross House and Torc Waterfall.  Note: This may be tight to do all in one day if without a car so get started early!

DAY 2: You’re in for a treat this day with a trip to the Gap of Dunloe . You can choose to drive, walk or take a jaunting car (a carriage pulled by a horse). I recommend walking so you can take in the full experience of this stunning area, a passage between two mountains carved from glacial ice. Don’t skip this!

DAY 3: This is a driving activity, which can also be done by tour where you’ll get some of the most beautiful scenic views in Ireland. The Ring of Kerry is extremely popular and with good reason.

However, if the weather isn’t cooperating then the views can be nonexistent. Be sure to make a stop where you can see how dogs are trained to herd sheep, it’s quite interesting!

DAY 4: The Dingle Peninsula is another breathtaking drive with rolling mountains, including the tallest mountain in Ireland (Mount Brandon) and seaside cliffs (don’t miss Slea Head!). On this drive or you can see Dingle town where you absolutely must try Murphy’s Ice Cream as Dingle is where it’s made (if you miss it there is also one in Killarney).

You can also stop at Dunmore Head, the most eastern point of continental Europe. The Dingle Distillery also has amazing whiskey, gin and vodka.

Another option for day 4 or 5 is to spend more time in Killarney, enjoying town and the national park, perhaps even hopping on a boat cruise .

DAY 5: Visit the Skellig Islands , which recently hit the spotlight as it is where one of the Star Wars movies was filmed (don’t ask me which one, I don’t follow Star Wars!). On a good day the islands can be seen from the Ring of Kerry. You need to take a boat to get to the island so tours are a must.

Once on the islands, you can see ancient history. The larger of the two islands is a UNESCO World Heritage site are where you’ll find the beehive huts made by Christian monks to live in over a millennium ago.

The smaller of the two islands is home to the world’s largest Northern Gannet colony as well as other seabirds (like puffins!) and it’s also popular for seal, dolphin and whale spotting.

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Killarney

Best Day Trips from Killarney

Ring of Kerry One of the most popular day trips in all of Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is a must-see road trip even if you didn’t rent a car. Watch the scenic views of the Iveragh Peninsula through the window and stop in charming towns.

Gap of Dunloe Explore the Killarney Lake District by boat and the scenic Gap of Dunloe by pony and trap on one of Ireland’s oldest tours.

Skellig Islands If you have a car then this day trip is an option as it’s a 78km drive from Killarney but the sights of the Skellig Islands are other-worldly! Always check to see if the boat tours are running before driving over.

READ MORE: 10 Best Killarney Tours & Day Trips

Where to Stay in Killarney

Budget: Black Sheep Hostel Small and mid-sized dorm rooms, along with private rooms are available at Black Sheep Hostel. It is an adults-only property and as a bonus has coffee machines available is every room!

Mid-Range: Scott’s Hotel Just across the street from the Killarney train and bus stations, this Killarney hotel includes free parking, spacious rooms and 3 bars on-site.

Luxury: The Killarney Park Be treated like a celebrity at this family-owned hotel in the heart of Killarney. Rooms offer city or countryside views with an award-winning restaurant on-site, an indoor pool and spa.

READ MORE:   Best Places to Stay in Killarney

Dingle: 1-2 Days

While I didn’t include Dingle in any of the itineraries that doesn’t mean that you can’t add in a short stop in the extremely scenic part of Ireland! Dingle can be done as a day trip from Killarney, but if you’re doing an Ireland road trip then I highly recommend adding in a day to drive around the Dingle Peninsula and explore Dingle Town!

DAY 1: Opt to base yourself in Killarney or the town of Dingle itself. Driving the Dingle Peninsula will take a whole day itself. So one your first day exploring the peninsula be sure to stop at Inch Beach, drive the Conor Pass, stop in Dingle if you’re only doing one day for lunch and to try Murphy’s Ice Cream! Continue onto the Slea Head Drive loop (easily the best driving part of your day and part of the Wild Atlantic Way) and make stops to view the Blasket Islands and Dunmore Head. Finish your day in Killarney or Dingle.

DAY 2: If you opt to stay a night in Dingle then you have another day to wander aimlessly through this charming town. Do your best to spot Fungi, the Dingle Dolphin, check out the Dingle Distillery, go on a pub crawl and enjoy some live Irish music!

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Dingle &  Best Places to Stay in Dingle

Galway: 3-4 Days

Galway is Ireland’s fourth-largest city and is in my opinion Ireland’s best city for its charm, colourful streets and the things to do around the city. It is a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast and is packed with trendy cafes, traditional pubs and the streets are filled with talented musicians.

Galway too is a good spot to set up base for some day trips or a shorter stop if you are driving.

I don’t recommend anything less than 3 days here because of the trips you’ll want to take from here. If you love nightlife and just exploring the town then tack on an extra day for some more relaxation.

DAY 1: Make your way around the city. Free tours are available that teach you about the city’s history and take you to the main spots in town. Find your way through Eyre Square, past plenty of shopping and pubs to the Spanish Arc and the Galway Museum.

Other mentionable places to stop are Galway Cathedral and St. Nicholas’ Church. If the weather is nice then a walk along the Salthill Promenade makes for the perfect afternoon. The Salthill beaches are popular for swimming because of their pristine cleanliness.

If you want a Claddagh ring, this is the place to get one as they’re made in Galway! For the evening head to the Latin Quarter, the most popular area of the city for a night on the town.

DAY 2: We’ll start with a tour or drive from Galway to one of the most popular Ireland tourist attractions, the Cliffs of Moher . You’ve most certainly seen pictures of these cliffs and they drop straight into the Atlantic Ocean and reach a peak height of 214 metres (702 feet). Get ready for some Insta-worthy shots from here!

DAY 3: Another day tour from Galway is Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey. It’s a day filled with beautiful scenery as you drive or tour through the countryside stopping for picturesque views and photo opportunities.

On a tour you’ll head out to Kylemore Abbey, dubbed the most romantic building in all of Ireland. You’ll also visit some noteworthy sites and ruins full of history and stories. You may even spot some Connemara ponies!

DAY 4: Take a day trip to the smallest Aran Island, Inisheer or you can opt to stay the night (see more info below). From Galway you can purchase a bus and ferry combo ticket to the largest island. Inis Mor. Once on the island you can then rent a bike or a horse and carriage for the day to see the island.

READ MORE: The Best Things to do in Galway

Best Day Trips from Galway

Cliffs of Moher & Burren An obvious must in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are truly a sight to see as the cliffs dive straight into the powerful water. This day trip is great for those without a car as it also explores the Burren where parts of Happy Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride were filmed.

Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Drive through and stop at picturesque sights that offer panoramic views of Ireland’s unspoiled natural beauty and roam through the gardens around Kylemore Abbey.

Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Crusie Get to see the Cliffs of Moher from land and the water on a cruise that will also take you to visit the smallest of the three Aran Islands, Inisheer.

Where to Stay in Galway

Budget: The Nest Boutique Hostel This stunning hostel that has amenities more like a hotel sits outside of Galway’s city centre but right by Salthill and the beach.

Mid-Range: Park House Hotel Eyre Square is just 200 metres away from this centrally located property. Find yourself in a warm and inviting room with wooden furnishings in this 4-star hotel.

Luxury: The Galmont Hotel & Spa This eco-friendly hotel in Galway offers spacious rooms, a stellar location, an indoor swimming pool for adults and one for kids, an award-winning restaurant, spa and a business centre. Need I go on?

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Galway

Aran Islands: 1-2 Days

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands off of Ireland’s west coast that are known for their ancient sites, prehistoric forts, medieval ruins and rugged landscape. The largest of the three islands is Inis Mor (Inishmore) which is inhabited and where locals still speak Irish. But don’t worry English is understood across the island.

If you have the time I highly recommend you spend a night on the island so you can spend more time exploring. There is one hostel on the island and a few hotels and B&B’s.

A ferry ticket from Galway also includes a bus transfer and can also includes a bike rental. Spend one day walking around seeing some of the medieval sites and forts and meeting the local animals (I met quite a few donkeys).

On your second day grab a bike and head out to the further sites such as the Worm Hole (pictured above) which is a naturally shaped rectangular pool and where one of the Red Bull challenges was held.

Just grab a map once on the island and you’ll be able to find everything!

Where to Stay in Inis Mor

Budget: Kiloran Hostel This hostel offers mixed dorm rooms and amenities that include a garden, lounge, shared kitchen and an on-site bar.

Mid-Range: Pier House Bed & Breakfast You can’t miss this cozy property as it’s visible from the ferry for easy access to and from Inis Mor.

Sligo: 1 Day

Sligo is a coastal town that attracts those who love to surf. There is not a whole to do in the town so I recommend a quick stop here and keep moving on the same day or stay the night if you plan on surfing. The beach here is gorgeous and there are plenty of surf lessons available. Cute cafes line the beach and many pubs make up the town itself.

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Sligo

Where to Stay in Sligo

Budget: Strandhill Lodge, Hostel & Surf A bright, light accommodation option just 100 metres from the beach. This accommodation option offers dorm-style rooms, private rooms, and camping.

Mid-Range: Riverside Hotel This lovely Sligo hotel sits alongside the river in the heart of the city. Many of Sligo’s top attractions are within 10-minutes walking distance.

Luxury: The Glasshouse Stylish and chic, The Glasshouse offers modern amenities and luxurious decor. Situated along the river, guests can enjoy stellar views from their rooms, the award-winning restaurant and bar.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Sligo

Londonderry (Derry): 1-2 Days

Derry is the first stop in Northern Ireland! I’ll let you figure out why this city has two names once you get there. Londonderry is known for having a bit of a rough past and for the 17th-century city walls that are still intact today. I won’t get into the details of the past as a local can do much better explaining the history of the events such as Bloody Sunday.

DAY 1: Take a tour of the city so you can see the best sites and learn the history, politics and more of the city. It’s important here to learn about it all so you can understand more about the city and Ireland as a whole.

For the afternoon make your way around town, walking along the city walls if you didn’t do it on the tour. Visit sites such as the Guildhall, the Siege Museum, St. Columbus’ Cathedral or the Museum of Free Derry.

DAY 2: If you’d like to know more about Bloody Sunday and the division of the city take the time to go on a walking tour of the Bogside with a local. I recommend Bogside History Tours as a local who has an intimate perspective leads the tour.

You’ll see the Derry murals and get a discount on the Museum of Free Derry. Take the afternoon for anything you didn’t get to the first day.

Pro tip:  If you’re a whiskey lover be sure to pay a visit to the Bushmill’s Distillery in Bushmills which is about halfway between Londonderry and Belfast. A trip to the distillery can be done as a tour from either city.

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Derry

Where to Stay in Londonderry

Budget: Holiday Inn Express A fun, 3-star hotel in the centre of Londonderry that has all of your basics covered for a good night’s sleep.

Mid-Range: Maldron Hotel Derry Located within the city walls, this Londonderry hotel offers 4-star, luxurious accommodation with some rooms offering views of the 400-year-old city walls. Restaurants, shopping and the top city sights are all within walking distance with parking available.

Luxury: Bishop’s Gate Hotel A stylish, 5-star hotel within the historic city walls, Bishop’s Gate Hotel will greet you with a grand entrance and amenities that include a champagne and cocktail bar, restaurant, fitness centre and valet parking.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Derry

Belfast: 2-4 Days

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and where the Titanic was built. This edgy city is absolutely incredible and like Londonderry has a troubled past.

It’s here that you should spend even more time learning about The Troubles but also enjoy the unique atmosphere that this city has to offer. It is one-of-a-kind and I personally think it is one of the best places to visit in Ireland!

DAY 1: Get acquainted with the city by doing a free or paid walking tour where you can take in the city’s sites, learn about The Troubles and understand some of the insane history behind the buildings (like the most bombed hotel in Europe, The Europa).

After the tour head over to the Titanic Museum . I won’t sugar coat it, it is an expensive museum to get into but it’s worth it if you’re a Titanic fan. If not then you should at least walk over to see the building as it’s quite interesting.

Be sure to check out St. George’s Market, an indoor market filled with food stalls, handmade goods and live music. Spend the rest of the day walking around the city where you can visit other sites such as St. Anne’s Cathedral. Be sure to stop by Kelly’s Cellars which isn’t far from the cathedral for a pint as it is a good mix of locals and visitors.

DAY 2: A trip to Northern Ireland isn’t complete without visiting the well-known Giant’s Causeway , a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of interlocking columns as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Take a day trip or a drive up the Antrim Coast where you’ll be awed by the views and get so close to Scotland that you can see it from Ireland.

Day tours often also include a stop at the Carrick-a-Rede bridge, a rope bridge suspended 30 metres above the water and rocks below and connects to the tiny island of Carrickarede. Some tours will also include a stop at the dark hedges where a scene from Game of Thrones was filmed.

DAY 3: Back in the city it’s time to explore more of Belfast’s past. One of the best things to do in Belfast is a black cab tour where a local will take you around town explaining the rough history, showing you both sides of the wall and some of the most famous murals in the city and why there were painted.

You can also do a 3-hour walking tour for a more in-depth look. Belfast is known for its murals and street art so this tour is a treat to see the beauty of the art and learn the passionate meanings behind the work. For the afternoon head over to city hall where you can take a free tour.

It sounds odd to do but the Belfast city hall is stunning! You’ll then have time to stop by the Ulster Museum, the Crumlin Road Gaol , roam around the city and shop some more or head to the pub.

DAY 4: If you’re a big Game of Thrones fan then this day should not be skipped. Get yourself on a tour so you can visit some of the best sites where the HBO show was filmed . There are multiple tours, some of which take you to completely different filming locations, some have you dress up in costume and some even include a stop at the Giant’s Causeway . It’s best to look around and then decide which tour is best for you.

READ MORE: Best Things to do in Belfast

Best Day Trips from Belfast

Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Easily the most popular day trip from Belfast, the Giants Causeway is a unique, natural attraction along the northern coast of Northern Ireland that will take you up the Antrim Coast (one of the best drives in the world) to the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Old Bushmills Distillery and to Dunluce Castle.

Game of Thrones Location & Giants Causeway See the Giant’s Causeway and the best filming spots for Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland including the Dark Hedges.

Game of Thrones Winterfell Tour Specifically for those who love Game of Thrones, this tour will take you to sites not typically visited on other GOT tours.

Where to Stay in Belfast

Budget: Vagabonds Friendly staff, a shared kitchen and common area plus dorm rooms and private rooms available.

Mid-Range: The Flint A modern and sleek Belfast hotel that is within walking distance of the Cathedral Quarter, St. George’s Market and other top Belfast attractions.

Luxury: The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast Chic, elegant and a place you’re not going to want to leave, The Fitzwilliam Hotel is located right next to the grand Opera House and provides guests with fine luxuries both in the rooms and around the property.

READ MORE: Best Places to Stay in Belfast

Best Time to Visit Ireland

Picking the best time to travel to Ireland depends on the weather, what activities you want to do, festivals and more. Ireland has mild weather year-round though the best time for the warmest weather is the summer months of June through to August. Temperatures will range from 9°-19°C.

However, spring and fall are the best time of the year to visit Ireland as prices for airfare and accommodation are lower. Both seasons also have plenty of festivals across the country. The temperatures will still be cool so be prepared to bundle up in a few layers and bring a scarf.

Keep in mind that parts of Ireland will close down in the slower seasons so if there is somewhere you must-see then be sure to check that the area or attraction will be open and allow visitors.

Avoid winter, it is the coldest season and has the most rainfall but you could score a great deal on airfare.

Ireland Budget

Budgets are quoted in euros. Check up to date conversions here .

A rough idea of a low daily budget for Ireland is USD$50 (€40). This is if you are staying in hostels, not renting a car, cooking most of your meals, with some day tours and nights out. I spent a month in Ireland and it worked out to be about $66 (€54) a day and I never once cooked for myself!

If you plan on staying in hotels, eating out most or all meals and taking plenty of day trips plan budget €80+ per day minimum. Budget more if you are a solo traveller staying in hotels.

