Ireland
Emerald isle of cliffs, castles and craic

About Ireland

Overview

Ireland packs an extraordinary range of scenery into a compact island, dramatic Atlantic cliffs, emerald farmland, lively pubs and thousands of years of castles, monasteries and myth. Travelers come for the warm welcome, the traditional music, and coastal drives like the Wild Atlantic Way and Ring of Kerry. It is one of Europe's most walkable, drivable and story-rich short-haul escapes.

On the map

Touristic sites

The landmarks that shape a journey through Ireland, explore them on the map.

  • 1
    Cliffs of MoherTowering 200-metre sea cliffs on the County Clare coast, among Ireland's most photographed natural wonders.
  • 2
    Trinity College Dublin (Book of Kells)Ireland's oldest university, home to the illuminated medieval Book of Kells and the grand Long Room library.
  • 3
    Ring of KerryA 179-km scenic driving loop around the Iveragh Peninsula past mountains, lakes and coastal villages.
  • 4
    Blarney CastleA medieval stronghold near Cork famous for the Blarney Stone, said to give the gift of the gab.
  • 5
    Guinness StorehouseDublin's most popular paid attraction, telling the story of Ireland's iconic stout with a rooftop Gravity Bar.
  • 6
    Killarney National ParkIreland's first national park, blending lakes, mountains, ancient oak woods and Muckross House.
  • 7
    Rock of CashelA dramatic hilltop group of medieval ecclesiastical buildings in County Tipperary.
  • 8
    DingleA charming harbour town and gateway to the Dingle Peninsula, known for seafood, music and coastal drives.
Best time to travel

May, June and September

May and June are Ireland's sunniest months, averaging five to seven hours of sunshine a day and the lowest rainfall of the year. July and August are the warmest, with mean daily highs of 17 to 20 degrees Celsius, but also the busiest and priciest. September and October are excellent shoulder months to avoid crowds and save money as summer prices fall. January and February are the coldest months, with mean daily temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees Celsius.

Apr-JunDriest, sunniest window with long daylight and mild highs, ideal for coastal drives before peak crowds.
Jul-AugWarmest months and peak season, lively pubs but busiest and most expensive.
Sep-OctAutumn shoulder season with fewer crowds, lower prices and festival colour.
Nov-FebColdest, wettest and quietest, best rates and Ireland's moody, rugged side.
Good to know

Ireland at a glance

The practical essentials for planning your trip. Our team confirms the details for your dates and nationality.

Best time to travelMay to June and September
CapitalDublin
LanguageIrish and English
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Entry / visaIreland is not part of the Schengen Area and runs its own visa policy, so a Schengen visa is not valid here. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens enter freely; citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil, among others, can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
Getting aroundSelf-drive is the classic way to reach the coast and countryside via routes like the Ring of Kerry, complemented by intercity rail and coach links between Dublin, Cork, Galway and other cities.
What to book

Best tours in Ireland

A taste of our most-loved journeys. Every one is a flexible starting point for your tailor-made trip.

Classic & Cultural

Classic Ireland Explorer

Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway and the Ring of Kerry in one loop of Ireland's greatest hits.

Adventure & Nature

Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

A self-drive coastal odyssey from Cork to Donegal chasing cliffs, beaches and clifftop walks.

Luxury

Castles & Manors Escape

Stay in historic castle-hotels and country estates while touring Blarney, Cashel and Killarney.

Family

Ireland for the Whole Family

Storybook castles, sheepdog shows and easy coastal walks make Ireland a natural fit for multi-generational trips.

See all Ireland programs
Why Ireland

The specials

The warmest of welcomes

Ireland's pub culture and traditional music make even a rainy evening feel like a party.

Epic Atlantic scenery

From the Cliffs of Moher to Dingle, the west coast delivers some of Europe's most cinematic coastline.

Layers of living history

Monastic ruins, medieval castles and Viking cities sit within an easy drive of one another.

Questions about Ireland?

Read our frequently asked questions, or tell us what you're dreaming up and we'll design it around you.

Read the FAQ Plan a Trip

Travel facts verified from Tourism Ireland, Ireland.com, Wikipedia, Republic of Ireland, Wikipedia, Visa policy of Ireland, Met Éireann / Wikipedia, Climate of Ireland. Sample tours are suggested starting points; details and pricing are finalised by the Tourkom team.