Take my word, Ireland is going to be one of the hottest destinations in 2026, and if you haven’t visited yet – make this the year that you do! I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Ireland three times now, and every single time the country takes my breath away. It’s lively, fun, the locals are kind, the nature is beautiful, and there are so many great, unique things to see. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation (ideal for someone like me who worked 10 years as a bedside nurse and frequently needed a vacation). Here are 10 things you can’t miss in Ireland this year!
1. Belfast Taxi Tour
Belfast has a dark past, and one of the best ways to learn about it is by taking a Belfast black taxi tour. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and takes you through the city while a local driver explains the history, shows you famous sites along the way, and can answer any questions that you have. It’s a truly moving experience and a must-see when you travel to Ireland in 2026.
If you’re visiting Belfast, don’t miss…
2. Cliffs of Moher
Perhaps one of the most famous sites in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are absolutely worth tackling the masses who visit every day, just to see the natural beauty of these cliffs rising up from the Atlantic Ocean. To see the cliffs, entrance is free, however you do need to pay for parking.
The Cliffs of Moher are located on Ireland’s west coast and is part of the “Wild Atlantic Way” in County Clare. If you want to visit, you can do so by yourself via car or join a group tour. To rent a car in Ireland, I recommend this website where you can compare rental prices across different agencies.
If you’d rather join a group tour, here are some that I would recommend…
- If you’re visiting from Dublin, Cliffs of Moher + Wild Atlantic Way + Galway
- If you’re visiting from Galway, Cliffs of Moher + Aillwee Cave + Dunguaire Castle Tour
3. Drive the Dingle Peninsula
In my opinion, the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most stunning places in the world and one of my all-time favorite drives. Not only is it raw and rugged, but films like Star Wars have been filmed in this area. The Peninsula is on Ireland’s southwest coast, and part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The drive is a 30-mile loop, so I suggest spending the night in Dingle and doing the loop while you’re there.
If you’re planning an Ireland road trip, don’t miss…
BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR IN IRELAND
HOTELS IN DINGLE
4. Glendalough Lake
Located in County Wicklow, Glendalough is a stunning park/lake area and one of the most beautiful areas in Wicklow! The easiest way to visit is by driving yourself (you can park outside the park for €4), and enjoying a full-day picnicking, swimming, and sunning! Fun fact: Taylor Swift wrote a song, Sweet Nothing, refrencing Wicklow.
If you want to visit County Wicklow, don’t miss…
5. Guinness Storehouse
Ireland (more specifically Dublin), is the birthplace of Guinness and there’s no better way to learn about the history and try a Guinness than by visiting the Guinness Storehouse. Aside from learning how Guinness is brewed, you’ll get an opportunity to go to a rooftop bar that overlooks Dublin while you taste your Guinness. This is one of the coolest things to do in Ireland and I highly recommend visiting. (And if you’re interested in also tasting Irish whiskey, book this tour where you’ll be able to skip the line at the Guinness storehouse as well as go on an Irish whiskey tasting.)
If you’re planning to visit Dublin, don’t miss…
6. Howth (Day Trip from Dublin)
From Dublin, you can take the DART (public transportation), you can arrive to the seaside town of Howth in just under an hour. It’s the perfect day trip from Dublin, allowing you to see the Irish coast and spend time in a quaint small town.
When you’re in Howth I suggest grabbing fish and chips at The Bloody Stream, going for a swim at Balscadden Bay Beach, and taking the Hikes and Pints Tour with Mark and Missy.
7. Killruddery House & Gardens
Located in County Wicklow on the outskirts of Bray is the beautiful Killruddery House & Gardens. Killruddery is a family-owned sustainable, biodiverse farm with spaces to shop, eat, and participate in different workshops. The house and gardens have been home to the Brabazon family since 1618.
You can tour the gardens or take a guided house tour to learn about the estate. You should expect to spend at least two hours here exploring. (Pro tip: don’t miss the Tea Room for delicious scones to start your day!)
8. Powerscourt House & Garden
Also located in County Wicklow, Powerscourt House & Garden was voted the third most beautiful garden in the world per National Geographic. Entrance to the garden is €12.50 and you can spend hours here exploring all of the beauty, shopping, and enjoying local good from the Avoca food market.
If you want to stay near Powerscourt House & Garden, there is a goregeous, 5-star hotel nearby – Powerscourt Hotel. Find more incredible hotels in Ireland here!
9. Spa Day at The Rabbit
The Rabbit is located 20-minutes outside of Belfast in Northern Ireland, and it’s one of the coolest spas I’ve ever been to. When you visit Ireland, I highly recommend checking into the Rabbit for a day and night of rest and relaxation. You can book massages, access the spa, and then enjoy dinner at their onsite restaurant. It’s the perfect way to relax and break up a trip of adventure and exploration!