To get a better idea of what to budget for yourself, accommodation will cost €15-30 a night for hostels, the average hotel is €124 euros, fast food is as cheap as €4 but sit down meals cost typically €10-20.

Ireland bus tours range from €25-50, long-distance buses can cost €15-30, trains are around €20-50 (they’re cheapest when booked in advance) and most of the cities are very walkable so I recommend walking mostly!

How to Get to Ireland

It’s possible to get to Ireland by plane or ferry. Dublin is the cheapest city to fly into and there are often many flights deals to Dublin from Europe as well as North America.

I recommend to fly into Dublin and either start or finish your Ireland itinerary in Dublin.

You can catch a ferry to Ireland from a number of ports in England, Wales, Scotland, Isle of Man, France and the Netherlands. You can find ferry companies and more information on the official Ireland Tourism site .

Getting Around Ireland

Getting around Ireland is very easy and you always have choices. There are still parts of the country that are off the beaten track and can be more difficult to get to but all of the main sites and cities are easily accessible.

The best way to travel around Ireland is by car, without a doubt. You are free to do things at your own pace, avoid tours, see sites when there aren’t crowded and get everywhere in the country.

It’s important to note that many in the cars (including rentals) in Ireland are manual! Also keep in mind that the roads in Ireland are quite narrow, winding and you’ll need to drive on the left-hand side of the road!

Train travel in Ireland is beautiful, fast and mostly affordable. If you book in advance you can get a steal on the price but book last minute and you’ll notice a major price jump.

Trains are comfortable, clean and equipped with Wi-Fi. In the Republic of Ireland train travel is run by  Iarnród Éireann  (Irish Rail) and in Northern Ireland trains are operated by Translink .

The cheapest way to get around the country is by bus and they can easily be booked last minute for those of us who like to forget about planning.

The buses are clean and affordable but it is also the slowest form of transportation. Ireland is a small country though so it never takes more than a few hours to get anywhere. In the Republic of Ireland buses are operated by  Bus Éireann and Translink provides services in Northern Ireland.

Travel Insurance

Where to Go in Ireland

These are the best places to visit in Ireland for your upcoming trip! To help you decide where to go a description for each destination is provided below and sample itineraries based on how much time you have in Ireland.

How Long to Spend in Ireland?

To be honest, as long as possible! There truly is a ton to see in Ireland. I would recommend a one week in Ireland itinerary minimum but I know people often visit for as little as 5 days.

2 weeks in Ireland is better and 3 weeks will allow you to see most of the country if you’re moving at a decent pace (2-3 nights in each destination).

My Ireland vacation itinerary allowed me to spend a full month in Ireland and I was able to visit all of the places I’ve listed below when travelling at a relaxed pace.

Planning a trip to Ireland can be an overwhelming task with so many options and so many Ireland destinations that are worth seeing. But with this Ireland travel guide, you should now have a good idea of where to visit in Ireland and the best things to do in each stunning and exciting spot.

Enjoy your holidays in Ireland and I hope this Ireland guide helped!

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20+ Ireland Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

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If you’re one of the lucky souls currently planning a trip to Ireland, please … take me with you.

Home to sprawling green hills, rugged coastline and many a cozy pub… There are few places in Europe that make me feel as a calm and at home as Ireland.

… and I don’t think I’m alone! The island of Ireland welcomes over 11 million visitors each year, an astounding number that seems to only grow in popularity as more diehard fangirls spread the word.

So hi – here I am, diehard fangirl reporting for duty.

At first glance, Ireland is a fairly ‘easy’ destination for English speakers – the locals are friendly, they speak our language, and for anyone who has been to an Irish pub or donned green for St Patrick’s Day, the culture feels somewhat familiar.

… But there are still plenty of mistakes to be made.

So, in this post, I’ll be sharing all my top Ireland tips and must-knows, from cultural missteps to avoid and tips on saving money to the best ways to get around. I hope you find it helpful!

Save this list of Ireland Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Know the difference between Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

First – let’s get our terminology right. While the term “Ireland” is often the go-to in most instances, there is an important distinction to be made between Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Simply put: Ireland is the umbrella term used for the island of Ireland, commonly known in marketing materials as the Emerald Isle.

Within Ireland though, there are two separate entities: the Republic of Ireland, which is part of the EU and made up of 26 counties, largely in the south of the island.

And Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and made up of 6 counties in the Northeast portion of the island.

The reason for this division is very complicated and rooted in a long history that is wayyy beyond the scope of a regular Ireland travel tips post, but practically speaking for travellers, an important Ireland travel must-know is that…

2. The two different parts of Ireland use different currencies

With the distinction above in mind, you should know that when you visit Ireland (depending on where you go), you are not simply visiting a single country with one common currency, you’re actually dealing with two currencies – both the Euro used in the Republic of Ireland and the Pound, used in Northern Ireland.

I’d recommend getting a bit of cash in both currencies just in case, and then otherwise relying on a travel-friendly credit card like a Wise card.

3. Ireland can be pricey

There are some countries known for their eye-gouging prices in Europe. The likes of Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway for instance are well known budget destroyers, with most backpackers keeping ample distance in fear that even breathing there costs money.

But what surprised me on my first visit was actually how pricey Ireland can be as well.

Particularly in cities like Dublin, the prices of accommodation are quite shocking (easily €30-€40 for a bunk in a hostel, or € 150+ for an alright hotel). Dining out can also be a huge cost, with a recent survey concluding that meals out in Dublin cost more than in London, Paris, and Rome.

So, keep in mind that this won’t be a budget-friendly trip by any means.

4. Book accommodation with a kitchen to save money

If budget is a factor, one big recommendation I have is to book accommodation with a kitchen so you can cook for yourself.

Even preparing a handful of meals for yourself can end up saving you hundreds throughout the trip.

5. Consider staying/exploring outside of big cities

Another Ireland money-saving tip is to maybe spend just a night or two in Dublin (or other cities), and prioritizing places a bit farther out.

This is a dual purpose Ireland tip because I truly think some of the best parts of Ireland are out in the countryside, with the dramatic landscapes and lush greenery stealing the show.

On my first trip, I limited my stay to three days in Dublin, with a day trip out to see the Cliffs of Moher. While I enjoyed my time, it wasn’t until my second trip where we drove around the country for 10 days that I really became obsessed.

There’s just something about those rolling green hills and grazing cows that do wonders for one’s mental well-being. All the better if there’s stony castles along the way.

So, if possible: be sure to diversify your Ireland itinerary and explore beyond just cities.

6. Plan a road trip if you can

I’m usually a huge advocate for public transport when traveling in Europe, but when in Ireland, you really can’t beat renting a car.

Ireland is home to some of the most stunning road trips in the world, an unsurprising fact considering the entire West Coast is basically a sightseeing route.

Known as the Wild Atlantic Way, this scenic stretch of Ireland offers 1600 miles (or 2600km) of astounding natural beauty.

Many visitors will choose to do just a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way, with the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula being some of the most famous picks, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with a coastal road trip in Ireland.

7. Book day tours from cities if you can’t rent a car

But hey, sometimes renting a car isn’t always possible. In those cases, don’t fret – you can still enjoy the best parts of Ireland… you just need to get a little crafty.

The easiest option? Booking day tours.

Many tour companies these days offer day tours departing from major Irish cities, so you can enjoy the scenic perks of a road trip without worrying about driving on the left side or navigating those famously narrow Irish roads.

Of course, this option is much less flexible, and makes crowds pretty much inescapable (since on a tour bus, you are the crowds), but the rewards are well worth it.

8. Public transport is fine for city to city travel

While the benefits of renting a car are numerous, the public transportation system in Ireland is surprisingly affordable and convenient if you’re travelling between major cities, whether going by train or by bus.

For instance, you can easily go from Dublin to Belfast or over to Galway for about 20 euro.

Combining public transport with the tip above re: day tours, you can easily explore some of Ireland’s most scenic landscapes without dealing with a car rental.

9. Don’t miss the world’s oldest bar in Athlone!

This is a niche Ireland tip, but one well worth mentioning.

If, during your trip, you plan to cover the common route of Dublin to Galway, I’d highly recommend stopping halfway in Athlone.

This tiny but vibrant town is full of colourful shops and cool historical attractions, but most importantly it’s home to Sean’s Bar, said to be the oldest bar in the world. 

(As someone dating a Sean who loves bars, this was quite the thrill)

10. On a budget? Look into Ryanair

Now in terms of getting to Ireland, one important thing to know is that Ireland is home to one of the world’s most notorious budget airlines, Ryanair. (You can read my full review for more details)

Whether you know them from their 1 euro flight deals once upon a time, their self-deprecating TikToks or their famously outspoken CEO, Ryanair is a bit of a legend when it comes to the budget travel space.

Because they’re headquartered in Ireland, you can fly to Ireland from most countries in Europe for astoundingly low prices.

So, if you’re struggling to find cheap flights from your home airport, consider hopping on Google Flights and looking for flights into other European countries, and then adding on a Ryanair flight.

This can help you add another destination to your trip and also potentially save you money. 

I cover this more in-depth in my how to find cheap flights to Europe guide.

11. Don’t plan your Ireland trip around good weather

With Ireland’s somewhat rainy reputation, I think many first time visitors are tempted to plan their trip for the summer season, hoping to maximize the likelihood of the sun making a guest appearance.

… but Irish weather is special. And notoriously moody. So in the span of a day, you may get sunshine, rain, AND hail, often in multiple cycles… no matter the time of year.

I went once in August and wore a sundress with a raincoat pretty much the entire trip so weather-wise, I don’t think there’s as much a difference between shoulder and peak season in Ireland as in elsewhere.

Plus, given the high accommodation prices, you’re better off visiting in the shoulder/off season anyway.

So, keep that in mind when deciding when to visit. Sunshine and warmth is not guaranteed ever, not even in July/August.

12. Familiarize yourself with Irish words and slang 

Now, as I’m sure you know by now, English is spoken everywhere in Ireland.

… But there are some unique aspects to this English that can confuse first time visitors. Specifically some terms that they might not be familiar with.

Here are a few:

• Craic : Basically slang for fun. So if someone says good craic, they mean good fun, and not good… other stuff.
• Quid : This word is used in place of the currency, kind of like how we sometimes say 5 bucks instead of 5 dollars, in Ireland, sometimes they say 5 quid instead of 5 euro or 5 pound.
• Arseways: Slang for “gone wrong”
• The Jacks: Slang for the bathroom (e.g. running to the jacks is running to the bathroom)
• Petrol: This is the word they use for gas, so rather than ‘gas station’, it’s ‘petrol station’
• Boot: This is the word they use for the trunk of a car

And lastly, this one isn’t slang but it’s important: Sláinte, which is Irish for Cheers! If you do this trip right, you’ll be saying that a lot.

13. Beware that many Irish words and names are not at all pronounced like they’re spelled

All throughout Ireland, you’ll encounter signage that’s both in English and in Irish (AKA Gaeilge ).

Of course, unless you speak Gaeilge , getting by with English is fine, but if you plan on trying to pronounce Gaeilge names (whether reading a sign, or saying someone’s name), just know that you might struggle.

For instance, Niamh is pronounced like Neev, Siobhan is pronounced like Shiv-awn, and Eoghan is pronounced like Owen. 

14. Research the history of Ireland before your trip

I think that historical context is always important when visiting any country, but especially in Ireland, having a basic grasp of the island’s history can help you steer clear of cultural missteps and saying something you shouldn’t.

This is because while Ireland is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit now, it wasn’t always this way… and there are still some lingering tensions, given that the period of civil unrest known as “the Troubles” lasted until the late 1990s.

No idea what I’m talking about? Here is a very very brief summary:

All the way back in the 12th century, Ireland became the British Empire’s first colony when England invaded Ireland.

But of course, as in most colonies, people in Ireland weren’t happy about being controlled by the English and wanted to be able to rule themselves. Tensions grew for centuries, a huge factor being that most of Ireland was Catholic, rather than Protestant (which much of England was, from the 1500s onwards).

Following centuries of tension, a treaty was signed about 100 years ago that divided Northern Ireland from what was then known as Southern Ireland. Southern Ireland was then once again in charge of their own affairs, leaving the UK one year later (eventually becoming what is now known as the Republic of Ireland).

Northern Ireland however remained part of the UK, largely due to its large population of Protestants and British loyalists. Of course, as you can imagine, not everybody was happy about this decision.

And so, civil unrest between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland continued for decades, with the most famous period of violence and terrorism known as the Troubles lasting over 30 years, ending only in the late 1990s.

So, with this in mind, be respectful and remember the topic of Ireland vs. Republic of Ireland vs. Northern Ireland may still be a touchy subject for some…. and most certainly do not EVER ever ever order an ‘Irish car bomb’ at a bar.

15. Steer clear of obnoxious behaviour when chatting with locals

In a similar vein, there are some other no-nos to steer clear of if you find yourself in the lucky position of chatting with locals.

First – avoid silly stereotypes. Most locals have no interest in hearing you ask about leprechauns, red hair, potatoes, or four leaf clovers, even in a jokey way.

Second – if you’re one of the many, many, many tourists that visit Ireland hoping to trace their heritage, be sure to read the room before talking it up too much. While it can be a nice point of connection, I’ve heard that it can be really obnoxious when American tourists go to Ireland and brag about being Irish and grill people about the origins of their last name and all that.

16. Make sure you try a Guinness 

Now, with those etiquette tips done and dusted, we move onto what I consider possibly my most important Ireland travel tip: have a Guinness. At least one!

It is 1000% not a myth that Guinness tastes better in Ireland. I don’t know the wizardry behind it, but Guinness in Ireland is creamy, delicious, and you owe it to the country to try one.

I warn you though: this might unlock a lifelong obsession.

17. And visit as many pubs as possible

Another very important Ireland tip: go to a pub. Multiple, even. Why not move in? Become a regular. Never leave .

I’m not joking when I say that Irish pubs are the pinnacle of warmth and coziness. The pub culture here is incredible (little wonder why there’s thousands of Irish pubs around the world) and hands down, there’s no better place to appreciate the comfort of this country than in a wooden snug, nursing your 4th pint of Guinness.

It’s worth noting that pubs in Ireland aren’t just about drinking.

They’re great places to grab a bite to eat and enjoy live music too… so just because you don’t love pubs back home, I promise you the experience here is very different, and worth trying at least once.

18. Be sure to indulge in Irish cuisine

Of course, between all the Guinnesses, it’s important to line your stomach as well with some comforting eats.

Irish fare may not be as renowned worldwide as some other European cuisines, but there are some tasty must-tries that I can heartily recommend.

• Butter and dairy in general – This sounds stupid, but hear me out. Ireland is filled with gorgeous green grass for cows to feast on, and I’m not sure if that’s why, but the dairy in this country is frankly out of this world. I could eat the butter in Ireland by the spoonful. On top of soda bread, it’s amazing. The ice cream is also excellent. 
• Fresh seafood – Ireland is surrounded by water, and that water holds some truly delicious treasures… especially shellfish like oysters. 
• Irish stew – If you want a hearty and warming meal, you can’t go wrong with a meat stew loaded with potatoes and flavourful veggies.
• Full Irish Breakfast – Very similar to the full English breakfast, but it comes with either Black Pudding or White Pudding, and often soda bread instead of regular bread. Don’t question what these things are, just try them and get back to me. I personally think they’re delicious.

19. Seek out sights beyond the biggest, most famous ones

Some attractions in Ireland have immediate name recognition, hence why tourists flock to them in droves… but speaking from personal experience, my favourite places in Ireland have been the ones I hadn’t ever heard of before my trips.

So, while you can check out the Blarney Stone if you really want to (though kissing it is questionable), and a pint at Dublin’s Temple Bar is good for checking off the bucket list, know that some of the best things to do in Ireland are the ones you likely haven’t heard of.

Put in some extra work into finding your own hidden gems, and your trip will be 1000x better for it!

20. Visit big attractions just before they close

Now if you do (inevitably) end up at some of Ireland’s biggest attractions, my big tip for avoiding the tourist masses is simply visiting just before closing time.

