Considering visiting the awe-inspiring Emerald Isle — a destination Rough Guides’ readers deemed one of the world's friendliest countries? Here’s a stack of Ireland travel tips to make your vacation all the most rewarding, from deciding when’s the best time to visit, to the best destinations, attractions and experiences to have on your radar.
As is always the case with choosing the timing of your vacation, the best time to visit Ireland will largely depend on what you most want to do (some activities are best enjoyed during the warmer, drier months!), and your budget.
On balance, though, to enjoy the broadest range of what Ireland has to offer, the period from late spring through early autumn (May to September) comes out as the best time to visit. During these months, you’ll get to enjoy longer daylight hours and milder weather.
June and September are particularly appealing. Less crowded than peak summer season (July and August), they’re among the warmest months of the year, and the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, coastal walks, and wildlife watching.
These months (and summer) are also perfect for enjoying top experiences like driving the sublimely scenic Wild Atlantic Way.
Conversely, the least favourable time to visit Ireland is from late autumn to early spring (November to February), when weather is colder and wetter, and daylight is limited.
Also note that some rural attractions, ferry routes, and heritage sites close or operate on reduced hours through winter.
That said, if you’re looking for a seeking quiet cosy escape, or festive city break, and are on a budget, winter might have your name all over it.
Deciding when's the best time for you to visit is one of our key Ireland travel tips © Shutterstock
While Ireland can be moderately expensive — especially in popular cities like Dublin, Galway and Killarney — a well-planned trip can offer great value, especially if you explore smaller towns, self-cater, travel outside the summer peak season and book flights, accommodation and tours early.
With that in mind, here’s a ballpark overview of average costs for a 7-night mid-range stay in Ireland
Total budget: around €1,100–€1,500 ($1,200–$1,650 USD) for the week.
Thinking of focussing on Dublin? Read up on how many days you need in Dublin to help you plan (and budget) your trip
Expect higher prices if you visit Ireland for St Patrick;s Day celebrations © Shutterstock
Definitely! Ireland is very safe for travelers, whether you’re traveling solo or as a family, and consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe.
Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is relatively low compared to other European countries.
Ireland also has excellent healthcare, reliable public transport, and English-speaking emergency services.
That said, as with any destination, there are always ways to make your trip run more smoothly. So, here are some Ireland travel tips for staying safe.
While rare, pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, especially in Dublin or on public transport. As a result, consider using a crossbody bag, keep valuables close, and avoid leaving items unattended in cars.
On the subject of cars, if you decide to rent a vehicle, be aware of narrow rural roads, sheep crossing the road, and take care if you’re not used to driving on the left. Also watch for changing weather conditions, especially in the west.
Talking of which, as the weather is famously unpredictable in Ireland, pack warm layers, waterproofs and suitable footwear for better, safer hiking experiences.
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland © Shutterstock
Here’s an overview of the visa situation for visitors from the EU, EEA (European Economic Area), UK and US.
Visit www.irishimmigration.ie for up-to-date requirements, including how to extend your stay legally.
Ireland has great healthcare, but the damp climate can catch you off guard. Make sure to pack waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes for all the walking you'll be doing. Also, bring any personal medications you need. Stay hydrated, wash your hands often, and get enough rest between your adventures. Travel insurance is a good idea, especially if you're not from the EU, since medical costs can be high.
Pharmacies (chemists) are easy to find, even in small towns. Most are open Monday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Sundays. Look for the green cross sign. In an emergency, dial 112 or 999. Ireland has both public and private hospitals, though wait times can be longer at public ones. If you're from the EU, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU visitors should get travel insurance to cover medical costs.
No specific vaccinations are required for Ireland. It's a good idea to stay up to date with routine vaccinations like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), polio, and the flu shot. If you'll be doing certain activities, you might consider Hepatitis A and B vaccines. Check the latest guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters before traveling.
Irish pub © Shutterstock
Visiting Ireland is a warm and welcoming experience. Not only is it one of the world’s friendliest countries, but Dublin ranks as the one of the world’s friendliest cities.
To help you make the most of your time in Ireland, here are a few pointers on customs.
Politeness matters — “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” are frequently used and appreciated — and be sensitive when discussing politics, Northern Ireland, or religion. These can be deeply personal topics, and listening respectfully goes a long way.
Wait to be seated in restaurants, and tip 10–15% in sit-down eateries if service isn’t included.
Lastly, here are a few phrases you’re likely to hear, or want to use!
The Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland © Martina Brui Photography/Shutterstock
Absolutely! Visiting Ireland with kids can be an absolute joy, thanks to the country’s welcoming spirit, fun cultural attractions, magical castles, expansive beaches, and amazing wildlife watching experiences.
Also being very safe and easy to get around (more on that later), with excellent infrastructure, Ireland is primely placed for families with kids of all ages to enjoy vacations that can be as adventurous or chilled as you fancy.
Whether you want to go wild in Ireland’s great outdoors, or discover culture through castles, museums, festivals and food, here are some of the best places to visit in Ireland with kids.
