Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Ireland

Ireland was one of my first trips abroad and my very first trip as an “adult”, traveling with a good girlfriend.  And while that trip will always hold a special place in my heart, it isn’t the soul reason that I am (basically) obsessed with visiting Ireland.  Since my first visit in 2015, I’ve been lucky enough to return to Ireland two more times – diving into the culture, seeing beautiful and unique sites, road tripping the country, and learning about the history of the island.  Whether you’re visiting Ireland for the first time, or you’re a return visitor – this is everything you need to know about visiting.

By the way, this post addresses Ireland as the entire island made up of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

 

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, don’t miss…

• The Ultimate Ireland Packing List

 

Is Ireland Worth Visiting?

Yes, Ireland is absolutely worth visiting.  The country is easy to travel to with direct flights from the US and Europe.  The people are kind, friendly, and fun.  And the country is lively with tons of things to see and do throughout the year.

 

Brief History of Ireland:  Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland

Ireland’s history is one of resilience, complexity, and deep cultural pride.  Ancient Celtic tribes once ruled the land, followed by centuries of Viking invasions and Norman conquests.  English rule began to take hold in the 12th century, eventually leading to centuries of struggle, including the devastating Great Famine of the 1840s, which sparked mass emigration and forever shaped Ireland’s global identity.  In 1921, the island was divided.  The Republic of Ireland became an independent nation, while Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom; a split that led to decades of tension and conflict.

More recently, the 1998 Good Friday Agreement brought significant, positive change to Northern Ireland, paving the way for a more unified and hopeful future.  Today, the island of Ireland is celebrated for its warm hospitality, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

 

Best Time to Visit Ireland

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, especially around major attractions like the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry.  If you’re looking for a quieter experience, the shoulder months (May, June, and September) offer a great balance of decent weather and fewer visitors.  Winter (November to February) is the rainiest and darkest time of year, but it can also be peaceful and cozy, especially in the countryside or during the festive season in cities like Dublin and Galway.

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 to Ireland

If you’re traveling to Ireland from outside of Europe, you’ll be flying to one of its main international airports – most likely in Dublin; and transferring from there (if you’re not staying in Dublin).  I prefer to use Skyscanner or a search engine when searching for flights.  If you’re planning to stay in Dublin, you can easily grab a taxi from the airport into the city which should take you about 30 minutes.

If you want to book a private driver waiting for you upon arrival, you can do that here.

 

Tips from Getting from the USA to Ireland

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland from the USA your journey can be relatively long!  To make your journey more comfortable, and maybe even more affordable, here are some simple tips…

• If you live in a small city, buy a flight out of a bigger city to save money
  • For example, I live in Omaha, NE so I use points to fly to Chicago in the morning, then get a night flight out of Chicago to my destination
• If you’re flexible on travel dates, play around with dates when it comes to arriving/departing for the cheapest flight
• Open a travel credit card to earn points to potentially use for your flight
• Sign up for Going (there is a free version) for cheap flight notifications
• Compare flight prices on a big search engine
• Purchase travel insurance (before traveling) in case anything goes wrong with your flight
• Bring a good eye mask on the airplane for a chance at some shut eye

 

How to Get Around Ireland

One of my favorite things about visiting Ireland is the opportunity for an epic road trip through one of the most beautiful countries in the world!  (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.

 

Planning an Ireland road trip?  Don’t miss…

• Renting a Car in Ireland:  Everything You Need to Know

 

Top Destinations in Ireland

Here are some highlights of Ireland and places not to miss when you visit!

• Dublin – Capital of the Republic of Ireland and famous for sites like the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College
• Belfast – Capital of Northern Ireland and well-known for being where the Titanic was built
• County Wicklow – A quieter, peaceful, and scenic area south of Dublin
• Galway – A lively college town near the Cliffs of Moher
• Cork – Famous for the Blarney Castle
• Dingle Peninsula – A beautiful area in the southwest of Ireland where scenes from Star Wars was filmed

 

Don’t miss…

• 10 Things You Can’t Miss in Ireland:  The Ultimate Bucket List

 

Cultural/Travel Tips

When you visit Ireland, here are a few things to keep in mind in terms of cultural and general travel tips.  Keep in mind, 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.

• Visa requirements – US citizens can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days.  If you’re traveling to Northern Ireland, you do need to register for a UK ETA (electronic travel authorization); you can download the “UK ETA” app and register for a visa there.  The fee is £16 and the visa is valid for two years or until the passport that was used expires
• Currency – The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€) and Northern Ireland uses the Pound (£)
• Tipping – Tipping is not mandatory or common practice, but if you receive exceptional service, a 5-10% tip is appreciated
• Language – The main language in Ireland is English, but you might here traditional Irish (Gaelic) spoken too
• Driving – Drivers drive on the left-hand side of the road in Ireland
• Weather – Plan to experience four-seasons in one day no matter what time of the year you visit

 