With these main attractions, most visitors tend to come on day tours in the middle of the morning/afternoon, hence why you’re able to escape most of them if you plan your visit for just before closing time.

For instance, I went to the Cliffs of Moher at sunset once in the middle of August, and it was empty. Empty. Not a single bus tour in sight!

I also went to the Giant’s Causeway right when the visitor centre was closing and it was much quieter than normal.

So yes, definitely steal that Ireland travel hack if you can. 

21. Watch movies and TV shows set in Ireland to get you excited for your trip

Last but not least, if you want to enjoy your Ireland trip to its fullest, I implore you to consume as much media as possible with Ireland as its glorious backdrop.

And if you’re wondering if I have recommendations, duh – of course I do.

• If you want romance, Once, PS I Love You, Leap Year and Finding You are great choices.
• If you want something really good but kinda weird, the Banshees of Inesherin is great.
• If you want an excuse to watch Star Wars, watch The Last Jedi for some Irish eye candy.
• And if you want to be emotionally ruined, watch Normal People. There’s not a ton of Irish landscapes but the story takes place in Ireland and is so beautiful.
• Lastly, if you’re visiting Northern Ireland, watch Game of Thrones and if you’re visiting Derry and want a comedy, watch Derry Girls.

I hope this list of Ireland Travel Tips was helpful!

Quite frankly, if you made it this far, you deserve some kind of medal! This was a VERY long list of tips for Ireland, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

1 thought on “20+ Ireland Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

I love your tips, always! And the pub thing is true, both in Ireland and England. I was in London for 36 hours once, and went to six pubs. No lie. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a nightcap. It was wonderful. Thank you!

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Planning a Trip to Ireland: 21 Hot Tips + Mistakes to Avoid

Home » Blog » Europe » Ireland » Planning a Trip to Ireland: 21 Hot Tips + Mistakes to Avoid

Ireland is a stunningly beautiful country with so much to see and do that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This guide is full of tips and advice for planning a trip to Ireland so you can have the perfect vacation.

Are you planning a trip to Ireland and want to make sure everything goes smoothly?

Well, you’re in the right place because we’re sharing all sorts of practical tips and advice from our own personal experience to help make your time perfect! 

Learn from our mistakes (and our happy discoveries – there are lots!) so that you can plan your dream trip to Ireland with no regrets!

Let’s dive right in!

Want to save time and energy on planning?

In June 2023, we spent 2 weeks traveling around Ireland and living in a campervan. We were lucky enough to explore a lot of what this country has to offer!

We took our 2-week travels and are in the process of  creating the perfect Ireland road trip itinerary .  We’ll send you our complete 2-week itinerary, filled with tips and advice, once it’s finalized! Just click below to get on the waitlist for our  2-week Ireland road trip itinerary !

1. Rent a car (if you feel comfortable!)

Renting a car in Ireland will give you absolute freedom to explore the country at your own pace while stopping at hidden gems and cozy pubs that the tour buses miss.

The country isn’t well-connected with public transportation, so in order to see more than Dublin (which you absolutely should, by the way!), you will need to take a tour bus. 

Don’t get me wrong, you can still have a great trip on a bus tour. However, we think you’ll have an even better time self-driving (as long as you feel comfortable). 

We’re saying this from experience: We’ve done both the bus tour and the rental car route, and we much prefer the latter. So here’s our (honest) opinion on the topic.

Read more: We put together a guide with everything you need to know about  renting a car in Ireland .

Bus tour in Ireland

During our first trip to Ireland, we booked a shuttle from Dublin to Galway, and from there were able to do a bus tour of the Cliffs of Moher and the surrounding countryside. We had a great trip, and if you’re feeling really uneasy about driving, then go for it. 

Here’s a really highly-rated tour that hits many top sights.

Rental car in Ireland

On our most recent trip to Ireland, we rented a car (and a campervan , but that’s a whole different topic!), and were able to see so much more of the country than when we didn’t drive ourselves. 

We’d highly recommend going this route if you’re debating. 

Here’s why:

• Driving ourselves meant we could get off the beaten path . We were able to explore places where it was just us. No other people. There are actually some areas that tour buses simply can’t go due to size limitations, so driving yourself really opens up your itinerary to finding the hidden gems.
• We could go at our own pace. When we got hungry, we could stop at a cozy restaurant that didn’t need to accommodate a bus load of people. We could pull off to the side of the road when we saw epic views (and go to the bathroom when the need arose!). We were able to spend more time in places we loved, and get back on the road if we were bored. 
• Plus, we saved quite a bit of money doing things ourselves compared to joining a tour group.

This is the company we personally use to find the best deals on car rentals.

Watch our YouTube video about where we went in our Ireland rental car:

2. Prepare yourself for driving

If you’ve decided to rent a car (or campervan!), first of all – yay! We really think you’ll love it.

If you’re feeling at all nervous about driving in another country (specifically one where you’ll be on the left side of the road), let me take a minute to calm your fears a bit.

We have an entire guide to driving in Ireland that walks you through all sorts of tips that will be super helpful. Trust me when I say you’ll want to read it before your trip. Here are a couple of tips to get you started:

• Choose the smallest possible rental car that will work for what you need. The roads in Ireland are narrow, so larger vehicles can be much harder to drive. We speak from experience!
• If you know how to drive stick shift then you’ll save some money on your rental car, as the majority of cars in Ireland are manual. If you don’t know how, be sure you choose a car with an automatic transmission (likely more money). 
• Keep reading the rest of our tips here!

3. Consider making it a campervan trip

We’re obsessed with campervan travel. Maybe it’s not your thing. That’s cool, skip down to the next tip!

But if you’re intrigued, keep reading…

We’ve rented campervans in 4 countries around the world and have built 3 of our own campervans from scratch. Like I said, we’re obsessed.

We think Ireland makes a great campervan destination because there are campgrounds throughout the country and it gives you the opportunity to explore a bit off the beaten path. You also have a kitchen and bed on wheels, so you’ll likely save quite a bit of money.

Plus, it’s just a great adventure!

If you want to know more about renting a campervan in Ireland, we’ve got all the info you need!

4. Look for unique stays over hotels

From cozy treehouses to converted Victorian stables and actual real-life castles, there are tons of dreamy Ireland Airbnbs to choose from for a truly memorable experience.

Some people complain about Airbnb but honestly, I think it’s mostly because people don’t know how to sort through the crap and find the truly excellent stays.

These days, we almost exclusively stay in Airbnbs because we’ve found they’re much easier when choosing accommodation with kids, since you can get multiple rooms and a kitchen. 

And with a few tricks up our sleeves, we almost always have amazing stays. 

• When possible, we book stays with a rating of 4.9 or above . I’m kind of a snob when it comes to reviews, and I’ve found this to be the magic number for finding a really great stay. Hosts that have high ratings want to keep it that way. Depending on the location and your budget, this isn’t always possible, but this is what we always aim for.
• Read reviews thoroughly. I think a lot of people skip this step, but I always scour reviews to see what people say about a place in addition to the numeric rating. Is it dirty? Cold? Too hot? Not suitable for children? Far from the city center? Pay attention to the things that matter and ignore the aspects that wouldn’t bother you.
• Look at all the photos. I always find it suspicious when there are very few photos of a property, or when hosts provide lots of stock images from town. When booking a property. I don’t need to see the city, I want to see the Airbnb! I typically book places that show all corners of a space because I know what I’m getting.
• Book with superhosts when possible. They are the best of the best hosts.

Psst! Want to experience a super fun and unique stay in Ireland? Check out our Ireland glamping guide !

5. Limit your time in Dublin

Want my completely honest opinion? 

I hope you said yes because I’m going to give it to you anyway…

I think Dublin is just okay. There, I said it.

It’s not that I dislike it (there are actually some really cool things to do in Dublin ), but the rest of the country is so much… better.

Once you’re outside the city, you’ll swap the (sometimes) dirty streets for rolling hills, and the crowded, touristy pubs for local joints with charm. In the countryside, you’ll also find much cheaper accommodation and seriously stunning landscapes.

You’ll likely be flying in or out of Ireland’s capital, so spend a night or two here. But don’t only stay in Dublin. 

In my opinion, 2 full days in Dublin is plenty . You could even do just one day in the city if you’re pressed for time and want to prioritize exploring the countryside.

6. Prioritize your top sights

What are 3 things you definitely want to do or see in Ireland? If you’re traveling with a partner, ask them the same question.

Need help deciding? Check out our list of the best things to do in Ireland for inspiration!

Now you should have a list of 3-6 “must do” sights/activities. The things that you’d be really upset to skip. 

Maybe these are the most popular attractions in Ireland (like the Cliffs of Moher or the Guinness Storehouse tour). They’re popular for a reason! 

Or perhaps you aren’t into the super touristy sights and you‘d rather prioritize the hidden gems. 

These are the things that you are going to plan your route around. You’ll certainly be able to do and see more things, but these are your nonnegotiables. The things that you want to allot plenty of time for. 

Fill out your Ireland Bucket List

Plot your 3-6 “must do” things on a map. This should give you an idea of where in Ireland you will be traveling. 

Now, start to add in some “second-tier” activities or sights that you’d love to see but wouldn’t be devastated if you missed.

By this point, you should have a really great list of places you want to visit and things you want to do. This should help you shape a great route!

7. Add Northern Ireland (if you have time)

I’ve read a lot of Ireland guides that say something along the lines of, “You have to include Northern Ireland on your itinerary.” 

I can agree with this statement to a point. 

It’s true, a lot of people forget about Northern Ireland and skip it completely . Not only are there some really cool hidden gems in the north, but there’s a lot of important history there. And if you have the time, include it on your route.

However, if you are working with limited time, it’s not possible to see everything (more on that in the next tip!). If that’s the case, save it for your next trip because it definitely is worth visiting. (And more than just Belfast!) 

Planning to visit Northern Ireland? Be sure to read #19 on this list!

8. Know that you can’t see everything in one trip

This kind of piggybacks off of the previous tip, but it is a point that I needed to hear when planning my own trip to Ireland.

Even though it’s a relatively small country (one tenth the size of Texas!), there are so many things to do in Ireland that you could easily spend a month exploring and still not see it all.

Try your best to take our advice and don’t pack your itinerary too full . I know, I know, it’s hard. FOMO is real!

One of the reasons I’d caution you away from squeezing everything in is that many of the country roads are narrow and much slower-going than you’d expect. This means getting from place to place can take longer than Google Maps tells you. 

Use our advice in tip #5 to help prioritize your time. 

And just know that you might want to return for Ireland Trip 2.0. Okay, scratch that – you’ll definitely want to come back! (We’re already dreaming about our third trip!)

Repeat after me: I can’t see it all. I’ll just have to come back again! 

9. Choose the time of year wisely

Take a moment to think about what you want your trip to Ireland to look like. 

What things do you want to do? What are your top priorities? 

If you want to prioritize avoiding crowds and saving money , you’ll want to travel at a less-popular time of year. Think late fall, winter, and early spring.

If you visit in summer but hate crowds and paying top dollar (or euro…), you might be disappointed, as this is the busiest and most expensive season.

Alternatively, if you want to do a lot of hiking, camping , and outdoor activities , late spring, summer, and early fall will be best.

If you plan your trip to Ireland in February with dreams of sunny hikes and camping experiences, you might be bummed to find yourself in a cold and drizzly climate.

The best time of year for you might be different from our favorite time (late spring or early fall). It all comes down to your priorities and expectations.

Still unsure? We have a guide that goes over the best time of year to visit Ireland that should help you decide.

10. Know about bank holidays

If you’re traveling to Ireland from a different country (like the USA), it is a good idea to Google “Ireland holidays” before booking your flight. 

There are several bank holidays in the spring and summer , and if your trip falls over these times, you’ll want to know.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel over bank holiday weekends, but it’s good to know when they fall. Many Irish people are off work on bank holidays , making them popular times for travel. This means you will likely need to book accommodation for the bank holiday as well as the adjacent weekend well in advance. 

Our experience: We found that even campgrounds required reservations much earlier than at other times. The campground where we wanted to stay required a 5-night minimum during the holiday weekend, so you might also find requirements for booking. 

11. Give yourself strategic buffer time 

It should come as no surprise that Ireland sees a lot of rain throughout the year. 

Weirdly enough, we only had one rainy day on our 2-week road trip, so we got very lucky. We’ll cross all our fingers and toes that you get lucky, too, and don’t have too much rain. But it’s a good idea to be prepared nonetheless. 

This means not only packing waterproof gear, but also planning a little bit of wiggle room into your itinerary where possible. 

We’d recommend adding just a little bit of flexibility around your “must do” activities or driving routes (like the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula ) and sights that are weather-dependent. 

I mean, how disappointing would it be to arrive at the place you really want to see to be met with terrible weather? If your itinerary has no flexibility and you need to move on, you may have to skip over that bucket list place completely. 

It won’t be possible to add buffer time on every single day, but try to make your timing a little “looser” on the days with your top priority places. 

You may even want to come up with a back-up plan if you encounter terrible weather, or have a few “extras” in mind if things go perfectly and you have ample time to explore (yay!). 

12. Come up with a solid budget

Before booking all the things , come up with a travel budget for your trip to Ireland. 

If you’re traveling with a partner , this is a really important topic to discuss to make sure you’re on the same page.

Once you have a set amount of money in mind, there are some non-negotiable costs (a.k.a. things that you can’t find cheaper versions of) you’ll want to address.

Steps to making your travel budget

• Flights: Do a little research to see how much flights from your home to Ireland cost. Subtract that amount from your total budget. 
• Travel insurance: It should take just a few minutes to get a quote for a policy. Subtract this from your total.
• Alternatively, if you’re planning to rent a campervan (transport and accommodation in one!), do a bit of comparison on Motorhome Republic to find an estimated cost.
• Bucket list experiences : Subtract the costs of your “must do” experiences (#5 on this list) from your total. We want to be sure you do the things you really want to do, so factor in this cost right away!

Now that you have all the non-negotiable costs addressed, take the total amount of money left and divide it by the number of days you plan to travel. 

What you’re left with is your daily allowance to spend on accommodation, food, and other activities . 

Knowing this number can help you determine whether you should be looking at budget accommodations or whether you have some wiggle room to splurge a bit.

Important: If you don’t think you have enough money for accommodation or food (which are both essentials!), you will need to rethink your total budget.

Other budget tips we swear by

• We’d recommend giving yourself a 10% “padding” on your budget for incidentals, souvenirs, or last-minute splurges. 
• We’d also recommend keeping track of your spending on your trip so you stay on budget. It’s really easy to overspend if you’re not watching it!

Working on a tight budget? We’ve got some money-saving travel tips to help !

13. Pre-book everything in Dublin

Tours. Restaurants. Entry tickets.

Book it all.

It doesn’t have to be months out, but be sure you don’t forget because just about everything requires advanced booking. And they do sell out. We learned the hard way with a few of these.

Here are some of the popular things to do in Dublin that you should book ahead of time:

• this is a combo tour that includes the Book of Kells and Dublin Castle
• Guinness Storehouse
• alternative: Teeling Distillery
• alternative: Roe & Co Distillery
• alternative: Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery
• Kilmainham Gaol prison (check for cancellations, we snagged tickets this way!)
• alternative: Dublin Free Walking Tour  

14. Make reservations at key restaurants

If there are any restaurants where you really want to dine in Ireland, go to their website and see if they take reservations. 

You can also look at their location on Google Maps and click on “reviews”. Use the search tool to find any reviews that mention “reservations”. This bit of research will tell you whether reservations are recommended.

We’d advise you to make your bookings at least 2 weeks before your travel dates so you’re not disappointed (set an alarm in your calendar so you don’t forget).