Dublin is simply loaded with family attractions, including Dublin Zoo, Emerald Park (a nearby theme park with rides for all ages and a zipline course), Dublinia, where kids can play at being a Viking warrior, and the National Leprechaun Museum.
Just outside the city, the 400-year-old medieval Malahide Castle Malahide Castle offers a fairy trail, walled botanical garden and butterfly house, and stacks of secret passageways.
Located on the west coast, Galway charms with its colorful streets, buskers, and access to top family-friendly day trip destinations like the Aran Islands, Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey.
It’s also at the heart of the scenic Wild Atlantic Way drive, where the Cliffs of Moher boast breath-taking ocean views, and child-friendly exhibits about local wildlife in the visitor center.
Another standout destination for families, Killarney is located in a national park that’s loaded with lakes, castles, and wildlife. As such, families can enjoy boat trips and nature trails, with Muckross House on hand for rural cultural experiences.
Meanwhile, the nearby Dingle Peninsula boasts sandy beaches, sea life centers, and dolphin-spotting tours.
Blending medieval charm with access to family attractions, Kilkenny is pleasingly compact, and makes a culture-rich getaway destination.
With its grand medieval halls, child-oriented interactive tours, huge playground and spacious gardens, medieval Kilkenny Castle is a real highlight for families.
Meanwhile, the Medieval Mile Museum brings local history to life with family-friendly exhibits, with the River Nore offering relaxing riverside walks and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
When the need for adventure strikes, a short drive will take you to Castlecomer Discovery Park, where kids can go ziplining and enjoy treetop walks and nature trails.
Galway, Ireland © Shutterstock
While Ireland is an easy family vacation, here are a few tips to make your trip go all the smoother.
First up, if you’re not just planning a city-based vacation, consider renting a car so you have more freedom and comfort when traveling with kids. Plan plenty of stops for bathroom breaks, and to alleviate boredom during longer journeys.
Staying on the subject of longer self-drive trips, stock up on snacks (there’s often considerable distances between places to eat in rural areas), and bring books and games to keep kids entertained.
You should also pack waterproof jackets, layers, and plenty of spare sets of clothes for little ones.
When trying to choose Ireland accommodation for your family vacation, be sure to research places that are better suited for families i.e. you’ll most likely want a suite, or large room with multiple sleeping options, and note that if you’re staying longer, self-catering cottages and apartments might suit you better.
Also note that while many B&Bs welcome kids, they’re often small and don’t have family rooms.
Outside cities, be sure to check out extra-special child-friendly places to stay, from historic castles (e.g. Ballyseede Castle in County Kerry), to farm stays, many of which offer nature trails, play areas and the chance to interact with animals.
You could also check-out cool camping and glamping options, and family-friendly resorts, among them Fota Island Resort in County Cork.
Cairngorms, Ireland © Shutterstock
Ireland is a destination where history and nature meet in the most interesting ways. The island has everything from ancient castles to stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, and a culture that's rich with stories. You’ll get a taste of Irish hospitality wherever you go, and there's always something new to discover.
The cities in Ireland are small enough to walk around, and they pack in centuries of history and modern culture. Whether it’s Dublin, Galway, or Cork, you’ll find medieval buildings, museums, and cozy pubs all within a short walk from each other. These cities make for perfect weekend getaways
Ireland’s coastline stretches for miles, with hidden coves and towering cliffs that drop right into the Atlantic. These lesser-known beaches let you enjoy the rugged beauty of the sea without the crowds. Many of these places have also been used as backdrops for popular TV shows, and they’re home to ecosystems that are unique to Europe
Achill island, Ireland © shutterupeire/Shutterstock
Ireland’s lush landscapes are the reason it’s called the “Emerald Isle.” From mossy bogs to old forests, the variety of natural beauty here is impressive. The protected areas are home to wildlife like red deer and golden eagles, and there are plenty of trails for hiking, where you can take in the same scenery that has inspired artists and poets for centuries.
Ireland is full of ancient sites that go back over 5,000 years, long before many of the world’s most famous historical landmarks. The stone circles, burial mounds, and early Christian churches tell stories of Ireland’s Celtic and medieval past. Many of these sites are aligned with the stars, and they’re some of the best-preserved examples of early Irish architecture and stone carvings in Europe.
Skelling Michael © Shutterstock
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, on balance, a week or two is likely to be long enough to give you a fulsome flavour of Ireland.
In fact, with planning, in 7-10 days you’ll be able to do a pretty deep dive into Dublin (for example), and also take time to see some of the countryside.
With two weeks, you could also look to cover the Wild Atlantic Way, the Burren’s wild, enchanting landscapes, and experience village life in the likes of Cork and Kerry, all without rushing.
Alternatively, consider experiencing the best road trips in Ireland across a couple of weeks.
As revealed in our guide to how to plan a trip to Ireland, one of our top Ireland travel tips is to give yourself enough time to map out your ideal Ireland itinerary, and book key components (flights, accommodation, and tickets to top attractions) and few months ahead of your trip.
