Ireland holidays

Towering cliffs, solitary sea stacks and rolling hills merge with ancient Celtic history on holidays to Ireland. Once you’ve sampled Dublin’s cosmopolitan charms, head for the wild coast, where world-class surf and fresh seafood await. In this nation of storytellers, there’s always a tale to tell. So pull up a chair, enjoy some ‘good craic’ (great conversation) and write your own Emerald Isle adventure.

Top destinations in Ireland

Dublin

Quaint, verdant and cosmopolitan, Dublin is a compact city with a big heart. You’ll find culture, incredible food and plenty of opportunity for lively chats with the locals.

Cork

Cork is a colourful gem tucked into Ireland’s rolling green hills. Come discover its grand castles, up-and-coming eateries and cosy pubs where the music never stops.

Galway

Craving the perfect city break? Galway boasts literary festivals, historic watering holes, family-run bookshops and enough classic Irish charm to keep you coming back for more.

Ireland: fast facts

Language

English, Irish

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+0 (GMT) and UTC+1 (IST - Irish Standard Time)

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Ireland holiday highlights

Ireland

The open road

Ireland was made for road trips, with routes like the Wild Atlantic Way and The Ring of Kerry taking in some of the country’s most arresting coastline. Hike up 670 steps to the island monastery of Skellig Michael, home to Luke Skywalker in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. It’s only open between May and September, so book tickets far in advance to avoid disappointment.

History and myth

The UNESCO-listed Brú na Bóinne in County Meath is one of the world’s most magical Neolithic tombs. Visit during the winter solstice and enter a lottery in hopes of witnessing the shaft of sunlight as it hits the burial chamber. And learn about the exploits of Ireland’s pirate queen, Gráinne ‘Grace’ O’Malley, at the Granuaile Visitor Centre in County Mayo.

World-famous beer

One of the best things to do in Ireland is to learn how to brew the world’s most popular stout at Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse. From there, follow the sound of fiddles, flutes and banjos to the trad sessions of Temple Bar. On the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, raise a pint to Irish literary icons Joyce, Wilde and Behan as actors bring their works to life.

Things to do in Ireland

Temple Bar

Top attractions

The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most beloved natural attraction. Arrive early to catch them bathed in soft morning light. For a taste of the country’s famous pub culture, look no further than Dublin’s Temple Bar. The Ring of Kerry offers some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery. Be sure to stop at Ladies’ View, named after Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting, who admired the panoramic landscape during her 19th-century visit.

Beaches

The Forty Foot is a historic swimming spot located in Dublin Bay and a focal point of the community come rain or shine. You’ll join generations of gutsy Dubliners as you take an invigorating plunge into the Irish Sea. Surf the world-renowned waves of the Wild Atlantic Way in Lahinch, a charming west coast beach town well stocked with pubs, restaurants and inns.

Nature

Gaze down at the crashing Atlantic Ocean from the Cliffs of Moher, keeping your eyes peeled for Ireland’s largest puffin colony. Hike the Slieve Foye Loop Trail, where, according to local lore, the country’s last remaining leprechauns hide amid the craggy hills. Or kayak on Lough Hyne’s bioluminescent surface. Prehistoric worlds come alive on County Kerry’s Valentia Island, where fossilised tracks date back 385 million years.

Culture and museums

Dublin’s EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is one of the top museums in Ireland, documenting the struggles of people driven to distant lands by famine. The Little Museum of Dublin is a crowdsourced effort to tell the story of this great city, with a room dedicated to U2. In the town of Cobh, the Titanic’s last port of call is remembered at the Titanic Experience.

Cuisine

Fuel up for a day of outdoor adventure with a full Irish breakfast — eggs, sausages, baked beans and mushrooms. On your return, settle in with a warming bowl of Guinness stew. Restaurants in Ireland have upped their game in recent years, and many highlight fresh seafood pulled straight from the Atlantic. For a unique holiday activity, try traditional seaweed foraging with the Sea Gardener in County Waterford.