Here are some restaurants we loved that we had to make reservations for:

• Morans Oyster Cottage , County Galway
• Ard Bia at Nimmos , Galway
• we’d recommend booking a snug for £10 here for a fun experience
• food here is average in our opinions, but the historic venue and atmosphere are great!
• Gallaghers Boxty House , Dublin
• Bar 1661 (cocktails), Dublin

Want more Ireland restaurant recommendations? Check out this Reel!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katie & Ben | Travel Family (@twowanderingsoles)

Psst! In our Ireland itinerary we share the BEST restaurants in Ireland (along with which require reservations) so all the research is done for you.

Insider Tip: If you didn’t get dinner reservations to a restaurant you really want to try, head there for lunch instead. Many restaurants will have much more availability earlier in the day and sometimes the same (or similar) menu.

15. Get an eSIM

Gone are the days of needing to go into a phone store upon landing in a new country. eSIMs make it so easy to get local cell service around the world.

Essentially, you will download a SIM card onto your phone (kind of like how you’d download an app). 

Confused about how it works? We have an entire guide to the eSIM company we use, Airalo .

We used an eSIM in Ireland and found it essential to getting directions on Google Maps, making reservations at restaurants (though you can only call on WhatsApp), and uploading stories on Instagram. ( Check out our Ireland highlights here! )

16. Pack for all weather 

Ireland has a notoriously rainy climate, and you’ll definitely want to be prepared with rain gear.

Pack with layering and waterproofing in mind. 

Here are some things to make sure you pack:

• small travel umbrella
• boots or shoes that will do well in the rain
• dry bag or waterproof backpack (if you plan to spend time outdoors and want to keep valuables dry)
• wool socks are best for hiking and do well in damp conditions
• rain cover for stroller (if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler)
• toddler rain suit (we like this one!)

Good to know: Waterproof is better than “water resistant”. When choosing rain jackets or other gear, we always recommend looking for material that is actually waterproof.

17. Instead of Uber, use these apps

One thing that surprised us in Ireland was that when we ordered an Uber, a taxi showed up. After this happened a few times, we realized that in Ireland, Ubers are not private drivers like we’re used to in the US . 

It essentially just connects you to a taxi.

However, here’s the issue… We found ourselves waiting. And waiting. This happened a lot when we ordered Ubers. And we weren’t quite sure why…

Then we learned from a local that there are far less drivers on the Uber app than are on these other apps:

• Bolt  

Both are only available in select cities in Ireland. So if you’re in a place where the apps don’t work, simply hail a taxi since it is the same price as the apps anyway.

18. Travel insurance

It should come as no surprise that we always get travel insurance . For every single trip . No exceptions.

For our trip to Ireland, we got a reasonable policy through Safety Wing that covered the two of us, plus our 1.5-year-old daughter. 

For a 3-week trip through Ireland and England for the 3 of us, it cost $150 . If you break that down, it’s just $7 per day. Or less than $2.40 per person, per day.

It’s a no-brainer.

We always hope we don’t need to use our policy (because that means things have gone wrong), but we did in fact need to make a claim on this trip.

A spontaneous lightning storm meant our flight was grounded and we had to get on a new flight the next day. Our travel insurance reimbursed us for the additional transport to and from the airport, as well as a night at the Airbnb we had to forfeit.

So in the end, our policy more than paid for itself.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got an article that walks you through everything you need to know about choosing the best travel insurance policy for you.

19. Read up on the history of the Troubles

While Ireland has a rich history that spans thousands of years (which you’ll surely learn about on your trip), we’d recommend brushing up your knowledge on the more recent Irish history… a.k.a. “the Troubles”.

In Northern Ireland, tensions between Catholics and Protestants led to a 30-year period of deadly violence which began in the late 1960s and continued through the 90s. 

Even though this was happening during my childhood, I’m a little embarrassed to say I didn’t learn much about the Troubles in school. 

If you plan to visit the north of Ireland, do a bit of reading on the topic. This article on History.com goes through a timeline of events that lead up to the Troubles, and it’s pretty informative.

And definitely take a Black Taxi Tour in Belfast to hear a firsthand account of this time period from someone who actually lived it.

Good to know: While we’ve referred to it as Northern Ireland in this article for ease of explanation, we were told by a couple of Irish people that some people who live in the north don’t like the negative connotations that “Northern Ireland” has and they prefer it being called “the North of Ireland”.

20. Don’t plan to “just wing it”

Don’t get me wrong – I love this type of travel in many situations. But in Ireland, I think it’s important to come with a plan. 

If you don’t, you’ll be disappointed to find the major things are already totally booked, or you’ll totally pass by hidden gems because you just didn’t know they were there.

Before your trip to Ireland, be sure to come up with a solid plan for how you want to spend your time. 

Or, you can cheat and leave the heavy lifting to us… (keep reading for more!)…

21. Let us do the hard work for you

I spent an embarrassing amount of time planning our trip to Ireland. Planning trips is kind of my passion (being that I’m a travel blogger and all!), so I didn’t mind. 

But if you don’t want to spend the wee hours of the night behind a laptop screen (don’t blame ya!) and you don’t want to copy a super basic route that only hits the “must see” places, I’ve got a solution for you…

Grab our Ireland itinerary !

We did the hard work so all you need to do is pack your bags! (Oh, and book that flight!)

Here’s why you need our Ireland itinerary:

• We actually went to these places, so we have real, personal experience ! (It’s not just an AI robot gathering all the top spots in one place.)
• We included the must-sees, but we leaned heavily into hidden gems . If you’re like us, getting off the beaten path is always the highlight of your travels, so that’s what we focus on. In this itinerary, you’ll find all sorts of unique experiences that you won’t find in any other Ireland travel guides.
• We’re huge foodies and do A LOT of research when it comes to choosing restaurants. Trust me, I spent hours scouring reviews, and then actually ate the food ourselves to make sure it’s good advice. 
• We have a thing for unique, yet budget-friendly accommodation , so we’ve recommended places along this route that aren’t just your average hotel room. They are destinations in and of themselves! 
• We did half of our trip in a campervan and half staying in Airbnbs. We’ve created this itinerary to work for you whether you’re camping or staying in hotels.
• Everything is organized for you in a beautifully-designed itinerary that walks you through each day, including driving times, and a curated interactive map just for you .
• It is incredibly affordable! Itineraries of a similar caliber are upwards of $100. We’re selling ours for just $17. This is truly the cheapest (yet most epic!) Ireland itinerary out there. For just $17, you have the best Ireland trip planned just for you!

Are you planning a trip to Ireland?

We’re creating lots of resources for travel in Ireland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ireland Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Renting a Car in Ireland: Essential Tips & Warnings
• Best Time to Visit Ireland: When to Go & When to Avoid!
• Places to Visit in Ireland You Can’t Miss!
• Unforgettable Things to do in Ireland: Ultimate Bucket List

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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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20 Best Places to Visit in Ireland — From a Dark-sky Park With Milky Way Views to One of Europe's Highest Sea Cliffs

From the popular Cliffs of Moher to lesser-known towns, islands, and mountains, these are the best places to visit in Ireland.

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When I visited Ireland for the first time back in 2016, I thought my four-day itinerary was airtight. My friend and I would spend a night in Dublin, head to Galway, drive to the Wicklow Mountains, and then explore Howth before flying home from the capital city. While we certainly covered a lot of ground, the plan was flawed from the beginning. Four days is barely enough time to discover one region, much less the country as a whole. Yes, I checked off several popular items — including Trinity College Library, Quay Street, and the Cliffs of Moher — but the country boasts many more charming villages, natural wonders, and historic landmarks, each as worthy of a visit as the next. 

According to Michael Leahy, the head concierge at Ashford Castle , I’m not the only traveler who has made that mistake. “I find that first-time visitors to Ireland often misjudge how large and expansive the island is, and therefore underestimate the time they need to fully explore and enjoy Ireland’s myriad attractions, sites, hotels, rich history, and cultural heritage,” he tells Travel + Leisure . If your schedule is flexible, he recommends extending your trip — so it’s longer than just a few days — in order to get a “well-rounded Irish experience.” 

By embracing this leisurely pace, you’ll also be able to appreciate your trip more profoundly. “Beyond the picturesque landscapes, taking time to interact with locals, immersing yourself in traditional music, and exploring local pubs can enhance your overall experience and truly integrate you into the Irish way of life,” explains Chris Parkes, front of house manager at Adare Manor .

To ensure your trip to the Emerald Isle is more comprehensive than my original endeavor, we asked some of the country’s most knowledgeable experts to share their recommendations for the best places to visit in Ireland. Read on to discover their favorites.

Jamie Ditaranto/Travel + Leisure

There’s a good chance you’ll start your Irish adventure in Dublin , home to Dublin Castle, Trinity College Dublin, the National Museum of Ireland, and the Guinness Storehouse. It’s a walkable city, so you’ll be able to explore most of it in just a day or two. For an extra dose of history and a drink, of course, make your way to The Brazen Head , which Patrick McManus, concierge at The Shelbourne , notes is the oldest pub in Dublin.

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According to Parkes, Galway’s “bohemian atmosphere and lively arts scene” are two reasons you’ll want to visit the harbor city during your journey. Unlike Dublin, where you may feel the need to see as much as possible, Galway is a bit more low-key. He recommends travelers “stroll through cobblestone streets, savor traditional music in local pubs, and experience the enchanting landscapes of Connemara that surround this charismatic city.”

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

In Kinsale, “beautiful views of the harbor abound,” says Anna Marron, guest relations manager at Liss Ard Estate . If it’s a nice day, stretch your legs along the 3.7-mile Scilly Walk before heading to Bulman Bar & Restaurant for dinner. Or, if you want something a bit more elevated, there’s the Michelin-rated Bastion , which is only open Thursday through Sunday.

Old Head of Kinsale

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Marron describes the Old Head of Kinsale as a “world-class golf course on many golfer's ... lists.” It’s only about a 20-minute drive from the town, but it stands alone as its own destination. “It’s the Pebble Beach of Ireland,” she adds, referring to the golf paradise in Northern California.

Cliffs of Moher

There’s a reason the Cliffs of Moher make an appearance on your Instagram feed every so often — and they’re even more beautiful in person. “Towering over the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs offer panoramic views that are both exhilarating and serene,” says Parkes. Plus, says, McManus, the surrounding landscape is equally impressive, “with unique and precious wildlife and natural flora and fauna.”

Iveragh Peninsula

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Leahy describes the Iveragh Peninsula as a “stunning stretch of heritage in southwestern Ireland” that offers a “picturesque escape into nature’s awaiting embrace.” Many travelers choose to explore the area via the Ring of Kerry, the scenic drive that encircles the peninsula. The route’s popularity stems from the fact that the 111-mile journey is accented by incredible landscapes, small villages, and top-tier views of the Atlantic Ocean.  

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If you decide to complete the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, you’ll come across Killarney. Take the time to explore the town — it’s very walkable — but Parkes also shares that nearby Killarney National Park should not be overlooked: “Within the park, you'll find the three famous Killarney lakes, which provide breathtaking views as they sit beside the mountain range ... [and] Torc Waterfall, one of the most spectacular in Ireland and best viewed after heavy rain.”

Dingle Peninsula

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

You’ll find the Dingle Peninsula slightly northwest of Killarney. According to Parkes, its “rugged coastline and charming villages” create the ultimate Irish experience. “Explore the Slea Head Drive for jaw-dropping vistas, encounter ancient archaeological sites, and engage with the welcoming locals who add a touch of warmth to this picturesque region,” he adds. 

Aran Islands

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Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer make up the Aran Islands, a place known for its ruins and sacred sites. “The islands unfold a tale of timeless elegance against the backdrop of the Atlantic's gentle embrace,” explains Leahy. If you’re already in Galway, you can take the seasonal ferry directly from the city to the islands.

If your trip was inspired by the desire to hear Irish music, look no further than Doolin, a coastal village known as the “traditional music capital of Ireland.” Take a seat at Gus O'Connor's Pub or McDermott's Pub and enjoy hours of lively tunes, pint in hand. Doolin is also called the “gateway to the Aran Islands,” as the rocky isles are just offshore.

Located southwest of Limerick, Adare was founded in the 13th century, and since then, it's become known as one of the most beautiful villages in the country. Parkes shares he may be a bit biased, given that he works in Adare, but he also says it’s a destination that captivates visitors with its “timeless charm … picture-perfect thatched cottages, historic architecture, and lush green landscapes.” 

Trim Castle

Located in County Meath, Trim Castle is the largest Norman castle in Ireland and a well-preserved example of Anglo-Norman military architecture. Travelers may recognize it from "Braveheart," but the castle’s history goes all the way back to the 12th century, when it served as a fortress during the Norman invasion of Ireland.

If you’re after an unforgettable view of the ocean and its powerful waves, Marron suggests checking out Mizen Head in West Cork. She calls the geographical feature a “more dramatic and less-visited version of the Cliffs of Moher,” and it’s commonly known as the mainland’s most southwesterly point.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Courtesy CONSARC Consultancy

McManus also recommends exploring Wicklow Mountains National Park , the largest of Ireland’s six national parks. Hikers and walkers have their choice of paths in this stunning region — and movie buffs will want to make their way to Sally Gap, a recognizable setting from the 2007 film "P.S. I Love You."

Giant’s Causeway

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The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most identifiable features in Ireland. While scientists have discovered that the 40,000 basalt columns sticking out of the sea were formed by volcanic activity more than 50 million years ago, there’s still a mystical and sacred feeling to the area. “This historic route invites pilgrims and wanderers alike to tread upon its hallowed ground, whispering tales of spirituality and connection through the ages,” shares Leahy. 

Jerpoint Abbey

imageBROKER/Thomas Schaeffer/Getty Images

History can be found nearly everywhere you go in Ireland — but it’s particularly noticeable at Jerpoint Abbey in County Kilkenny. The medieval Cistercian abbey dates back to the 12th century and features Romanesque and Gothic elements. Inside, visitors will find a church, tower, cloister, and several detailed stone sculptures.

Mayo Dark Sky Park

 Josh Matthews/Courtesy Mayo Dark Sky Park

If the weather permits, astronomy enthusiasts will be able to see stars, planets, the Milky Way, and even meteor showers while inside Mayo Dark Sky Park , a designated dark-sky preserve in County Mayo. Should you visit, Leahy says you’ll get to witness these “celestial wonders unfolded beneath a cloak of velvety darkness,” all completely free of charge.

Backpacksandbubbly/Getty Images

“Howth is a lovely fisherman’s village,” says McManus. It’s a quick trip from Dublin — about 30 minutes by train — so it’s an easy destination to tack on to the beginning or end of your trip. Start the day with a moderate hike along the 3.7-mile Howth Cliff Walk, then head back to the village for some fresh seafood (you can’t go wrong with fish and chips). 

Croagh Patrick

Kriangkrai Thitimakorn/Getty Images

Croagh Patrick, which you may hear referred to as “the Reek,” is one of Leahy’s recommendations, thanks to its “iconic peak overlooking the surrounding landscape” and its role as a “majestic pilgrimage site.” The mountain has held religious significance for mor ethan 1,500 years, and it’s said that Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick, spent 40 days fasting on its summit in the fifth century. It’s also popular with hikers and those interested in panoramic views of Clew Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding countryside.

Sliabh Liag

Artur Kosmatka/Getty Images

Sliabh Liag, or Slieve League, is one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, measuring in at nearly 2,000 feet above sea level. Significantly taller than the Cliffs of Moher, which reach 702 feet, these cliffs provide amazing views in nearly every direction — and they’re a convenient stop along the famed Wild Atlantic Way .

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.

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Ireland

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Ireland. There are 240 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 15 days. The month with the most departures is June, making it the most popular time to visit Ireland.

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240 fully guided tour packages in ireland with 7,913 reviews.

7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure Small Group Tour

It was a busy tour but we saw and did so much and got to see so much of the courtry. Our guide was outstanding!

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Best of Ireland (10 Days)

Just fine. Well organized.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

7-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour

Mike was amazing! We had such a great group of people, Mike was so full of knowledge about the history and culture of Ireland, and it was so laid back. We got to explore each destination at a leisurely pace and enjoyed most evenings checking out the local bars. Highly recommend!