You’ll also want to figure out where you most want to visit depending on your interests and travel style, and work out how you’re going to get around — all of which is covered below. But first a word on how long you might need for your vacation, which is, of course, another key stage of your trip planning journey
While it’s wise to book flights, accommodation and car rentals (or longer-distance transport) a few months before your vacation, it’s also wise to allow time to be flexible so you can jump on unexpected opportunities to enjoy the likes of local festivals and music nights.
Also, be sure to factor in enough transfer time to get between destinations, in order to leave yourself enough time to explore. On that subject...
Rock of Cashel © Shutterstock
This country really shines when you take your time. Ireland’s compact size makes it easy to travel slowly, with trains linking cities and buses reaching more rural spots. Stay in family-run guesthouses where the hosts can fill you in on the best local spots, like pubs, music sessions, and festivals. Ireland’s culture is rooted in its communities, and if you get off the beaten path, you'll find some meaningful experiences that connect you to the heart of the country.
Beara Peninsula, County Cork, Ireland © Shutterstock
When it comes to getting around Ireland, renting a car comes recommended if you’re keen to see more of the country, and the countryside, for that matter!
That way, you’ll have a whole lot more flexibility throughout your Ireland itinerary, and you’ll get to explore more rural villages, remote castles and national parks with more ease.
If you’re not keen on the idea of driving unfamiliar roads in unfamiliar conditions, trains are good for city-to-city travel between the likes of Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast.
When visiting Ireland, managing money is easy and straightforward thanks to the country’s widespread acceptance of cards and contactless payments.
Note that the Republic of Ireland uses the euro (€) as its official currency, while Northern Ireland uses pound sterling (£).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the country, and contactless payments are popular, even for small purchases. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also common in cities and towns.
While most places accept cards, it’s wise to carry a small amount of cash, especially in rural areas and smaller villages, and for visits to the likes of farmers' markets, festivals and craft fairs.
ATMs are easy to find in towns and cities — use a bank-affiliated ATM to avoid extra fees.
While Wi-Fi is widely available in Ireland’s cities and towns, and in the likes of hotels, cafés, bars, airports and stations, consider buying a local SIM card to enjoy reliable internet access throughout your stay. That’s an especially good idea if you’re heading to more remote areas.
Alternatively, pre-buying an eSIM offer the convenience of activating a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card.
ESims also offer more peace of mind as you can set up connectivity before arrival, such as the great-value service offered by Travelsim and Heymondo.
Great Blasket Island landscape, Ireland © HedvikaMichnova.jpg/Shutterstock
Irish food is all about comfort and using fresh, local ingredients. A traditional Irish breakfast is a great way to start your day, with black and white pudding, rashers (Irish bacon), sausages, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, and brown bread. For lunch or dinner, try Irish stew—it's a mix of lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions all cooked together. If you're near the coast, make sure to try some fresh seafood, like Atlantic salmon, Dublin Bay prawns, or Galway oysters.
In pubs, you might want to try champ (mashed potatoes with spring onions) or coddle, a hearty Dublin dish made with sausages and bacon. Modern Irish chefs are also getting creative with traditional dishes,
Ireland has a rich brewing and distilling history, and there are a few places you’ll want to check out if you're interested in that side of the culture. The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is the place to learn about the history of the famous stout. You’ll get to explore seven floors that take you through over 250 years of Guinness, and end up in the Gravity Bar where you can sip on a pint and enjoy views of the city.
If whiskey is more your thing, the Jameson Distillery offers a great tour showing how Irish whiskey is made, focusing on the triple-distillation process that makes it so smooth. For a smaller, more intimate experience, try places like Teeling or Dublin Liberties distilleries
The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is the place to learn about the history of the famous stout © Shutterstock
Driving through Ireland is one of the best ways to see the country and take in its stunning landscapes. The Wild Atlantic Way is a must for anyone who enjoys dramatic scenery—it stretches for 1,500 miles along the west coast, with everything from sea cliffs to beautiful beaches and little fishing villages. The Ring of Kerry is another popular route, a loop around the Iveragh Peninsula filled with mountains, historic sites, and picturesque towns like Kenmare and Killarney.
If you’re in Northern Ireland, the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast to Derry is worth the drive, with natural wonders like the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The Boyne Valley Drive in the east is packed with ancient monuments, medieval ruins, and historical battlefields to explore. Ireland is small, so no matter where you are, you’re never too far from something worth seeing. The quiet country roads make driving here pretty relaxing, and you’ll definitely want to make time for stops
Since Ireland’s weather is unpredictable, packing for your trip is all about layers and waterproof gear. A good waterproof jacket with a hood is a must—you’ll likely get caught in a shower or two, no matter when you visit. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing works best for layering, so bring long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and comfortable pants.
Waterproof footwear is essential, especially if you plan to explore more rural areas where paths can get muddy. If you're visiting in winter (October-March), pack a warm coat, and for summer (June-August), you’ll want lighter clothing, though it can still get chilly in the evenings. Don’t forget to bring an adapter for UK-style three-pin sockets, a day backpack for your adventures, and a reusable water bottle.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Ireland