10. Titanic Museum
The Titanic Museum is arguably one of the most famous museums in Ireland. It’s a self-guided museum that offers nine different interactive displays that re-tell the iconic story of the building and eventual drowning of the Titanic. You can purchase tickets to the museum here.
Pro tip: Once you finish touring the museum, I suggest heading next door to the Titanic Hotel – the headquarters and drawing offices of Harland and Wolff who made the Titanic come to fruition. Here you can take a guided historical tour of the hotel and eat or have afternoon tea at the restaurant, Drawing Office Two. (Afternoon tea needs to be booked 24 hours in advance.)
Practical Tips for 2026
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland in 2026, here are some practical tips to ensure an easy visit!
Don’t miss…
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ireland is during the late spring and early fall – specifically May, June, and September – when the weather is relatively mild, the landscapes are lush and green, and the crowds are thinner than in peak summer. July and August mark the height of tourist season, with warmer temperatures and bustling towns. Winter (November to February) is the rainiest and darkest time of year, but it can also be peaceful and cozy, especially in the countryside.
I’ve visited Ireland in March, May, and June. June brought the best weather – it was warmer and the chance of seeing the sun was more likely. However, in both March and May I was able to experience beautiful, sunny days despite it normally being more rainy during that time of the year.
How to Get Around
I think that the best way to see Ireland is by self-guided road trip (yes, Ireland drives on the “opposite” side of the road – but I promise, it’s easy to adapt.) Here are some great resources for traveling around Ireland…
- Ireland uses both Uber and Bolt – download both apps ahead of time
- For train/bus travel – Omio, Bookaway, & 12Go
- For an English speaking driver waiting to pick you up at the airport – Welcome Pickups (select cities only)
- To rent a car – Discover Cars
By the way, if you’re visiting both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, there is no land border so you’re able to freely and easily travel between the two countries.
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
When you visit Ireland, you need to know that the Republic of Ireland is part of the EU and Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so there are a few key differences to keep in mind depending on which country you’re visiting – the biggest being an ETA. US citizens can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days. However, if you’re traveling to Northern Ireland, you do need to register for a UK ETA by downloading the “UK ETA” app and registering for a visa there. The fee is £16 and the visa is valid for two years or until the passport that was used expires.
FAQ
Q: “How many days do I need for Ireland?”
- A: I recommend at least 10 days to explore a good amount of Ireland. However, if you only have a few days, you could prioritize one part of the country (Dublin + County Wicklow; Galway + Cliffs of Moher; Belfast).
Q: “Is Ireland safe for solo travelers?”
- A: Ireland does feel safe for solo travelers, but I always recommend being smart and following basic safety guidelines no matter where you are in the world.
Q: “What should I wear for the ‘four seasons in one day’ weather?”
- A: The key to dressing for Ireland is layering! For a full packing guide, check out this post.
Q: “Can I use US dollars in Ireland?”
- A: No. The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro and Northern Ireland uses the Pound.
Ireland Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Ireland
TRAVELING THROUGH IRELAND
- The easiest way to book train & bus tickets in Ireland is through Omio
- To book a flight to Ireland, I recommend a large booking platform or Skyscanner to compare options (if you’re from the US, sign up for Going for free, cheap flight alerts)
- For car rentals in Ireland, I recommend Discover Cars
- If you want a private driver waiting to pick you up at the airport, use Welcome Pickups
- I highly recommend travel insurance when traveling through Ireland – I use and recommend SafetyWing(read why here and here)
- If you need a SIM card, aloSIM for an easy and affordable e-SIM – use code “KYLEE5” for a 5% discount
- You will need a visa to visit Northern Ireland which you can get through the app, “UK ETA”
ACCOMODATION IN IRELAND
- To easiest way to book hotels in Ireland is through a large booking platform
TOURS IN IRELAND
- For tours and activities in Ireland, I recommend using Get Your Guide or Viator
- For food tours in Ireland, I recommend Devour Tours
- For walking tours in Ireland, I recommend Take Walks
WHAT TO BRING TO IRELAND
- Don’t forget a Ireland guide book or a Northern Ireland guide book to help plan your travels
- You’ll need a travel plug adapter (Ireland uses type G)
- My favorite luggage is Calpak
- My favorite travel backpack is Nordace
- I recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic waste
- Ireland can often be rainy – be prepared with an umbrella, rain poncho, and rain shoes
If you’re planning on visiting Ireland, I hope that this guide inspires you and gives you different ideas on the best things to do, both well-known and hidden gems. If you have any questions, let me know in a comment below!
For more information on things to see and do in Ireland, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinireland” or under my highlights for “Ireland”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Ireland” highlight
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Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