Irish Highlights (Summer, 7 Days)

The Irish Highlights Trafalgar Tour was excellent. The tour director and driver were great and the events and scenery were amazing. The weather was very hot and it was good that fans were available in the rooms.

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

The tour was amazing, the guides were very kind and friendly. And the different sites were incredible. Thank you very much Wild N' Happy!!!

10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

Excellent tour. Lee, our tour guide was outstanding at getting us to every place. He gave us lots of suggestions for meals, activities etc. Lee is a wonderful tour guide who really enjoys sharing the history of Ireland. The tour was well planned. Bed and breakfasts were very good. I really enjoyed the tour.

• €99 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

8 Day Castles & Coast Experience - Small Group Tour

The trip was very well organized with lots of options to do things at each destination. Our tour guide Anthony was great. His knowledge of the area was very comprehensive and he told great stories as well. The Irish people were wonderful and the Irish breakfasts were delicious. It was a great way to see the country without having to navigate all of the narrow roads along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Great Tour of Ireland ( 7 days )

Introduction to Ireland

Excellent mostly, only concern was lead to believe it was only a small tour group -turned out to be 44 or so.

Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

Excellent tour and company. Tour guides and accommodations were second to none. If you want to know the real Ireland and it’s rich history in a comfortable setting and without the stress of driving you will not be disappointed. This was a trip of a lifetime and we would recommend to anyone.

Emerald Isle

Just returned from a 10 day "Emerald Isle" tour of Ireland and had a terrific experience. Our Tour Director Paul Barton added so much to the tour by telling us all about the various sites we passed by on our tour. His organization skills were great and his levity was just what the tour group needed to cause people to relax and enjoy themselves. The knowledge that he imparted to us about the history of the island and the Irish people really enhanced the tour. I simply can't say enough good things about Paul. Several of the OLD hotel rooms were less than enjoyable, however. The air line reservations were abominable with a 6+ hour layover in Newark before flying to Dublin. The coach driver (Shawn Kingston) was very professional and helpful. And his driving skills were phenomenal. I would definitely travel with those 2 again.

Focus on Ireland (Classic, 7 Days)

Fantastic tour. Gregg looked after needs, worked tirelessly and ensured that all important points and places were covered. Great personality, very personable, knowledgeable and outgoing.

Irish Elegance (Classic, 8 Days)

What a fantastic vacation! The tour itself was perfectly paced and the combination of little details such as the flourishes and time with local experts and the grand finale stay at Ashford Castle made this an unforgettable experience. Ann was an amazing tour director - organized, professional and always willing to go above and beyond - and our coach driver Michael was a pleasant, jovial fellow that exemplified perfectly the friendly spirit of the Irish people. Truly a wonderful experience!

5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin

Fantastic trip, exceeded all expectations. Dan was an amazing tour guide. I learnt so much about Ireland through his commentary and he was always so willing to help in any way he could. I just wish I had known that I could combine Rabbies trips, I would have been able to cover alot more of Ireland

The Best Of Ireland

The communication/paperwork could use a little fine tuning, but overall the value was definitely there. This tour brings you through absolutely spectacular areas of Ireland, with enough downtime to not feel too rushed. The hotels/food was nicer than we expected for the price.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Ireland

Exceeded my expectations. Culture, landscapes, language, history, activities…so much in just a week. Accommodations were very comfortable, food was delicious and plentiful, people were welcoming and generous. Our guide (Pat O’Mara) made the entir3 experience an absolute joy. He was knowledgeable, told stories and histories in a folksy and humorous tone. He was competent, flexible, and inspired with a clear love of his own country that made us love it too.

This was my first time in Ireland. I absolutely loved everything about this trip. Tour guide and bus driver were amazing. Totally worth every penny. Would go back in a heartbeat

Regions in Ireland

• Southern Ireland (163)
• Ireland Wild Atlantic Way (150)
• Munster (62)
• Ring of Kerry (31)
• Connemara National Park (8)
• Leinster (6)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided
• Ireland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 10 Day Ireland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Ireland

The Emerald Isle is a land of lush pastures, roaming sheep, seaside vistas, and the friendliest locals on Earth. Let us help you plan a trip to Ireland!

The Emerald Isle is a land of lush pastures, roaming cuddly sheep, dramatic seaside vistas, and the friendliest locals on Earth. An Ireland road trip lavishes lucky travelers with a rich and inviting culture with ancient roots and unique traditions. There is a mystical and somewhat magical air about the place. Its foggy, moss-covered forests are the playland of fairies and trolls, and it’s home to one of the most iconic road trips on the planet.

The island nation is known for its idyllic countryside, but the truth is Ireland also has some seriously fun cities! The pubs of Dublin ring with laughter, Jameson toasts, live music, and the vibrant folk tales of Seanchai—Irish traditional storytellers. Ireland travel is a wonderful concoction of iconic tourist sites like The Blarney Stone and The Cliffs of Moher, mixed with hidden roadside gems, and we have found them all! Now that you’re excited, let’s plan a trip to Ireland folks!

Scavenger Hunts to See the Sights

While you’re exploring the Emerald Isle, keep the Let’s Roam app in hand! Our scavenger hunts in Ireland will lead you to the top attractions, and each short excursion includes trivia and photo ops in the form of fun challenges that allow you to earn points. Compete against fellow travelers or team up to try to the city’s high score. Either way, the experience is sure to be exciting!

The Dublin Adventure

Explore Dublin with a fun-filled scavenger hunt with Let’s Roam! Our scavenger hunts are unique in that you can participate at any time through our adventure app. The Dublin Adventure will escort you all over the capital of Ireland from famous bridges to tried architecture and the lushest green spaces. You’ll visit Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar, and all the rest of Dublin’s gems. Tap into the luck of the Irish to help you battle for the title of scavenger hunt champion! You’ll compete in trivia and photo challenges all along the way, and of course, the loser buys the Guinness!

Is Ireland For You?

We have already begun to explain some of the majesties of Ireland, but in reality, you simply must see it with your own eyes. There are so many shades of green! Ireland is a phenomenal travel destination for nature lovers, hikers, and explorers. You will discover mossy forests, wander hidden paths to glorious waterfalls, and listen to the waves roar on deserted beaches. If you’re a nature enthusiast or photographer, Ireland is for you!

History lovers, especially Celtic or Viking history buffs, will frolic through artifacts and burial chambers until their hearts overflow with immeasurable joy. Ireland is a treasure trove of castles, passage tombs, glorious museums, and roadside remains. History nerds, pack your bags!

For artists, there is nowhere more beautiful or peaceful to paint and draw away the day. Pack up your sketch pads. Pack two. You’re going to need them.

If St. Paddy’s Day is your favorite day of the year, partiers prepare—nobody parties quite like Ireland. In fact, their regular ole Tuesday is a riot to outsiders. It’s totally normal and acceptable to enjoy a pub at any time of the day, every day of the week. You will even see pubs that double as grocery or hardware stores during daylight hours. No biggie. Stop in and pop a pint any time!

In short, no matter what kind of traveler you are, Ireland has something to entice you. If you’re a budget backpacker who wants to book a hostel in Dublin for a wild weekend, that’s available. If you want a luxury guided tour of the whole island, that’s an option too… and pretty much anything in between!

The Language

Ireland has two official languages: English and Irish (or Gaelic). In most of the country, English is by far the dominant language, though it comes with a hearty and thick accent. In some small towns, especially along the West Coast, you’ll hear Gaelic more frequently. You’ll also notice road signs in both languages. However, most people even in these regions do speak both languages, so communication is generally not an issue.

The Weather

Ireland is rainy. There are no two ways about it. It’s especially rainy on the western portion of the island. The rainiest months are winter and early spring. While June, July, and August tend to be a bit less wet. The temperatures are mild in the summer with an average temp between 60 & 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temp averages drop into the 40s, but Ireland mostly remains ice and freezing-weather-free, thanks to some help from the Gulf Stream.

The Culture

The Irish love a good song and dance, but they really love hearty banter! It’s all in good fun, and they will want you to play along. You’re expected to jab right back at their playful teasing. Be prepared to keep up though. It’s a culture of quick wit and fast jokes!

Pubs are such a big part of Irish culture that we will relegate “pub culture” to its own section. Just know for now. You should prepare to visit many of them! The Irish are a friendly crew, and they are generally pretty interested in your life, so share your stories and make some friends. It’s an easy place to do it.

If you know anything about the history and religious wars of Ireland, you know that it was rough. Most Irish people are game to talk about the difficult and important stuff, as long as it’s approached with genuine curiosity and respect. Don’t try to offer your opinion on the matter and be careful how you phrase your questions. Respect.

While Ireland is now a multi-religious society on paper (i.e. there is no state religion), almost 85% of the population identifies as Christian, and almost 80% of those as Catholic. So, Catholic roots and traditions run a deep thread within the history and politics of the nation.

Irish people don’t want to hear about your 1/16th Irish heritage. Just because your great-great-great grandpa came over on the ship doesn’t make you Irish or give you some kind of connection to the people or the culture. Almost 10% of the American population claims Irish heritage. They have heard it, and they don’t care.

Pub Culture

Now, onto the epicenter of Irish life, the cultural phenomenon that is… the pub! The pub is a meeting ground, a watering hole, a sports arena, and a philosophical experience. The Irish celebrate their birthdays, weddings, and successful job interviews over a pint of Guinness in their local pub. Pubs are part of daily life.

Music and live sessions are a huge part of pub culture. Sometimes local bands are scheduled to play. Other times, the most competent musicians you have ever seen just seem to wander in off the street and pick up a fiddle. Either way, you’re in for a treat. Pull up a barstool, and sing along with the crowd!

You may also be treated to a rousing folk tale by a local Seanchai. These gifted storytellers are blessed with the gift of gab, and they have memorized hundreds of limericks and tales. They have been the keepers of Irish lore and history for centuries, and they are very revered and sought after.

If someone offers to buy you a drink at the pub, accept it! But know that drinks are usually bought in “rounds,” and you’ll be expected to buy the next one.

Tipping is not expected at the pub. In fact, tipping in Ireland, in general, is not necessary. In some restaurants, they will add a gratuity for large groups, but it will be included in your price and clearly stated on your receipt.

Ireland uses the Euro, so if you’re an American, be prepared for the exchange rate. The Euro is currently worth 1.07 American dollars. Meals, transportation, and lodging are comparable in Ireland to most mid-range US cities. However, you have to account for the exchange rate. For instance, let’s say a casual meal for two costs $50 in the US. You can expect to pay around 50 euros, or $53.

If you choose to visit Northern Ireland on the same trip, they use the pound sterling. It’s a bit more favorable. 1 USD= 0.79 pound sterling.

The Best Time to Visit Ireland

There is no bad time to visit Ireland! Truthfully, the best time is when you can get the best and cheapest flight! The weather, as we have mentioned, is pretty mild year-round. However, some of the tourist attractions and small gems do close in the dead of winter. Plus, it’s really rainy. If you can swing it, a two-week trip in the shoulder season is optimal.

Ireland is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and you want to beat the summer crowds! We would suggest a trip in April or early May. Alternatively, hop on the tail-end of the season, in September. Traveling in the off-season will not only have you spending less time in lines, but you’ll have a better choice of lodgings and rental cars, and better price options.

Getting to the Emerald Isle

The overwhelming majority of travelers will fly into Dublin or Belfast. You can come into Shannon, Cork, or Knock by international flight as well. However, these are small airports, and the cheapest flights from most American cities are going to be to Dublin.

Ticket Tip: We recommend you start by using Google Flights. Enter your local airport and a couple more that are within a comfortable drive. Then enter Dublin, Belfast, and Shannon for your destination. Leave the dates open and see when the cheapest flight will be that fits into your schedule and travel plans. This will give you a good idea of the best days, airports, and airlines.

A lot of times, this simple method will give you the cheapest flight, but not always. To ensure you get the best deals out there, once you have the cheap dates, check the airlines themselves, Momondo, and Sky Scanner to compare flight deals. As with any trip, the traveler willing to put in the leg work gets the deals!

Getting Around Ireland

Like most of Europe, Ireland has great public transportation. You could visit most of the country on buses, and that’s certainly the cheapest option. The two major bus corporations for the Republic of Ireland are Bus Éireann and Translink .

Pro: It’s cheap and can be booked at the last minute.

Con: The buses go from city to city. To explore the countryside and sights, you’ll have to book tours and day trips on top of your transportation.

Ireland also has a beautiful train system, and it’s the perfect country for it. The scenic rides are pretty awesome, but you’ll run into the same cons. Trains only follow train tracks, with no off-roading. We only suggest the train if you’re not comfortable with driving long distances. You can use the train to make the long journeys and then rent a car for day trips once you get to the major cities.

If there is any country on earth (besides maybe Turkey) where renting a car is paramount, it’s Ireland. There is just so much to see and do outside of the major public transportation routes. Most of your favorite Irish sites are going to be on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere, and the only way to ensure that you don’t miss a thing is to have your own ride!

Do your research. Check multiple sights. Look for hotel/car rental combination discounts. Use your travel credit card points. Whatever you have to do get your own wheels, do it! Don’t worry. For the most part, it’s easy. Yes, you will be on the opposite side of the car. Yes, you’ll drive on the opposite side of the road. Yes, you do technically need an international driver’s license, though most rental car agencies will never ask for it.

For the United States, the only approved places to get an IDP are American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance . You can also get a booklet online through several different sights, but they will not be recognized by the US. We recommend mailing your application to one of the first two options. Five years ago, we would have said don’t worry about this, but more and more rental agencies across Europe are asking for your IDP now, so it’s worth the cost and effort to have it, just in case.

Okay, back to the road trip. Yes, the roads can be very narrow and curvy in places. All that being said, it’s still easy to drive in Ireland. The traffic isn’t bad. The signs are in English. You’re going slow, looking at the sheep, anyway. It’s fine, trust us! Book the car.

How Long Should You Stay?

For a thorough trip, we recommend at least 10 days. Two weeks would be better! We also do not recommend that you see Ireland and Northern Ireland on the same trip unless you have more than two weeks. There is too much in the Republic of Ireland, and if you’re rushing to get to Belfast, you’ll miss it.

10-Day Ireland Itinerary

It’s so hard to pick the best sights to include on an Ireland tour. You could go so many ways! Every trip itinerary you look at will be a little bit different, so look at several and grab a guidebook too (Rick Steves). Just remember, that it’s your trip! You don’t have to see anything that doesn’t interest you just because everyone says to. Your favorite things might be the places no one else even mentioned. So journey off course! Ireland is the perfect place for roaming and exploring.

Most Ireland itineraries are going to start and end in Dublin because of the ease and cost of RT flights to the US. You can either start your trip with Dublin sites or rent your car as soon as you land and hit the road, saving all the Dublin stuff for last (which is our recommendation). Our trip planners recommend this ten-day itinerary for your first time on the Emerald Isle!

Day 1: Galway

We suggest you arrive on a morning flight if at all possible. Grab your rental car from the airport and set the GPS to Galway. Galway is Ireland’s 4th-largest city and one of the best for adorable shops, great food, and live music. It’s also your jumping-off point for the Aran Islands. The drive will take about 2.5 hours.

Enjoy a free walking tour around the city. Visit the cute shops and partake of the food. Galway has pristine beaches and one of Ireland’s best nightlife cultures in the Latin Quarter. Head there for an evening pint. Stay the night in Galway.

For the perfect way to explore Galway, snag “ Looking For Luck in Galway, Ireland. ” Our scavenger hunt hits all the hotspots of the city from the 12th century to today. From The King’s Head Pub to St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, all the Latin Quarter must-see sights are included. So, grab a few friends and hit the cobblestone!

Day 2: Day Trip to Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park is gorgeous, and it’s worth some time exploring the walking trails, especially for nature lovers. The prime site for today though is Kylemore Abbey. These have the be the luckiest nuns on earth because this place is gorgeous! Plan to spend most of your morning with the guided tours of the castle and gardens.

