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Ireland

Cliffs, pubs, and literary Dublin. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way, tour whiskey distilleries, and hear live music in Galway. As part of British Isles in Europe, Ireland suits travelers drawn to historic, nature, beachside, and big cities. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Ireland

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: May – Sep

Dublin

Dublin is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Ireland, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Galway

Galway is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Ireland, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Ireland, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Ring of Kerry

Plan at least a full day in Ring of Kerry to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Cork

Plan at least a full day in Cork to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

What it is known for
facts
  • Cliffs of Moher plunging into the Atlantic
  • Guinness Storehouse and literary Dublin pubs
  • Ring of Kerry coastal drive in County Kerry
  • Neolithic Newgrange passage tomb older than Stonehenge
  • Irish stew, soda bread, and whiskey distilleries
key City
name
Dublin
label
Capital
why
Trinity College's Book of Kells, Temple Bar music, and day-trip rail to Wicklow and the coast make Dublin the natural first stop.
Places to visit
  • area
    Dublin
    attractions
    • name
      Trinity College Library
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Guinness Storehouse
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      St. Patrick's Cathedral
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Temple Bar
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
  • area
    Galway
    attractions
    • name
      Eyre Square
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      Galway Cathedral
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Spanish Arch
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Salthill Promenade
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
  • area
    Cliffs of Moher
    attractions
    • name
      Cliffs of Moher
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      O'Brien's Tower
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Same-day tickets often available; book 3-7 days ahead on weekends.
    • name
      Doolin Village
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Burren National Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Ring of Kerry
    attractions
    • name
      Killarney National Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Skellig Michael Viewpoint
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Same-day tickets often available; book 3-7 days ahead on weekends.
    • name
      Muckross House
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Torc Waterfall
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
Itineraries
  • title
    Ireland Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Dublin
    • Galway
    • Cliffs of Moher
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Dublin
    • Full day discovering Galway
    • Full day discovering Cliffs of Moher
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Dublin
      description
      Land in Dublin, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Ireland trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Galway
      description
      Dedicate the day to Galway: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Cliffs of Moher and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Cliffs of Moher visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Ireland
    duration
    10 days
    locations
    • Dublin
    • Galway
    • Cliffs of Moher
    • Ring of Kerry
    • Cork
    highlights
    • Cover Dublin and Galway
    • Explore Cliffs of Moher
    • Explore Ring of Kerry
    • Explore Cork
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Dublin
      description
      Land in Dublin, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Ireland trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Galway
      description
      Dedicate the day to Galway: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Cliffs of Moher
      description
      Dedicate the day to Cliffs of Moher: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Explore Ring of Kerry
      description
      Dedicate the day to Ring of Kerry: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      5
      title
      Cork and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Cork visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Ireland Beaches & Coast
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Dublin
    • Galway
    • Cliffs of Moher
    • Ring of Kerry
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Dublin
    • Coastal day in Galway
    • Coastal day in Cliffs of Moher
    • Coastal day in Ring of Kerry
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Dublin
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Dublin.
    • day
      2
      title
      Galway coast
      description
      Spend the day on Galway's shoreline: Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral, Spanish Arch, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Cliffs of Moher coast
      description
      Spend the day on Cliffs of Moher's shoreline: Cliffs of Moher, O'Brien's Tower, Doolin Village, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      4
      title
      Ring of Kerry and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Ring of Kerry, visiting Killarney National Park, Skellig Michael Viewpoint, Muckross House before you depart Ireland.
  • title
    Ireland Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Dublin
    • Galway
    • Cliffs of Moher
    • Ring of Kerry
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Dublin
    • Rural stop: Galway
    • Rural stop: Cliffs of Moher
    • Rural stop: Ring of Kerry
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Dublin
      description
      Reach Dublin, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Galway countryside
      description
      Explore Galway at an easy pace: Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral, Spanish Arch with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Cliffs of Moher countryside
      description
      Explore Cliffs of Moher at an easy pace: Cliffs of Moher, O'Brien's Tower, Doolin Village with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Ring of Kerry and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Ring of Kerry, stopping at Killarney National Park, Skellig Michael Viewpoint, Muckross House before heading home.
  • title
    Ireland Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Dublin
    • Galway
    • Cliffs of Moher
    highlights
    • Must-see: Trinity College Library
    • Must-see: Guinness Storehouse
    • Must-see: Eyre Square
    • Must-see: Galway Cathedral
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Dublin
      description
      Start in Dublin with Trinity College Library, Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick's Cathedral, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Galway monuments
      description
      Focus on Galway's tourist favorites: Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral, Spanish Arch with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Cliffs of Moher landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Cliffs of Moher, including Cliffs of Moher, O'Brien's Tower, Doolin Village, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
May through September brings Ireland's longest days and mildest weather for Dublin literary pubs, Ring of Kerry drives, and Cliffs of Moher walks. Summer festivals from Galway Arts to Bloomsday fill the calendar, though rain remains possible any day.
typical Weather
Dublin/Cork May-Sep: highs 16-20°C (61-68°F), lows 9-13°C (48-55°F), 60-80 mm rain. West coast windier and wetter. Sea 14-17°C (57-63°F), brief swimming Jul-Aug.
details
  • Jul-Aug peak; Book of Kells and Guinness Storehouse crowded.
  • Shoulder May-Jun and Sep still pleasant with lighter tourism.
  • Oct-Apr short daylight and frequent rain; cozy pub season.
  • Wild Atlantic Way best May-Sep when roads and ferries fully run.
most Affordable
period
Nov – Mar
summary
Winter outside Christmas delivers Ireland's lowest Dublin and west coast rates when B&B occupancy drops and pub tourism continues at lower room prices.
details
  • Dublin hotels discount 30-40% in Jan-Feb.
  • Galway and Dingle B&Bs cut winter rates.
  • Ring of Kerry tour buses thinner with lower group rates.
  • Ryanair fares to Ireland cheapest in winter midweek.
most Expensive
period
Jul – Aug
summary
Summer peak and school holidays drive Ireland's highest prices when Dublin, Galway, and Wild Atlantic Way B&Bs sell out and Guinness Storehouse timed slots premium.
details
  • Dublin hotels premium in Jul-Aug with festival surcharges.
  • Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry tours cost more in peak.
  • St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17) spikes Dublin hotel demand.
  • Killarney and Dingle accommodation scarce in summer peak.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Dublin Airport handles most international arrivals, with Cork and Shannon as alternatives.
airports
  • name
    Dublin Airport
    code
    DUB
    location
    Dublin
    distance From Center
    10 km (6 mi) north of central Dublin
    transfer Note
    Airport buses and taxis reach O'Connell Street
  • name
    Cork Airport
    code
    ORK
    location
    Cork
    distance From Center
    8 km (5 mi) south of central Cork
    transfer Note
    Buses serve Ireland's second city
Getting around
overview
Irish travel combines Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Luas, and intercity coaches; Free Now is widely used.
trains
  • name
    Irish Rail
    description
    Intercity and commuter rail across Ireland.
    ticketing
    Book at irishrail.ie or stations.
ferries
  • name
    Irish Ferries
    description
    Ferries link Ireland with Wales and France.
    ticketing
    Book online with sailing date.
subways
    public Transit
    • name
      Dublin Bus
      kind
      public
      description
      City buses across Dublin.
      ticketing
      Use Leap Card or exact fare cash.
    • name
      Luas Dublin
      kind
      public
      description
      Light rail trams in Dublin.
      ticketing
      Tap Leap Card at validators.
    ride Share
    • name
      Free Now
      kind
      taxi-app
      description
      Taxi and ride booking across Irish cities.
      ticketing
      Book via Free Now app.
    Rail passes
    name
    Eurail Ireland Pass
    description
    U.S. and other non-European residents can use a Eurail One Country Pass for flexible train travel across Ireland, including many regional and intercity routes on participating operators.
    ticketing
    High-speed and overnight trains often require a seat reservation fee even with a pass; buy and activate before your first train.
    Currency
    code
    EUR
    name
    euro
    symbol
    €
    note
    Euro banknotes and coins are legal tender throughout the euro area.

