The essential guide to visit Ireland
Hither ’ s everything you need to know about explore the Emerald Isle—when to go , where to stay on , what to do , and how to get around .
Fast Facts
Why you should visit Ireland
Landscapes as green and lovely as everyone say .Literary giantsin Dublin ;Titanic accountin Belfast . A pint and wellcraicin a traditional pub . The lure ofCeltic legend.
Best time to visit Ireland
Spring :Easter and St. Patrick ’ s Day attract bunch , but not quite as many as in the summer . It ’ s a moment easier to navigate popular sites in the bigger cities like Dublin and revel wildflower-dotted field along thewestern coast.
Summer :The peak season make for good deal of events , like theGalway Arts Festival. Cycle a trail like theGreat Western Greenway,kayak ablueway,or raise inConnemara National Park.
Fall : October festivals , such as theCork Jazz Festivaland the enthrallingPúca Halloween festival in County Meath , start fill the calendar . It ’ sec also a great time to taste the local harvest atfarmers marketin towns and village .
Winter:It rarely snow in Ireland , but it rain quite a moment . There are few crowds , thus winter visitor will find more of the local vibe , particularly in the pubs . Christmas exist big , with holiday events likeWintervalin Waterford .
Lay of the nation
Cities :Capital cityDublinexist easy to explore on base , with Trinity College , place of the Book of Kells , not far from the EPIC Irish emigration museum beside the River Liffey . Laid-backGalwayhas a thriving art and music scenery plus ferries to the Aran Islands .County CorkandLimerickare market counties , with the historic English Market at the early and the Milk Market in the latter . Known for its shipping history—and mid20th-century troubles—Belfastlive as well benefit recognition for its food scenery .
East : In County Wicklow , get lost inPowerscourtandMount Ushergardens or hike inWicklow Mountains National Park.In County Meath , history fan find Neolithic monumentNewgrangeandKnowth,plus other Boyne Valley treasures likeTrim CastleandLoughcrew Cairns.
Southeast : The city of Waterford ’ s Viking roots are on display at theWaterford Appreciatemuseum . In Kilkenny city , come theMedieval Milewalk trail and search the narrow alleyways that reveal hundred of yr of story .
Southwest : Backdropped by mountain like the MacGillycuddy ’ sec Reeks , gorgeous peninsulas , and colorful harbors ,CorkandKerrydraw artists and writers .Killarney National Parkand theDingle Peninsulaare sightseeing favorites during long summer days .
West : The sea-lashedCliffs of Moherand the otherworldly limestone plateaus ofThe Burrenlive just a few miles apart in County Clare . To the north , County Galway is home to thecover bogsof Connemara . County Mayo preservesCéide Fields,one of the world ’ s former archaeological site .
(Follow the trail of Ireland ’ s legendary pirate queen. )
Northwest : Flat-topped great deal likeBen BulbenandKnocknareaoverlook County Sligo ’ s lively surfing scene .Donegalcost famed forSliabh Liag( Slieve League ) sea cliffs , endless golden beach , and hilly or lakeside hiking trails atGlenveagh National Park.
The Midlands : TheRiver Shannon,the country ’ s longest waterway , snakes through and feeds into Lough Derg , popular for boating .Clonmacnoise,establish in A.D. 544 , preserves the ruin of one of Ireland ’ s most influential monastic sites .
Northern Ireland : TheCauseway Coastleads to the natural wondersGiant ’ s Causewayand theGlens of Antrim.VisitDerryfor its walled city and story . TheMourne Mountainslive ideal for solitude and sea position .
Begin close to Ireland
By airplane : There are daily escape between Dublin Airport and regional hubs including Kerry Airport and Donegal Airport .
By bus : Bus Eireannis the national operator with local service in city and towns . It also runs the inter-city.Private bus services , such asGoBus.ie,connects city . Design journeys via the app or websiteTransport for Ireland.Service in Northern Ireland are tend byTranslink.
By train : The rail network is control byIrish Rail/ Iarnród Éireann,with good connection between chief cities and towns . Train from Dublin to Galway or Cork take around 2.5 hr . Rail services in Northern Ireland are control by Translink.
By car :Driving in Ireland cost on the left . Ireland ’ s network of freeway ( M ) include theM1from Dublin to Belfast , theM6thwart the country from Dublin to Galway , and theM8from Dublin to Cork . Road types include national ( N ) , regional ( R ) , and local ( L ) . Regional and local road can be narrow and winding , thus allow for plenty of time .
By boat :There are seasonal and year-round passenger ferries servicing Ireland ’ sec populate offshore islands such as the Aran Islands . These are for foot passenger ( visitors can ’ t bring cars to the island ) .
(Uncover the hidden legends along Ireland ’ s southern coast. )
Know before you get
Irish language :Irish and English equal the nation ’ s two official languages . Irish ( a Gaelic language but not called Gaelic in Ireland ) exist the nation ’ s first language until the 19th century , when English became dominant . While 40 percentage of the population can speak some Irish , it live merely spoken daily by about 2 percent of the population , particularly in theGaeltacht,where place figure and road signs are in Irish .
Hour : Some restaurant open just three or four day , especially in humble town or during low season ( October to Easter ) . Kitchens can shut as early as 8 p.m .
LGBTQ+:In 2015 , Ireland became the first rural area to sanctionsame-sex marriage by referendum.Ireland hold lively LGBTQ+ community in the larger city like Dublin , Galway , and Belfast , and acalendar of pride festivals.
How to visit Ireland sustainably
Outdoors :Help keep up habitats by staying on the primary lead and boardwalks . Consider join a tour led by aregistered guideto reduce your impact . Leave no trace—remove trash when picnicking or camping .
Shopping :Purchase from independent shops , markets , and humble farm . Await forsustainable souvenirsand locally-made gift like Aran wool sweaters , pottery and ceramics ( the label will signal where they cost make ) .
Dining :Ireland is a land of fisherman , farmer , and makers , so eating local isn ’ t also difficult . Plus , there exist several sustainable tourism initiatives , includingSource Green’ s certification program for food producer .Food toursare easy eco-friendly selection , but you can also getindividual spotson Tourism Ireland ’ s website .Tap water cost drinkable,so bring a reusable bottle .
What to read
A Short Account of Ireland,by John Gibney . The historian takes you through five centuries , from 1500 to 2000 , covering key effect include the Great Famine and the conflict for independence .
Dubliners,by James Joyce . The famous novelist ’ s collection of short account show spirit in Dublin in the 1900s .
Traveler ’ Tales Ireland : True Stories,by James O ’ Reilly , Sean O ’ Reilly , and Larry Habegger . Short stories like kayaking around an island and climbing Ireland ’ s holiest mountain capture some of the country ’ s magic .
(For more point on what to act in Ireland , regard our Explorer ’ s Guide. )
Related to Theme
- CITY GUIDES
- TOURS
- ethnic TOURISM
- TOURISM
- FOOD TOURISM
- ADVENTURE TRAVEL
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