Alternative: Take a day trip to the Aran Island of Inishmore. You can hop on the morning ferry from the port just outside of Galway city. The ferry takes a little over an hour. Once there, rent a bike and tour the incredible soaring rock cliffs of the island and visit the ancient stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, high on its craggy cliff. Aran is also very famous for a particular type of wool and is a great place to snag a scarf or sweater! Stay the night in Galway.

Day 3: Bunratty Castle and The Cliffs of Moher

Today, you visit the infamous(and very windy) Cliffs of Moher. Stop along the way to enjoy the weird landscape of The Burren National Park. The cliffs are incredible, but seriously wear a ponytail and hold on to your stuff. The gusts are insane! We love the cliffs at sunset, but you have to make a choice today between sunset on the cliffs or a Medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle.

Bunratty Castle is a fun-filled day for the whole family. The castle itself is worth a tour and a few photos, but the whole village surrounding the castle is also gorgeous. Take some time to wander the property. They have Irish wolfhounds to pet, medieval shops with period-dressed workers, and tons of gorgeous acreage with hidden chapels and beautiful creeks. If you choose to do the cliffs in the morning, book the Medieval Banquet at the castle for your dinner. It’s more fun than you can imagine! Stay the night in Limerick.

Day 4: Limerick, Adare, & Dingle

Limerick often gets overlooked on Irish itineraries, but there is some interesting history there. Take the morning and visit King John’s Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and grab some lunch in the adorable town of Adare, before heading out on an incredible afternoon drive through Connor’s Pass to Dingle.

Author Tip: The Warm Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding with Salted Caramel Icecream at The Locke is to this day my favorite dessert on the planet! It alone is worth a trip to Limerick.

Along the trip through Connor Pass (drive carefully) you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pull over and enjoy the scenery. Just north of Connor’s Pass, watch for signs for Pedler’s Lake or Lough Goon. Follow the waterfall up the hill and to your surprise, you’ll find a beautiful glacier lake. It’s a great spot for a midafternoon snack (your second piece of toffee cake) and a few Insta snaps. Finish your night off at The Dingle Pub. It’s probably one of the most quaint and homey pubs in all the land!

Day 5: Slea Head Loop

The Dingle Peninsula might be our favorite day of the whole itinerary. The 30-mile Slea Head Loop Drive starts and ends in Dingle, and it’s filled with little gems. Not only will you cruise past some of Ireland’s most beautiful coastline, but you’ll visit ancient sites like The Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian church, “Beehive huts,” and Celtic cemeteries. All along the ocean drive, you will get a front-row view of distant Skellig Michael, the infamous filming location of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. (You can also take a guided tour out to the island by boat and climb the 600 stairs to the ancient Gaelic monastery at the top.)

Take your time with Slea Head Loop. We suggest your drive it clockwise and spend the evening exploring the town of Dingle. Visit the weird hardware store that doubles as a pub. Grab a tasty treat at The Wren’s Nest, and finish up at the pub.

Stay the night in Dingle-If you have had enough of Dingle (which we can’t imagine) go ahead and drive to your next spot and overnight in Killarney.

Day 6: Ring of Kerry

Okay, don’t throw stones, but the Ring of Kerry is overrated as a drive. It’s part of The Wild Atlantic Way, so of course, it’s beautiful, but you’ve already seen better. With that said, there are some incredible stops along the drive.

Stop in at Killarney National Park to take in The Ladies View, Torc Falls, and all the little castle and church ruins in the park. Snap a few pics in front of the impressive Muckross House, and then point your car towards Cahergall Stone Fort. It’s a short hike, and the extremely intact ring fort will give you not only a glimpse into Celtic history. It also sits on a beautiful landscape and affords some great photo opportunities.

Next, spend a couple of hours touring the home of one of Ireland’s greatest statesmen, Daniel O’Connell. Derrynane House sits in a gorgeous forest and boasts a private beach too! There is a peaceful ruin upon the hill next to the beach where the O’Connell family burial site lies. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy a sunset picnic. Overnight in Cork, just 1.5 hours from Killarney.

Day 7: Cork and Waterford

Start your morning with a visit to the Blarney Stone and receive the gift of gab. Legend says if you bend over backward to kiss the stone, you’ll lose all awkwardness and gab with the best of them! It’s a bit touristy, and you’ll probably stand in line to do it, but it’s fun.

Grab a quick brunch at the Old English Market, and then head for crystal shopping in Waterford. Book a guided tour of the House of Waterford, and see how their famous crystal is made. Score some precious souvenirs and then overnight in Kilkenny.

If you aren’t interested in crystal, skip Waterford and enjoy more time in the adorable town of Kilkenny. Go ahead and knock out a castle visit and wander the charming village. Make sure to grab dinner at Kyteler’s Inn , a notoriously haunted ancient tavern in Kilkenny.

Day 8: Kilkenny

Explore Kilkenny Castle and explore the little town, if you didn’t the night before. It has beautiful architecture and a lovely riverside walking path. You might want to hop in quickly to the Black Abbey. From there, you’ll start your religious ruins tour. Check out The Rock of Cashel, Jerpoint Abbey, and Kell’s Priory. Overnight in a real Irish castle at Wilton Castle Hotel , and learn the incredible story of its history, destruction, and renovation. It’s a bit of a drive over to County Wexford, but it’s worth it for a night in this place!

Day 9: Dublin

Get up early and head for the capital city of Dublin. Visit Trinity College and the stunning Trinity Library. Gaze at the Book of Kells. Then, stop in Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral and learn the lore of the dueling families that own this city. Cap off your evening at The Temple Bar. It’s an icon in Dublin, and still has some of the best live music around. Stay the night in Dublin.

Alternative: In the afternoon, take a guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol.

Day 10: Dublin

On your second day in Dublin, start your morning with the guided day tour to Newgrange and Howth. These incredible passage tombs are the major draw of the ancient east coast of Ireland. They are some of the oldest manmade structures on earth! The immaculate tomb at Newgrange is thought to be 5200 years old.

Once you return to the city, visit The National Museum of Archaeology and brush up on your Irish history or visit the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Distillery. If you still have room, spend your last night in another one of Dublin’s fabulous pubs. Stay the night in Dublin.

** If you have extra time, we highly recommend visiting Dublin Castle and the impressive Chester Beatty Library. It’s filled will artifacts and manuscripts from all over the ancient Asian world, and it’s worth a few minutes of your time!

Take Your Time

If we can give you one tip on Ireland, it would be to take your time! It will be tempting to cram your itinerary with every castle and museum in sight. Go ahead and resolve now that you’re not going to see it all. You could spend a lifetime exploring the historical sights of this little green island.

You can get a good glimpse of Ireland in 10 days, as you can see. There will be time to check off all the bucket list items, but if there is any way you can extend your trip to 14 days, this will allow you to enjoy the country at a comfortable pace. You may even get to sip a coffee or two. On the ten-day itinerary, you’ll be moving pretty quickly from place to place, without much downtime.

If you extend your trip to 14 days, you could consider visiting the hot spots of Northern Ireland like The Dark Hedges, Giant’s Causeway, and all those epic Game of Thrones film locations.

The best things about Ireland are the people and the glorious landscape. Make sure you take some time to smell the roses so to speak. You’ll find so many interesting people, in Ireland, willing to shoot the bull over a pint of Guinness. These are the moments from your trip that will have the most impact. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time for the unexpected. Ireland is full of little villages and awesome locals.

Save a Penny

To ensure that you get the most out of your trip, don’t spend money where it isn’t needed. There are some very simple Ireland travel tips you can do to save a little pub cash!

• Book early – Booking months in advance for Airbnb and hotels will get you the best deal every time. Plus, you get the best options to choose from too! Ireland is popular, and the good stuff sells out, so get to it first. We highly recommend local guesthouses and Airbnbs in Ireland. They are clean, comfy, and filled with friendly hosts. You’ll likely get excellent travel advice and maybe even some good stories by staying with locals! **If you choose to book early, make sure that your accommodations are refundable or that you have good travel insurance. Most hotel sights, like Booking.com, have a filter you can choose for free cancellations.
• Pack light – Packing carry-on bags saves you on your flight costs. However, it also saves you on your stress level and your rental car costs! If you have less luggage, you can rent a smaller vehicle. We recommend you rent the smallest vehicle possible. Irish roads are tiny! Plus, gas in Europe is expensive compared to the states. It’s a shock to the wallet that you want to lessen as much as possible.
• Get The Heritage Card – The Heritage Card will give you access to most of Ireland’s top sights, and if you plan on visiting several historical slights, it will save you big bucks! You can buy it ahead of time online, or just pick one up at your first heritage site!
• Eat smart – Eat a large breakfast at your Airbnb or hotel. Pack a light lunch and some snacks for your day, and eat dinner early! Dinner in Ireland, like most of Europe, tends to be pretty late by American standards. You can often score “early-bird” specials if you eat dinner before 7 pm.
• Keep your receipts – You’ll pay sales tax fees on anything bought in Ireland. If you buy souvenirs or any physical product that you’re going to export from Ireland (i.e.-take with you), you can apply to get that VAT tax back. Simply fill out the VAT refund form (which you can acquire from the information booth at the airport) and provide proof of purchase.

Ireland Vacation Packing List

When packing for Ireland you need to prepare for every kind of weather… possibly all in one day! This is especially true if you’re following our travel tip to book your Ireland vacation in the shoulder seasons. It’s a balance to pack light and still have what you need, but you got this! In addition to your basic toiletries, don’t forget these few essentials:

• Light raincoat
• Wellies or rainboots
• Light clothing that can be layered – You’ll put on and take off articles of clothing all day long.
• A small daypack or fanny pack – It should be able to fit essentials like your passport and car keys.
• International driver’s license
• Hiking or tennis shoes
• Portable phone charger – You will take a lot of pictures.
• Binoculars – Especially if you’re a bird watcher!

**Pack light. You can always book an Airbnb with a washing machine!

Closing Thoughts

Ireland will steal a piece of your heart, and beckon you back. It’s one of those charming places in the world that you could visit over and over and never tire of. We guarantee once you spend some time here, you’ll immediately want to book your second trip. So relax! Take your time. Don’t try to visit every town and see every little ruin on your first trip. Instead, truly cherish your time in the places you do visit. It’s a landscape and culture that almost demands you calm down and enjoy life. There is no place like Ireland!

Got a favorite spot on the Emerald Isle? Let us know your recommendations in the comments!

For more amazing travel destinations, check out “ The Absolute Best Places to Travel in Northern Europe .” It’s full of charming villages, epic fjord hikes, and arctic adventures fit for every kind of traveler!

Frequently Asked Questions

The Emerald Isle beckons travelers to its iconic landscapes and glorious seaside views, but just about any Ireland itinerary will require stops in small towns that can only be accessed by private vehicle!

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland , be sure to stop in Galway for some live music, explore the dark side of Dublin on a haunted tour, and save time for the charming villages of Kilkenny, Adare, and Dingle!

Allow about two weeks for a perfect Ireland trip . Even if you can manage 10 days, you’ll get to see most of the bucket list items, like Dublin, Cork, Dingle, the Cliffs of Moher, and The Wild Atlantic Way.

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2024 Tour Packages:

• All Ireland Tours & Vacations
• Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4390 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Britain Tour 10 Days | From €2490 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2890 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1590 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 6 Days | From €990 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Historic Irish Castle Tour 7 Days | From €1790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
• Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €995 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.

2025 Tour Packages:

• Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4590 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour 9 Days | €2490 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1690 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2890 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5690 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3290 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
• Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €1090 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
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Ireland Tours 2024 & 2025

Looking to customize a bespoke vacation? Check out our Private Tours

We are still Ireland's best-reviewed tour operator, with 97.3% five-star reviews.

Our UK & Ireland Tour Packages

Scroll through our Britain and Ireland tour packages for 2024 & 2025. Alternatively, you can also see what's available on your preferred dates .

Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

• 34 attractions
• Max. 26 ppl

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.

Iconic Britain Tour

• 14 attractions

Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 13 attractions

Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable hub-and-spoke tour.

Deluxe Castle Tour

• 22 attractions

Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.

Historic Irish Castle Tour

• 15 attractions

A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 25 attractions

Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.

Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland Tour

• 17 attractions

Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.

Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.

Discover Northern Ireland Tour

• 8 attractions

Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.

Ancient Ireland Tour

• 19 attractions

An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.

Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour

• 24 attractions

Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.

Hello from everyone here at My Ireland Tour

Welcome! We are thrilled that you are interested in visiting our country. We're proud to say that we're still an independent family-run business, based right here in Cork. We offer a range of Britain and Ireland vacation packages , as well as our bespoke private customised tours . We're looking forward to chatting with you and showing you what makes Ireland such a magical place.

Eric O'Gorman, Founder & Director

What are you looking for?

We offer various types of tour to suit all ages, interests and group sizes. What kind of vacation suits you best?

All our Ireland Tours

Ireland's best-loved destinations and its best-kept secrets, all on one magical tour.

Private Custom Tours

Custom private tours, crafted uniquely for you. All group sizes from two people to 100.

Castle Tours

Live like royalty, staying in real Irish castles steeped in history and tradition.

UK & Ireland

Tour Ireland and Britain at the same time with a tour that shows you the best of England, Ireland and Scotland.

Scotland & Ireland

Two great celtic nations, one unforgettable experience. Visit Scotland and Ireland in one trip.

Three unique tour collections

It's now even easier to find your perfect vacation. We have grouped most of our tour packages into three unique collections. Whatever your interests, whatever your budget, we have the perfect range of Irish tours for you and your group. We also offer our popular Discover Northern Ireland Tour (6 days). Alternatively, you can even customize your own bespoke private tour , just for you and your group.

Iconic Scenes Tours

Discover Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets. All with unbeatable value, while staying in some of Ireland's best four-star hotels.

• Compare all Iconic Scenes Tours
• 18-Day Tour (Ireland, England & Scotland)
• 14-Day Tour (Scotland & Ireland version)
• 14-Day Tour (Ireland-only version)
• 10-Day Tour (England & Scotland)
• 10-Day Tour
• 9-Day Tour (Scotland & Ireland version)

Ancient Luxury Tours

Get closer to the action on a tour which is limited to max. eight guests. On these luxury tours, you will be staying in four- and five-star hotels and castles.

• Compare our Ancient Luxury Tours
• 13-Day Tour (Ireland & Scotland)

Luxury Castle Tours

Live like royalty on a tour that is steeped in the rich history and traditions of the Emerald Isle. Stay in Ireland's best four- and five-star hotels and castles.

• Compare our Castles Tours
• 7-Day Historic Irish Castle Tour
• 10-Day Deluxe Irish Castles Tour

Made in Ireland, by us

We are not a reseller or an agent. We only sell our own tours, designed with care in our family office here in Cork, Ireland.

No Middleman

You will not find our tours on any other website. And with no middleman, we can provide unrivalled value with a much more personal experience.

We're here for you

On the phone, you can chat to Eric, Kristel, Shannon, Shauni, Keith or Catriona. We will be delighted to help with any questions you may have.

Britain & Ireland Tours

Why not add England and Scotland to your Irish tour experience? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compare and contrast these unique but interconnected cultures. Experience a rich and overlapping history, told from three singular perspectives. Three distinct outlooks, three separate national identities — one friendly welcome. Compare the royalty and pageantry of London with the very different majesty you will find in the rolling glens, lochs and highlands of Scotland. Of course, we think that Ireland holds the crown, with a landscape, a culture and a heritage that puts the Emerald Isle among the jewels of all European travel.

Customize your own tour

Looking for something truly unique? Why not arrange a bespoke private tour exclusively for you and your group? Our private tours can be customized to suit any group size, from two guests to a party of 100 or more. We will work with you to create the perfect tour itinerary for your group, taking away all the stress and leaving you with an unforgettable vacation experience that works for everyone. Certain destinations you want to visit? We can make it happen. Want to stay in a castle or on a working farm? Just say the word.

Stay in real castles

Experience the rich history of Ireland first-hand when you stay in some of the Emerald Isle's most enchanting castles and stately manors. That's right — with our Irish castle tours, you not only visit real Irish castles, you get to stay overnight in them, too. Choose from four castle tour vacation packages , crafted for you by our Irish-born team of tour experts. Whichever tour you choose, you can expect to live like nobility for the duration of your time with us here in Ireland.