Family friendly

Ireland’s capital is packed with family-friendly activities. Dublinia brings the city’s Viking and medieval history to life with interactive exhibits, dress-up and games. Grab your dancing shoes and learn to dance the Irish jig at an interactive show. The Aran Islands are best explored by bicycle. While here, stop by a workshop where artisans spin wool, just as they have for centuries.

Find the best time to visit Ireland

Weather in Ireland

March – May: Mild temperatures, blossoming wildflowers and smaller crowds make spring ideal for road trips and outdoor adventures. Irish weather is famously changeable, so pack layers and an umbrella.

June – August: Summer brings highs of around 19°C, long daylight hours and lively festivals. It’s the peak season for exploring coastal drives and hiking trails. Rain is always a possibility.

September – November: Autumn lights up the landscapes with brilliant foliage, especially in places like Killarney National Park. Cooler weather and fewer tourists make this a great time for hiking, but be ready for rain.

December – February: Winters are wet, windy and chilly, with highs around 7°C. While outdoor activities slow down, this is the perfect season to cosy up in a pub with traditional Irish stew.

Events in Ireland

Saint Patrick’s Day (March): Wear green for the biggest party of the year, when celebrations spill out of the pubs and onto the streets. Dublin hosts the biggest parade, but you’ll find events all over the country.

Electric Picnic (September): Ireland’s biggest arts and music festival has hosted stars like Billie Eilish and The Strokes. Beyond the music, you’ll find theatre, comedy and relaxing treatments to help you recharge after a night of camping.

Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival (September): Celebrate Galway’s famous oysters at this popular festival. Watch the world oyster shucking championships, often called the Oyster Olympics, and learn new skills at live cooking demonstrations.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

Politeness is central in Ireland, so always say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, including to your bus driver. Queuing is serious business here, except at the pub. If you join a round of drinks, don’t skip your turn to buy. In rural areas, it’s friendly and expected to greet people with a wave. Avoid haggling, even at markets.

Health and safety

Ireland’s weather changes quickly, so pack layers, waterproof gear and sun protection — even on cloudy days. Drive with care in rural areas, as roads tend to be narrow and winding. If hiking, check for ticks to avoid Lyme disease. No special vaccinations are needed, but routine shots should be current. For emergencies, dial 112 or 999.

Budget

Cheap holidays to Ireland are much easier when you focus on getting out into nature. Hop on a bike and explore one of the country’s many greenways. When you need to refuel, a simple meal can cost less than 18 euros (€), and a cold pint is about a third of that.

FAQs about Ireland holidays

Ireland is one of Europe’s pricier destinations. Cut costs by leaving Dublin behind and getting off the beaten path. Take advantage of public transport and book accommodation with kitchens — you’ll find groceries from budget superstars Aldi and Lidl.
Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world, particularly among solo and female travellers. Still, when in major cities, it’s sensible to be aware of pickpockets. It’s also quite easy to book a taxi here — just download the FREENOW app.
You’ll use the euro (€) while in Ireland. Exchange money before travelling for better rates. It’s best to avoid airport exchange if possible, and always shop around in tourist hotspots for the best exchange rates. Tipping is not expected here, though it’s gratefully received.
English and Irish are the two official languages of Ireland. Irish speakers are generally found in regions called ‘Gaeltacht’ along the west coast, including the Aran Islands. One word that’s always well received: ‘sláinte’ (cheers)!
Summer is often best for weather and scenery, while spring and autumn offer a packed itinerary of events. Join the country with a toast to St Patrick on 17 March, or celebrate Halloween where it all began at Boyne Valley’s Púca Festival. Looking for love? The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in County Clare has been setting up singles each September since 1857.
The capital is packed with cultural highlights like Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol and the ancient Book of Kells at Trinity College. Known as Ireland’s foodie capital, Cork offers everything from markets to creative local dishes. Hit Galway for lively pubs and trad music.