Ireland

Plan your trip to Ireland

Ireland captivates visitors with dramatic coastal cliffs, vibrant cities, ancient history, and genuine Irish hospitality woven throughout lush green landscapes. Whether you're exploring Dublin's literary heritage, hiking the Wild Atlantic Way, or discovering Celtic ruins, Ireland offers something for every traveller. The country's compact size makes it easy to experience multiple regions in a single trip.

Getting there & around

Fly into Dublin, Cork, or Shannon airports, with Dublin being the main hub. Rent a car for maximum flexibility exploring rural regions and coastal drives, or use buses and trains (Irish Rail and Bus Éireann) for city-to-city travel—though public transport is less frequent outside major routes. Driving is on the left; roads range from motorways to narrow country lanes, and petrol stations are readily available in towns.

How long to stay

Plan 7-10 days to experience Ireland's key regions without rushing; 14+ days allows deeper exploration of countryside, islands, and smaller towns. A 5-day minimum covers Dublin and one coastal region, though you'll feel pressured to move on constantly.

When to go

May to September offers the warmest weather and longest daylight, with June-August being peak tourist season and most expensive; April-May and September-October provide milder weather with fewer crowds and golden light for photography. Winter (November-February) is rainy and cold but ideal for avoiding tourists and experiencing authentic Irish life.

Suggested itinerary

1. Dublin's Literary & Historic Heart — Arrive in Dublin and spend your first day in the city centre: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Temple Bar area, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Walk the Georgian streets and grab traditional Irish food at a local pub to acclimate to the pace and atmosphere.
2. Dublin Outskirts & Coastal Escape — Day-trip from Dublin to Howth or Dun Laoghaire along the East Coast—coastal cliffside walks, seaside villages, and fresh seafood. Return to Dublin for the evening, or stay in a coastal village if you prefer a quieter base.
3. Drive Southwest to Cork & Kerry — Head south toward Cork (3-4 hours), stopping at Cashel or other Southeast sights if time allows. Overnight in Cork city, then drive into Kerry the next day to explore the Ring of Kerry scenic loop, Dingle Peninsula, or hiking around Killarney National Park over 2-3 days.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Ireland?

7-10 days allows a comfortable pace covering Dublin and 2-3 regions without exhausting driving days; 3-5 days is feasible but means choosing Dublin plus one region only, and 14+ days enables deeper exploration of countryside, islands, and smaller attractions.

What is the best time to visit Ireland?

May to September offers warm weather and long daylight (peak tourism June-August with higher prices); April-May and September-October provide milder conditions with fewer crowds, making them ideal for most travellers seeking balance.

Do I need to rent a car in Ireland?

A car is essential for exploring rural areas, coastal drives, and smaller towns; in Dublin and Cork you can manage without one using buses and taxis, but you'll miss the countryside and scenic routes that define an Irish holiday.

Is Dublin worth visiting?

Yes—Dublin is compact, walkable, and rich with literary history, museums, Georgian architecture, and vibrant nightlife; most travellers spend 2-3 days there before exploring other regions, though it's easy to spend a week if interested in Irish literature and history.

Can you drive around Ireland in a week?

You can cover major highlights (Dublin, Cork, Kerry, West Coast) in a week with daily driving, but expect 4-6 hours in the car on several days and limited time to linger; 10 days allows more relaxed exploration without constant travel.