Our small groups guarantee Never more than 26 guests per tour

We always keep our tour group sizes small. That's because we want every guest to get the comfort, space and service they deserve. Although many other companies squeeze in groups of up to 50, even the largest of our tour packages are strictly limited to just 26 guests. That leaves empty seats on the coaches. So why do we limit our tours to such small group sizes? Here are six reasons.

Superior Service

Guests consistently list our small group sizes as a top reason why they would book with us again. See our reviews...

More focus on you

With a smaller group, our tour guides have more time to get to know you and your interests.

We deliberately leave empty seats on our coaches, so you can relax and spread out.

Experience each attraction up-close and personal, with more time to ask questions and see what interests you.

Speedier Check-Ins

Compared with many of our rivals, our smaller group sizes make checking in and out of the hotels a breeze.

More Relaxed Pace

Experience Ireland at your own pace. No rushing to keep up and no waiting around for large groups to assemble.

You might also be interested in...

• Sample Itineraries
• Transport Options
• Genealogy Tours

2024 Tour Packages

• Iconic Britain and Ireland (18 Days)
• Iconic Britain Tour (10 Days)
• Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour (14 Days)
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (14 Days)
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (10 Days)
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (8 Days)
• 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (6 Days)
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour (10 Days)
• Historic Irish Castle Tour (7 Days)
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour (13 Days)
• Ancient Ireland Tour (8 Days)
• Discover Northern Ireland (6 Days)

2025 Tour Packages

• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour (14 Days)
• Highlights of Ireland and Scotland Tour (9 Days)

Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

About Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

• Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

Visit their website...

Culloden Battlefield

About Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Glenveagh Castle

About Glenveagh Castle

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

King John's Castle

About King John's Castle

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

About Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

About Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

About Muckross House

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

About Muckross House Traditional Farms

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

The Quiet Man Museum

About The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

• Free time in London
• Shakespeare's Birthplace
• Manchester River Cruise
• Tour of York City
• York Minster
• Jedburgh Abbey
• Tour of Edinburgh City
• Holyrood Palace
• Tour of Glasgow City
• Tour of Belfast City
• Titanic Belfast
• Giant's Causeway
• Kylemore Abbey
• Cliffs of Moher
• Ring Of Kerry
• Blarney Castle
• Irish Emigration Museum
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Guinness Storehouse
• Departure flight home

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour

• Roman Baths
• Broadway to Cheltenham Railway
• Afternoon Tea at Broadway Hotel
• Chatsworth House
• Edinburgh Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Loch Lomond Cruise
• Glasgow City

14-Day Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

• Arrival at Edinburgh Airport
• St. Andrews Golf Club
• Kingsbarns Distillery Tour
• Loch Ness cruise
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Belleek Pottery
• Sheepdog Demo
• Blind Piper Pub
• Rock of Cashel

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Trim Castle
• Belfast City
• Belfast Murals
• Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
• Bushmills Distillery
• Derry City Walls
• Lough Erne Cruise
• Devenish Island
• Jameson Distillery Midleton

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Dublin Airport
• Clonmacnoise
• Free time in Galway City
• Killary Fjord
• Free time in Cork City
• Charles Fort
• Irish National Stud
• Traditional Farm Lunch

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Mikey Ryan's Bar
• Killarney National Park
• Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Galway City
• Free time in Dublin City
• St Patrick's Cathedral

6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• Glendalough Monastic Site
• Ring of Kerry

• Dublin Airport arrival
• Waterford Crystal
• Kilkenny Castle

• Arrival in Edinburgh Airport
• Edinburgh City tour
• Dalwhinnie Distillery
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Isle of Skye
• Glasgow City tour
• Belfast City tour
• Derry City tour
• Dublin City tour

• Lough Eske Castle
• Derry City Tour
• Free time in Derry City

• Pearse Lyons Distillery
• Traditional Music Night

• Derry City walking tour
• Ulster American Folk Park

9-Day Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

• Cruise Loch Lomond
• Clydeside Distillery Tour
• Glasgow City Tour
• Ferry to Belfast
• Belfast City Tour
• Glenshane Country Farm
• Giants Causeway
• Hillsborough Castle
• Carlingford Lough Ferry
• Farewell dinner and show

My Ireland Tour:

My Ireland Tour is a family business based right here in County Cork. Thanks for visiting our website: we're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the country we call home. As an independent Irish business, we're proud that we can give each guest the kind of service that has made us Ireland's top-rated tour operator. We hope to offer you a real Irish welcome soon. Our family business (My Ireland Tour Limited) is registered in Ireland, Company Number 547775.

Contact Us:

• 5 Church Hill  Carrigaline  Co. Cork  P43 X376  Ireland

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• Book a Tour

10 Excellent Day Trips and Weekend Getaways from Dublin, Ireland

Paraphrasing a line from a popular song, Dublin is not Ireland. Yes, it’s stunning and adorable, but the Emerald Isle is much bigger and culturally diverse than its capital. On the bright side, you can explore most of the island in a few day trips and weekend getaways that start in Dublin.

Last updated: January 20, 2023

Ireland is made for adventures and road trips. Everything in this country screams for your attention. While you enjoy famous pubs and bustling streets of the capital, ancient ruins, stunning cliffs, picturesque hills and pastures allure you to explore Ireland’s countryside over the course of a few day trips or weekend getaways that start in Dublin.

Like the majority of visitors of the island, I stayed in Dublin and planned a few day adventures to different regions of the country. Direct international flights, great food and accommodation options, plenty of things to do and see – there is no better place to start your Ireland trip .

But the main reason that prompted me to stay in the capital was a wide range of opportunities to explore most of the Emerald Isle during a few days trips from the city. As a solo traveler, I couldn’t say no to this. Now using my experiences and recommendations by some locals I met in Ireland, I’ve compiled the list of the best day trips and weekend getaways from Dublin.

THE 10 BEST DAY TRIPS AND WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM DUBLIN TO ADD TO YOUR IRELAND ITINERARY

Located about 2.5 hours from Dublin, Galway is one of the best day trips and weekend getaways to immerse in traditional Irish folk music. Moreover, the place unveils secrets behind Irish craic, letting you experience famous pub culture and festivals of the country. And where there is a pub, there is alway   traditional dancing and music. No wonder, the city is known as the Cultural Heart of Ireland .

Buskers along with a rainbow of colors in Galway’s Latin Quarters further define the unique and entertaining nature of the city. At the same time, The Long Walk , a row of colorful houses facing Galway Bay, welcomes you to experience a quieter side of the city.

How to Visit: You can visit Galway on a day trip from Dublin by bus or train. Many guided tours combine a trip to Galway with other Irish attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher.

TIP: Yet if you have enough time, be sure to take two separate day trips from Dublin and explore these places individually. Each of them needs more than one hour you will otherwise get on a full-day guided tour from the capital of Ireland.

2. The Cliffs of Moher and Doolin

The Cliffs of Moher is one of the mandatory day trips from Dublin for nature lovers. The famous landmark on the west coast of the country lets you experience gorgeous, yet proud and temperamental Ireland. Strong winds blowing from the Atlantic Ocean never once let you forget how powerful and forceful nature can be.

And yet, the stunning surroundings along with its scenic hiking trails dare to challenge you and inspire to take one of the most unforgettable day trips you ever go on from Dublin.

During their adventures at the Cliffs of Moher, the roadtrippers often visit Doolin . Famous for its colorful houses, authentic pubs, and green pastures surrounding it, the village adds a rural vibe to your day trips from Dublin.

How to Visit: As with Galway, many tourist offices offer full-day trips from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher with a quick stop for lunch in Doolin. Public transport isn’t the best option to get here as there are no direct busses or trains. Due to required transfers, such day trips from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher can take up to 5 hours as opposed to 3 hours by car.

If you’re interested in guided excursions, here are some of the tours I took or considered taking while exploring Ireland.

3. Day Trips to the Burren

Many guided day trips from Dublin to the west coast also include a drive through the Burren , a unique lunar-like landscape of barren grey limestone. If the weather is favorable, your tour guide may let you get out of the bus for a quick 10-15-minute walk in the area.

TIP: A short stop is definitely not enough for one of the most beautiful and diverse in plants and animals places in Ireland. Thus, renting a car allows for the more fulfilling day trips or even weekend getaways from Dublin to see the natural wonders of the Burren.

4. Glendalough and Laragh

With just a little bit over one hour drive away, Glendalough is one of the closest day trips from Dublin. This glacier valley in County Wicklow entices with an Early Medieval monastic settlement and two picturesque lakes nearby.

How to Visit: Direct busses from Dublin reach the place in a little bit over one hour. Half- and full-day tours are also available.

TIP: But if you want to make this visit one of your best day trips from Dublin, be sure to get a car. There are ample other places to see in County Wicklow, such as the village of Laragh, Poulanass Waterfall , and Powerscourt Waterfall.

5. The Wicklow Mountains

You can certainly combine a drive through the Wicklow Mountains with your visit to Glendalough. However, if you’re aching for more impactful travel experiences, devote a full day for your trip from Dublin to the mountains. On the other hand, with such epic hikes as the Wicklow Way and the St. Kevin’s Way , even a weekend may not be enough.

6. Day Trips from Dublin to Belfast

Northern Ireland needs at least a few long day trips or weekend getaways from Dublin to present its natural and cultural highlights. While it’s technically a different country, you can still travel here if you have a UK visa or a passport that allows you to do it freely.

The best place to start your day trips from Dublin through Northern Ireland is undoubtably Belfast. Known for its history and troubled past, the city has grown to a popular weekend destination with bustling farmer’s markets and award-winning restaurants. The most popular attraction still remains Titanic Belfast . The ill-fated ship was built in Belfast in 1911-1912, after all.

7. The Giant’s Causeway

Another beautiful destination in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is regarded by the Irish as the 8th Wonder of the World. With about 40,000 stone pillars cutting out of the cliff faces, it’s quite an attraction to see during one of your long day trips.

8. Day Trips from Dublin to Baltinglass

The travelers rarely spend the whole day in Baltinglass , often combining it with other day-trip destinations. Do whatever it feels right to you. Yet apart from its famous 12th-century Baltinglass Abbey , the place boasts other historical buildings and ancient ruins that can occupy your entire day.

TIP: Moreover, its convenient location (the place can be reached by public transportation or car) makes Baltinglass one of the easiest and most underrated trips from Dublin.

County Kerry is the longest day trip from the capital of Ireland. Again, a rental or your own car helps you cover this distance in the fastest and most time efficient manner.

But leaving all these logistic matters behind, the place astounds with its remarkable scenery, sandy beaches, and rugged coastline. Furthermore, you can hit all the highlights of the area on the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometer (111-mile) scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula.

10. Short Day Trips from Dublin to Keadeen Mountain Farm s

Two things define Ireland: the awe-inspiring landscapes and green pastures spread across rolling hills of the island. While farming is one of the most profitable fields of economy, it’s also a significant part of Irish culture .

Irish farmers, recognizing their important role in the cultural heritage and looking for ways to make extra money, open their doors for the short day excursions from Dublin. So for example, it takes a few hours to visit Keadeen Mountain Farms , meet its animal residents, and learn about production and benefits of hemp seeds.

TIP: Be sure to ask for a private tour in advance or join one of a few guided day tours.

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How Much Does A Trip To Ireland Cost? A Guide With Examples

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

If you’re wondering how much is a trip to Ireland, we’ll cut to the chase!

The average trip to Ireland cost, based on a 5-day trip for two people flying from the USA in June is:    

• Budget: €2,523/$2,679 (or €1,261/$1,340 per person)
• Mid-range: €4,281/$4,545 (or €2,141/$2,273 per person)
• Luxury: €6,641/$7,051 (or €3,321/$3,525 per person)

In the guide below, you’ll find both the avoidable and unavoidable costs you need to consider along with several detailed examples of real-life trips .

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about how much a trip to Ireland costs

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There are several factors to consider when trying to determine how much for a trip to Ireland. Take 20 seconds to read the points below as they’ll get you up-to-speed quickly:

1. You can spend anywhere from €89/$95 to €150/$159 per day

There really is no average cost of a trip to Ireland – every trip and every traveller is different. For example, some of our younger readers might be happy to stay in a hostel while some of our older readers won’t. Some people prefer to take organised tours while others like to rent a car and go it alone. All of this impacts your Ireland trip cost massively.

2. You’ll have avoidable and unavoidable costs

Flights, accommodation and food are all unavoidable costs . Now, the cost of each can go up and down depending on 1, the time of year you visit and 2, whether you choose budget, mid-level or luxury options. Some avoidable costs are the likes of drinks in pubs, souvenirs and car rental.

3. What you spend ultimately comes down to you

As is the case with any country, you can do Ireland on a budget if you need to. You just need to be careful when planning your trip to Ireland to make sure you stick within the budget you have to play with.

4. Always add a safety buffer

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of how much you can expect to spend in Ireland. However, please note that it’s always worth adding a buffer of 10-15% to your overall budget just to be safe. Unexpected costs will always arise.

The main things to consider when trying to estimate an Ireland trip cost

Many different variables come into play when trying to figure out a trip to Ireland cost.

Below, we’re going to show you costs for the likes of flights, public transport etc. We’ll use Dublin prices, as it’s one of the most expensive parts of the country.

1. Trip to Ireland cost #1: Flights

The first thing to consider when coming up with an average cost of a trip to Ireland is the price of flying into one of the airports in Ireland .

The cost of flights will vary depending on where you’re flying from, when you fly, the type of seat you book, baggage, etc. Here are some sample prices:

Example 1: Flying from JFK in the USA

• December : From €515/$546
• March : From €415/$440
• June : From €585/$621

Example 2: Flying from Frankfurt in Europe

• December : From €124/$132
• March : From €134/$142
• June : From €127/$145

2. Trip to Ireland cost #2: Accommodation

Your choice of accommodation can have a massive impact on the overall cost of your trip to Ireland. For this section, we’ll be looking at accommodation prices in Dublin.

We’ll use a Friday night and the price will be based on two people sharing. Please note that prices are likely to change – you can browse the latest prices here (affiliate link):

• December : From €66/$70 per night
• March : From €93/$99 per night
• June : From €104/$110 per night

2. Mid-range

• December : From €197/$208 per night
• March : From €174/$185 per night
• June : From €254/$270 per night
• December : From €527/$559 per night
• March : From €548/$582 per night
• June : From €418/$444 per night

3. Trip to Ireland cost #3: Food and drink

Photos via Monk’s on FB

The cost of food and drink is another unavoidable element that can have an enormous impact on the cost for a trip to Ireland.

Location plays a role. For example, the price of a pint of Guinness in rural Donegal will be considerably cheaper than Dublin City.

The type of establishment also has a big impact (e.g. having lunch in a cafe vs a restaurant). Here are some sample costs based on Dublin prices:

1. Breakfast: Between €10/$10.60 and €15/$15.92

If you have breakfast included in your accommodation, happy days. If not, you can expect to pay between €10/$10.60 and €15/$15.92 in a pub or cafe.

2. Lunch: Between €15/$15.92 and €20/$21.22

Lunch (e.g. soup and a sandwich or an Irish stew) can cost between €15/$15.92 and €20/$21.22. If you’re looking to keep your Ireland trip cost down, buy items to make a packed lunch in a shop/store.

3. Dinner: Between €15/$15.92 to €25/$26.53

The cost of dinner varies  hugely . If you opt for pub grub or a mid-range restaurant, allow between €15/$15.92 to €25/$26.53 for a drink and a main course. If you’re opting for higher-end restaurants, allow €60/$63.67 to €106.11 p/p.

4. Drinks:  €5.50/$5.84 to €8/$8.49

Drinking every night can see the cost of a trip of Ireland skyrocket. In Dublin, you’ll now pay a minimum of €5.50/$5.84 for a Guinness, €8/$8.49 for a glass of wine and €8/$8.49 for a low-end whiskey.

