Ireland travel guide
Ireland Tourism | Ireland Guide
You're Going to Love Ireland
With its stunning landscapes, prehistoric monuments, and traditional pubs, it is no secret as to why visitors never run out of activities to stay occupied in Ireland.
Between the numerous cultural festivals, concerts, and interesting museums, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
What to do in Ireland
1. Tour an Authentic Medieval Castle
To see some of the country's oldest architecture and explore a restored mansion, head to Blarney Castle, an ancient stronghold that dates back to the 1400s.
2. Go on a Hike
If you would like to go on a hike during your trip, go to the Cliffs of Moher, a scenic area that is in the southwestern part of the country and is directly by the sea.
3. Explore Some of Ireland's Green Spaces
For travelers that enjoy nature and plants, don't forget to go to the Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, a historic monastery that can be found in Galway.
4. Taste an Authentic Pint of Guinness
No trip to Ireland is complete without having a pint of Guinness, so make sure to drop by the Guinness Storehouse in order to take advantage of the rooftop bar and hear live music.
5. Immerse Yourself in the Country's Scenery
To enjoy as much of Ireland's natural scenery as possible, go to the Ring of Kerry, a scenic drive that loops throughout the mountains and along the coast.
When to visit Ireland
The best time of the year to visit Ireland is between the months of April to June and September to October, as this is when the weather is the mildest and the country is not experiencing peak tourist season.
How to Get to Ireland
Entry Requirements
Citizens of almost every country are able to enter Ireland without a visa as long as they have a valid passport, proof of a return flight, and proof of lodging for the duration of their stay.
Plane
Flying to Ireland is one of the most common ways to enter the country, as there are four international airports that can be found in the cities of Dublin, Cork, Knock, and Shannon.
Train
The only international train that can bring you to Ireland originates from Northern Ireland and is known as the Enterprise service.
Bus
If you would like to take the bus to Ireland, it is possible for you to use the Eurolines service, which will bring you back and forth between the country and Great Britain.
Boat
There are several ferries that will bring you to Ireland from other nearby countries, with some examples being Spain, France, and Great Britain.
Popular airlines serving Ireland
Where to stay in Ireland
While Ireland has many standard hotels, it is known for its quaint and charming bed and breakfasts. For those that are traveling on a budget, it is possible to book one of the many affordable youth hostels.
Where to stay in popular areas of Ireland
Most booked hotels in Ireland
How to Get Around Ireland
Public Transportation
For those that will be staying in Dublin, it is possible to use the local tram system, which will take you throughout the city center and suburbs. Throughout the country you can also count on effective bus and tram services.
Trains
Most of the trains that are offered in Ireland go to or from Dublin, with some destinations being Cork and Kerry. Depending on how early you book your tickets, you may be able to find a round-trip fare for around €30 ($33).
Bus
The Bus Éireann travels extensively throughout Ireland and can bring travelers to almost every major city, with prices generally being around €22 ($25) for a one-way ticket.
Car
It is very easy to drive in Ireland. To rent a car, you must be 25 years of age and have had a valid driver's license for a minimum of 2 years.
Plane
As buses and cars have become more popular, domestic flights within Ireland have drastically decreased. However, it is still possible to fly between Dublin, Kerry, and Donegal.
The Cost of Living in Ireland
When purchasing a monthly public transportation pass in Ireland, you can expect to pay approximately €100 ($110). A meal for two people will be around €60 ($66). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.