Safety Tips for Visiting Ireland

Overall, I would say that Ireland is a very safe country to visit.  As of 2024, Ireland ranks second out of 163 countries and territories on the Global Peace Index (for reference, the United States holds the 132nd spot).  However, I always recommend being prepared when traveling – even in a country like Ireland.  Here are some relevant safety tips to keep in mind when you travel to Ireland…

• Make two copies your passport; keep one copy in a separate place from where you keep your passport, and leave the second copy at home with a loved one
• Forward all hotel reservations to a family member/friend so they can track where you’re supposed to be at all times
• Don’t carry all of your cash and credit/debit cards on you – keep some in your hotel room in case your purse was to be taken
• Know the number and address of the US Embassy (or whatever country you’re from).  In this case, the US Embassy is located in Dublin and the number is +353 1 668 8777
• Know how to dial out – the code for the Republic of Ireland is +353 and Northern Ireland is +44
• Know how to contact emergency services – 112 or 999

 

Travel Insurance

Another way to ensure safety during a trip is by purchasing travel insurance.  Travel insurance can cover illness, theft, airplane and hotel cancellation, and emergency evacuation services if something arises (each plan is different so make sure to see what your insurance covers before purchasing).  I use SafetyWing when traveling through England and would highly recommend it.

 

Read more about why I recommend travel insurance…

• Why You Need Travel Insurance… From a Nurse’s Perspective
• 9 Most Important Things to Know About Travel Medical Insurance

 

PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE HERE!

 

Accommodation in Ireland

Accommodation in Ireland varies greatly.  You can find luxury stays, quaint countryside B&Bs, castle stays, and even budget-friendly hotels and hostels.  By far, the easiest way to book accommodation in Ireland is by using a search engine.  Not only will you find a plethora of hotels but you’re also able to filter through options when booking hotels.  Before browsing accommodations, I always make sure that I have “free wifi”, “very good 8+ reviews”  and “A/C” toggled ON.  From there, I browse through accommodations and choose the best one for me.

For specific recommendations, here are some places I’ve previously stayed in Ireland that have been memorable…

• Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection in Enniskerry
• The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat outside of Belfast (check out my Instagram reel on the Rabbit Hotel here)
• The Mont in Dublin

 

For more incredible hotels in Ireland, don’t miss…

• 10 Best Hotels in Ireland:  Where to Stay for a Getaway

 

BOOK YOUR STAY IN IRELAND HERE!

 

Traditional Food & Drink

Traditionally in Ireland, the food and drink scene is warm and hearty, just as you might expect.  Traditional Irish cuisine is simple and filling, shaped by the island’s agricultural roots and cooler climate.  Dishes like Irish stew – made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions – are staples, while boxty (a type of potato pancake) and soda bread are served alongside many meals.  Seafood chowder and fresh oysters are highlights along the coast, especially in the west.  And while the cuisine leans rustic, there’s a growing wave of contemporary Irish chefs who are reinventing traditional recipes with modern techniques and local ingredients.

When it comes to drinks, Ireland is best known for its whiskey and Guinness.  Pubs aren’t just places to drink; they’re friendly gathering places where live music and storytelling still thrive.  Today, Ireland’s food and drink culture blends old-world comfort with a new generation of culinary creativity, making it one of Europe’s most underrated (and welcoming) food destinations.

 

How Many Days Should You Spend in Ireland?

If you want to see the entirety of Ireland (including both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), I would recommend a minimum of 10 days, but two weeks would be ideal.  However, if you’re short on time – you could also squeeze in a few days in Dublin, Galway, or Belfast – while prioritizing a day-trip – and still get a good feel for the Irish culture.

 

Sample Itineraries

Here are a few sample itineraries depending on how many days you have in Ireland…

• 2 days – Dublin, Galway, or Belfast
• 4 days – Dublin + Galway, Dublin + Belfast, or Dublin + County Wicklow
• 8 days
  • Day 1 – Dublin
  • Day 2 – Dublin + day trip to Howth
  • Day 3 – Pick up rental car and drive to County Wicklow
  • Day 4 – Kinsale
  • Day 5 – Dingle Peninsula
  • Day 6 – Galway
  • Day 7 – Galway + day trip to Cliffs of Moher
  • Day 8 – Back to Dublin
•  10 day (follow 8 day itinerary +…)
  • Day 8 – Belfast
  • Day 9 – Belfast
  • Day 10 – Back to Dublin

 

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, don’t miss…

• The Ultimate 2-Day Belfast Itinerary:  Best Attractions & Travel Tips
• How to Spend 2 Days in County Wicklow, Ireland
• A Complete Guide to Visiting Dublin

 

Ireland Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Ireland

 

I hope that this travel guide helps you plan your visit to Ireland and gives you inspiration on the best places to visit in the country.  If you have any questions about visiting Ireland, let me know in a comment below!

 

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For a more visual look at Ireland, and more ideas on what to see and do, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel and search “#ppinireland or #ppinnorthernireland” or look for my “Ireland” highlight; alternatively head to my TikTok and search under the highlight “Ireland”

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