    Convert your travel budget ↗

    Visas & official entry links
    Local customs
    summary
    Ireland mixes Gaelic heritage with modern European ease and famous pub culture. Craic, friendly chat, is welcome but loud arrogance is not. Rural villages value greetings in shops and on country roads.
    customs
    • Round buying rounds in pubs follows local order.
    • Sunday remains quieter in smaller towns for church and family.
    • Removing shoes indoors is common in homes.
    dos
    • Greet with hello and thanks to bus drivers and shop staff.
    • Tip 10 percent at restaurants if service charge is not on bill.
    • Drive on the left and watch narrow rural lanes.
    • Book popular cliff coast parking in peak summer early.
    • Ask before photographing in pubs if people are featured closely.
    donts
    • Do not assume Irish and British identities are interchangeable in conversation.
    • Do not drink and drive; enforcement is strict.
    • Do not climb unsafe cliff edges for selfies on windy days.
    • Do not block farm gates on country roads.
    • Do not fly drones near airports or over crowded festivals without permission.
    Useful travel phrases
    language
    English
    phrases
    • english
      Please
      local
      Please
      pronunciation
      PLEEZ
    • english
      Thank you
      local
      Thank you
      pronunciation
      THANK yoo
    • english
      Yes
      local
      Yes
      pronunciation
      YES
    • english
      No
      local
      No
      pronunciation
      NOH
    • english
      How much?
      local
      How much?
      pronunciation
      how MUCH
    • english
      Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
      local
      Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
      pronunciation
      wair iz thuh NEER-est RES-tuh-raunt or BAR
    • english
      Where is the airport?
      local
      Where is the airport?
      pronunciation
      wair iz thee AIR-port
    • english
      I need help
      local
      I need help
      pronunciation
      eye need HELP
    • english
      I need a hospital
      local
      I need a hospital
      pronunciation
      eye need uh HOS-pih-tul
    • english
      Call the police
      local
      Call the police
      pronunciation
      kawl thuh puh-LEES
    Longer stays
    visa Summary
    U.S. citizens may visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism; Ireland is not in the Schengen Area, so separate rules apply from continental Europe. Stamp permissions for work, study, and critical skills employment lead to residence through employer sponsorship and qualifying salary thresholds. Irish immigration policy updates regularly, so confirm stamp classes with the Irish Immigration Service before relocating.

    Practical tips.

    • Drive on the left and narrow rural roads slowly because farm vehicles and sheep appear with little warning.
    • Book Cliffs of Moher and popular pubs in Galway early on summer weekends when coach tours fill parking lots.
    • Carry a chip-and-PIN card for toll booths and parking machines that reject magnetic-stripe-only cards.
    More travel tips ↗

    Locate Ireland.

    Location map of Ireland

    Before you go.

    Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Ireland ↗