The warm welcome is genuine in Ireland, a European country beloved for its wild landscapes, cheerful pubs, and vibrant culture, from art and music to books and theater. Ireland's cities are only the beginning, from the buzzing capital of Dublin to bohemian Galway. Visit the countryside to see coastal cliffs, colorful fishing villages, and white-sand beaches for walks, or for the brave, for swimming. Some think the best things to do in Ireland are outdoors—kayaking, hiking, biking—while others prefer a pint by the fire in a cozy pub.
Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Ireland. These months offer the benefit of warmer temperatures, though rain is always possible. Travelers looking to avoid crowds may want to opt for the shoulder seasons of spring or fall, when popular attractions like the Cliffs of Moher will be less crowded. Big seasonal events include the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in March and the Dublin Fringe Festival, a large cultural festival in September.
Visitors to Ireland have many choices for getting around including an efficient train network, buses, car rentals, and tours. One of the joys of visiting Ireland is getting lost and stopping on countryside roads on a whim, so a car rental or private tour are especially attractive options. Cycling and hiking are also popular ways of exploring. To check out the coastline from a fresh perspective, join a boat tour.
When visiting Ireland, make a point to go off the beaten path. So do explore the main Dublin city center landmarks, but also wander local neighborhoods such as Smithfield or the Liberties for a fresh perspective. On the west coast, visit the Cliffs of Moher while also discovering lesser-visited areas. County Mayo and County Donegal are home to sea cliffs, beaches, and excellent seafood restaurants that are worth seeking out.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone GMT (UTC +1) | Country Code +353 | Language(s) English | Attractions 168 | Tours 2,023 | Reviews 183,473 |
Ireland is famous for its history, beautiful green landscapes, and warm hospitality. This English-speaking country is also famous for its pubs and live music. From the capital city of Dublin to the coastal villages of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland is famous for historic landmarks and striking views.
...MoreMost travelers go to the capital city of Dublin during a first trip to Ireland. Dublin is home to the country’s largest airport and is a gateway for the rest of the island. Many visitors also travel to Galway and visit the Cliffs of Moher during a first trip to Ireland.
...MoreTourists in Ireland often visit traditional pubs, listen to live music, explore historic attractions, and seek out natural beauty like the Cliffs of Moher. Many tourists also visit whiskey distilleries, play golf, explore the countryside by bike, and go for scenic drives along the Wild Atlantic Way.
...MoreIn Ireland, locals spend their free time going for scenic walks, playing sports, attending sports matches, and meeting friends for lively conversation. In the evening, Irish people often gather in pubs, sometimes to listen to traditional music. Many also take advantage of the country’s thriving arts and culture scene, with popular festivals, theaters, and exhibitions.
...MoreIreland is pretty from coast to coast, but County Clare and County Kerry are often described as the regions with the most dramatic landscapes. These western Ireland regions are home to striking coastal cliffs, peninsulas, and lakes. Other top contenders for the prettiest region include County Cork and County Galway.
...MoreYes, seven days in Ireland is enough time to see Dublin and its historic landmarks and explore the countryside, including top landmarks in the west such as the Cliffs of Moher. For a more comprehensive visit, take two weeks.
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