4. Trip to Ireland cost #4: How you’ll get around

There are several different ways of getting around Ireland (from rental car to private group tours) and they vary a fair bit in terms of price.

How you get around will not only effect the cost of a trip to Ireland but it’ll have a profound effect on your overall experience. Here’s an overview:

1. Rental car

Renting a car in Ireland can be costly but it gives you  a lot  of flexibility. There are a number of costs to consider with a rental and driving in Ireland in general.

Below, you’ll find prices for a 5-day trip in April 2024. The prices are for an economy car that seats four and that has an automatic transmission (note: prices may change so see latest rental costs here ):

• Cost of the rental : €403/$428
• Insurance : €51/$54
• Fuel : €144/$153 (€1.80 per litre for a 1,000 km trip)
• Tolls : Allow €17/$18

Buses tend to come in two forms – the ones that operate within a county, e.g. Galway, and ones that travel between counties. Here are some price examples:

• The Dublin Leap Visitor Card : Get unlimited travel in Dublin. 3 days costs €16/$17
• Dublin Bus Fares : From €1.70/$1.81 to €3/$3.19
• Dublin to Sligo : €21/$22.30 (single), €29.50/$31.33 (return)
• Cork to Galway : €21/$22.30 (single), €34/$36.11 (return)

If you’re exploring Ireland without a car , the chances are you’ll take a train or three. Here are some sample prices:

• Dublin to Belfast : From €16/$17
• Dublin to Cork : From €21/$22.30
• Dublin to Galway : From €14/$14.87

4. Organised tours

Organised tour prices vary massively . We have seen several 5-day tours for this year that cost in the region of €1,155/$1,227.

This includes your transport, 5 nights in high end hotels, numerous paid attractions, 3 dinners and 1 lunch. You’ll need to add in your flights, other meals, any drinks and tips .

5. Trip to Ireland cost #5: Attractions

Photos via Shutterstock

There’s plenty of things to do in Ireland and, while there are endless places that are free to visit, other attractions will have an admission fee.

This varies quite a lot depending on the attraction. But, to give you a rough idea of what to expect, we’ll go over some of the more popular places below.

1. State owned attractions

Some of the most popular attractions in Ireland are run by the state and, in general, prices tend to be reasonable.

The likes of Dublin Castle , the Rock of Cashel and Kilmainham Gaol are all good value at €8/$8.49 for an adult ticket.

2. Privately owned attractions

There are a number of other privately owned attractions that are well worth a visit on your trip to Ireland. Tickets for these tend to be more expensive.

An adult ticket for Kylemore Abbey , for example, costs €16/$16.97 while admission to the  Guinness Storehouse costs €26/$27.57.

3. Organised full and 1/2 day tours

You can find countless organised day trips throughout Ireland. They typically offer a comfortable coach journey that takes in a clatter of attractions before dropping you back where you started.

For example, you could be staying in Dublin and you take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher or the Causeway Coast . Expect to pay from €75/$78.47 for these tours ( browse prices here ).

6. Trip to Ireland cost #6: Travel insurance

The second last variable in your trip to Ireland cost is travel insurance. There are any number of things that can cause you to cancel your trip altogether, but it’s also worth covering yourself for any issues that might happen while you’re away.

A decent travel insurance policy will give you peace of mind and ensure that should the worst happen, you’ll be protected. For shorter trips, you can easily find travel insurance for less than €20/$21.21 (covering two people), with an excess of around €100/$ to €150/$.

Annual cover typically starts at around €30/$31.81 but can cost more than €100/$106.05 depending on the level of cover and the amount of excess you’re willing to pay.

7. Trip to Ireland cost #7: Souvenirs

Now, if you’re trying to cut the cost of your Ireland vacation cost, avoid souvenirs altogether.

However, if you want to bring a bit of Ireland home with you, here are some examples using Carroll’s Irish Gift prices:

• Claddagh ring : From €15/$15.91
• Magnets : From €5/$15.91
• Aran jumper : From €49/$51.96

8. Trip to Ireland cost #8: Safety buffer

As mentioned earlier, there is no ‘average cost of a trip to Ireland’. Unfortunately, many travel blogs claim otherwise. The result is that people very often underestimate their Ireland vacation cost.

It’s for that reason that we’d  always  recommend adding 15% to whatever figure you come up with.

For example, if you estimate your Ireland trip cost will work out around €3,000/$3,181 add an additional €450/$477 on top to cover unexpected costs.

Calculating the average cost of a trip to Ireland for 2 people and solo travellers

Now that we’ve got an idea of how much you can expect each of the major elements to cost, we can calculate the average cost of a trip to Ireland for 2 people and solo travellers flying from the US.

Of course, everyone will have different experiences, so the following budgets are a rough guideline only. These examples use a departure date of June (peak season).

1. Budget trip for one person:

• Flights from JFK : €415/$440
• Public transport : €122/$130*
• Accommodation : €520/$552**
• Food : €40/$42 per day
• Drinks : None
• Tours/attractions : €80/$85***
• Travel Insurance : €20/$21.21

TOTAL trip to Ireland cost with 15% buffer: €1,561 / $1,658

* Two train journeys at €21/$22.30 each and five bus journeys at an average of €16/$17 each ** €104/$110 per night average *** 5 state run attractions at €8 each and one ½ day tour at €40

2. Budget trip for two people:

• Flights from JFK : €830/$880
• Public transport : €244/$260*
• Food : €80/$84 per day
• Tours/attractions : €160/$170***
• Travel Insurance : €40/$42.42

TOTAL cost of a trip to Ireland for 2 with a 15% buffer: €2,523/$2,679 (or €1,261/$1,340 per person)

* Train journeys at €21/$22.30 each and five bus journeys at an average of €16/$17 each ** €104/$110 per night average *** 5 state run attractions at €8 each and one ½ day tour at €40

3. Mid-range trip for one person:

• Flights from JFK: €415/$440
• Economy rental car: €403/$428
• Rental car insurance: €51/$54
• Fuel: €144/$153
• Tolls: Allow €17/$18
• Accommodation: €1,270/$1,350
• Food: €60/$64 per day
• Drinks: €81/$86**
• Tours: €104/$110
• Travel Insurance: €20/$21.21

TOTAL Ireland vacation cost with 15% buffer: €3,226 / $3,426

* €254/$270 per night ** Based on the person having 2 pints of Guinness at a cost of €5.50/$5.84 each and 2 whiskies at a cost of €8/$8.50 each on three nights of the trip *** 5 state run attractions at €8/$8.50 each and 4 privately run attractions at an average of €16/$16.99 each

4. Mid-range trip for two people:

• Flights from JFK: €830/$880
• Accommodation: €1,270/$1,350*
• Food: €120/$128 per day
• Drinks: €160/$172**
• Tours: €208/$220
• Travel Insurance: €40/$42.42

TOTAL Ireland vacation cost with 15% buffer: €4,281 / $4,545 (or €2,141 / $2,273 per person)

* €254/$270 per night ** Based on the couple having 2 pints of Guinness at a cost of €5.50/$5.84 each and 2 whiskies at a cost of €8/$8.50 each on three nights of the trip *** 5 state run attractions at €8/$8.50 each and 4 privately run attractions at an average of €16/$16.99 each

5. Luxury trip for one person:

• Flights from JFK: €599/$564*
• Large rental car: €603/$640
• Rental car insurance : €71/$75
• Fuel: €224/$238
• Accommodation: €2,090/$2,220**
• Food: €145/$154 per day***
• Drinks: €240/$225****
• Tours: €234/$248*****

TOTAL cost of trip with 15% buffer: €5,546/$5,888

* Includes large carry on bags and extra legroom seat ** €418/$444 per night *** All meals eaten out allowing €20/$21 for breakfast, €35/$37 for lunch and dinner in a high end restaurant at an average cost of €90/$96 per meal **** Allowing for a bottle of wine on three evenings at a cost of €80/$85 per bottle ***** 5 state run attractions at €8/$8.50 each, 4 privately run attractions at an average of €16/$16.99 each and 2 experiences (e.g. private whiskey tasting) at an average of €65 each

6. Luxury trip for two people:

• Flights from JFK: €1,198/$1,128*
• Rental car insurance: €71/$75
• Food: €290/$308 per day***
• Drinks: €480/$450****
• Tours: €468/$496*****

TOTAL cost of trip with 15% buffer: €6,641 / $7,051 (or €3,321 / $3,525 per person)

* Includes large carry on bags and extra legroom seat ** €418/$444 per night *** All meals eaten out allowing €20/$21 for breakfast, €35/$37 for lunch and dinner in a high end restaurant at an average cost of €90/$96 per meal **** Allowing for 2 bottles of wine on three evenings at a cost of €80/$85 per bottle *** 5 state run attractions at €8/$8.50 each, 4 privately run attractions at an average of €16/$16.99 each and 2 experiences (e.g. private whiskey tasting) at an average of €65 each

FAQs about a trip to Ireland cost

We get emails and DMs asking how much does a trip to Ireland cost constantly , and it can be a tricky question to answer as there are so many variables to consider.

I’m going to pop in the most common Ireland trip cost questions that we receive below, but shout in the comments if you have one we haven’t tackled.

How much does the average trip to Ireland cost?

How much does it cost to go to ireland for a week, what is the cheapest month to go to ireland, how much does a weekend in ireland cost.

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.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Saturday 21st of January 2023

Hello Kieth, When was your Example A budget created? We are headed to Ireland May of 2023 and wondering how accurate those figures are. They look on the low side. Kelly

Keith O'Hara

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Hey Kelly - This was all done at the end of last year and I know Andy, one of our senior writers here, put a lot of time into the research of each of the workings. You can click into the google sheet that shows the calculations, also. Shout if there's anything you need!

Thursday 19th of January 2023

Do you have a 14 day recommendation that included N. Ireland. We are traveling end of August.

Hey Debra - if head into

and scroll down to the itineraries starting from Belfast you'll find plenty of 14-day road trips to choose from!

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How I learned to love the slow route home to Ireland

Journeys are about so much more than getting from A to B, as our writer found when he ditched flying for the train and ferry between Dublin and London

T here’s always a moment in the journey from Dublin to London – which I make every month or two, taking the land-and-sea route via Holyhead instead of flying – when I stop what I’m doing – reading or writing or chatting to the person next to me – and think: you don’t get to enjoy this from 40,000ft.

Sometimes it’s at the Britannia Bridge in north Wales. As the train crosses the Menai Strait from Anglesey I can see, off to my right, a concrete statue of Lord Nelson keeping a lonely watch from the shore, and further upriver the grounds of Plas Newydd country house sweeping down to the water. To the left, on a tiny island with a curved jetty, stand two handsome whitewashed houses that will one day disappear beneath the rising sea levels but for now are holding out against the elements.

I’ll pause again as the train trundles past Conwy, with its hulking medieval castle and absurdly pretty waterfront, home to the smallest house in Britain, and later still as we move along the coast beyond Colwyn Bay, and legions of offshore wind turbines can be glimpsed through the haze.

On the return journey, as the ferry heads into Dublin Bay, I’ll cast an eye at Howth Head as it rises up to greet us, followed by the crimson lighthouse at the end of the Great South Wall and the looming red and white chimneys beyond – the unmistakable sign that we’re about to dock in the Irish capital.

People often ask me why I choose to travel between Dublin and London by ferry and rail instead of flying, which is considerably less time-consuming. I’ll respond by talking about the price, or the breezy check-in process with minimal luggage restrictions, or the direct connection into central London, or the carbon emissions, which by one estimate are about 95% lower than going by plane . But the little details – the things you see, the people you meet and the reveries you enter as the journey’s lulling rhythms take hold – matter to me almost more.

When I moved to London in 2002, the idea of taking the slow route home to Dublin didn’t occur to me. Going by air was quick: you can fly city to city in under 90 minutes, though of course you have to factor in the time it takes to get to the airport, clear security, wander through duty-free, wait to board, wait to take off, and go through the associated rigmarole on the other side. And it’s cheap.

Then, about 15 years ago, a friend tipped me off about SailRail, a package that bundled train and Irish Sea ferry tickets into a single fare – connecting not only to London but to any town across Britain with a station. I was dubious about the duration but the price was keen – these days it’s £102.20 return, but back then it was about half that – so I decided to give it a try.

I’ll be honest: I didn’t love SailRailing straight away. Train travel is one of life’s great pleasures but in Britain it can curdle to frustration in the face of delays, cancellations and broken-up routes. It took me a while to work out how to time my journey so I didn’t have to change trains in Crewe and again, 20 minutes later, in Chester. And Holyhead, for all the surrounding beauty of Anglesey, is not a town that makes the heart leap – not, at least, the stretch between the terminal and the ferry dock, which on even the sunniest afternoon feels oppressively grey.

The ships – Irish Ferries and Stena are the two options on the Holyhead-to-Dublin route – can feel dated and a bit tacky, and if you strike out from Dublin on a match day, you have the choice of watching football supporters getting stuck into cooked breakfasts and pints at 8am or joining them. The crossing can be rough, though it would take a serious gale to unsettle one of the bigger boats when its stabilisers are out. (In that kind of weather, I’d rather take my chances on a 50,000-tonne ferry than a dinky commuter plane.)

If you travel with Irish Ferries, which I tend to do, this unfolds within a literary theme park of unparalleled incongruity. The flagship Ulysses is riddled with allusions to James Joyce’s masterwork: you can eat reheated pizza slices (but not pork kidneys) at Boylan’s Brasserie, drink tequila slammers at the Leopold Bloom bar or engage in soft play at the Cyclops family entertainment centre. (The faster ferry, often cancelled if the wind picks up, is ingeniously named the Jonathan Swift.)

Despite – or perhaps because of – these idiosyncrasies, I kept returning for more. For years, I’d SailRail to Dublin and fly back; the journey out of London Euston tends to be smoother, especially if you catch the direct train to Holyhead departing about 9am. But since moving back to Dublin in 2020, I’ve ditched the air option and now actively look forward to my day meandering across the Irish Sea and down through Wales and England. The journey takes eight or nine hours, but without internet to distract me I usually get a solid day’s work done, or at least have time to read and think.

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Some distractions are welcome. When the Icelandic volcano eruption grounded European air travel in 2010, I got chatting to two fellow SailRailers on the train out of London. One, delightfully, was the actor who played Gestapo agent Herr Flick in the sitcom ’Allo ’Allo!. The other became a really good friend – and I often thank the ash clouds of Eyjafjallajökull for introducing us.

More recently I’ve fallen into conversation with touring graffiti artists, septuagenarian world travellers and a woman who found God after getting lost in the middle of the Sahara (she prayed for help and a crow appeared to guide her back to safety). Last autumn, when my partner and I took our whippet-saluki over on a morning sailing (pet-friendly cabins are available on Stena) he was lavished with attention by an elderly Traveller couple who told us about similar dogs they’d loved over the years.

The Traveller community uses the ferries a lot, following a route that Irish people with UK connections have taken for centuries. You’ll also encounter plenty of truckers, as well as students, backpackers and people who are averse to flying. What you don’t get a huge number of, among the SailRail contingent, are British tourists. When I mention the package to friends and colleagues in London, few of them have heard of it. And when I tell them the fare, which doesn’t shoot up for last-minute bookings, they’re astonished: £51.10 from London to Holyhead and then on to Dublin by boat? You’re joking, right?

Still, I rarely recommend SailRail without a string of caveats. It isn’t to everyone’s taste. And it could be so much better than it currently is – the rail connections are unreliable and foot passengers on ferries are often treated as afterthoughts. But despite its foibles I’ve come to enjoy the easy pace of the journey and offbeat crowd it throws together. I’ve even developed a fondness for those Joyce allusions.

And I love that long, slow train ride along the north Wales coast, past castles and wind turbines and island houses doomed to vanish beneath the waves. A journey is so much richer and stranger when you travel close to the ground.

SailRail tickets from London Euston to Dublin Ferryport from £ 102.20 return (+ booking fee) via trainline.com

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