Ireland

Ireland is a land where ancient myths and modern hospitality converge along a rugged, emerald-green coastline. From the bustling literary streets of Dublin to the sheer, salt-sprayed drops of the Cliffs of Moher, the country offers a landscape shaped by history and the relentless Atlantic Ocean. You will find a culture rooted in storytelling, traditional music, and a legendary sense of humor known as the craic. Whether you are exploring centuries-old castles or sharing a pint in a village pub, the island’s warmth is as unmistakable as its vibrant scenery. It is a destination that feels both timeless and refreshingly alive, inviting you to slow down and embrace its rhythmic pace.

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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

1 city

3 guides

$112 Daily Budget

Quick Facts

Capital

Dublin

Languages

Irish (Gaeilge), English

Currency

Euro (EUR)

1 € ≈ 1.18 $

Plug Type

Type G (230V, 50Hz)

Driving Side

Left

Dial Code

+353

Entry Requirements

Check requirements →

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) in winter / IST (UTC+1) in summer

Emergency

112 / 999

Why Visit Ireland

Dramatic Coastal Landscapes

The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for about 2,500km along Ireland's western seaboard, offering some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery, including the 214-meter high Cliffs of Moher and the rugged Slieve League. You can drive, cycle, or hike along winding roads that reveal hidden coves, sandy beaches, and windswept peninsulas at every turn.

World-Class Pub Culture

Irish pubs are more than just places to drink; they are the heart of the community where traditional music sessions often break out spontaneously. You can experience the authentic spirit of the country by sitting near a peat fire with a well-poured pint and engaging in the local art of conversation.

Ancient History and Ruins

Ireland is home to remarkable archaeological sites like Newgrange, a passage tomb older than the Pyramids of Giza, and the Rock of Cashel. Exploring these ruins allows you to walk through thousands of years of Celtic, Viking, and Norman history in a single afternoon.

A Vibrant Literary Legacy

Designated as a UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin celebrates the ghosts of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett. You can visit historic libraries like the Old Library at Trinity College or join a literary pub crawl to see where some of the world’s greatest works were conceived.

Exceptional Outdoor Adventures

From surfing the swells of Bundoran to hiking the peaks of the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the island is a playground for active travelers. The temperate climate makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors year-round, provided you are equipped with reliable rain gear.

Top Experiences

Top-rated tours and activities in Ireland

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Cities & Destinations

Best in May

Ireland

Dublin

Cool

From $112 /day

Cost Guide Where to Stay

Regions

The Wild Atlantic Way

Stretching along the entire western seaboard, this region is defined by its raw natural beauty and traditional Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas. It encompasses iconic stops like the Ring of Kerry, the lunar-like limestone landscapes of The Burren, and the bohemian arts scene of Galway City.

Ireland's Ancient East

This region covers the lush landscapes between the River Shannon and the Irish Sea, focusing on 5,000 years of heritage. Travelers come here to see the prehistoric monuments of the Boyne Valley, medieval castles in Kilkenny, and the Viking history of Waterford.

Dublin and Surroundings

The capital city offers a perfect mix of urban energy and coastal escapes, with the Dublin Mountains and the seaside village of Howth just a short train ride away. It is the country's cultural hub, filled with national museums, prestigious universities, and the famous Temple Bar district.

Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Centering on the River Shannon and the Beara-Breifne Way, this region offers a slower pace of life focused on inland waterways and forest trails. It is ideal for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path villages and enjoy activities like kayaking, fishing, or quiet lakeside retreats.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ireland is between May and September when the weather is mildest and daylight hours are longest. While rain is possible year-round, these months offer the best conditions for exploring the rugged coastline and lush countryside.

Peak Season

Jun, Jul, Aug

Summer is the busiest season with temperatures averaging 15–20°C (59–68°F). Tourists flock to major sites like the Cliffs of Moher, and daylight can last until 22:00, but accommodation prices are at their highest.

Shoulder Season

Apr, May, Sep, Oct

Spring and autumn offer a balance of manageable crowds and pleasant weather, typically 8–15°C (46–59°F). May is particularly known for blooming gardens and relatively dry spells.

Off-Peak

Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Winter is cold and damp with temperatures between 3–9°C (37–48°F) and short daylight hours. However, it is the best time for cozy pub sessions, lower hotel rates, and celebrating St. Patrick's Day in March.

Getting Around

Ireland's public transport is strongest in cities and on main corridors. A car is recommended for remote rural areas. The TFI Leap Card is widely used on Dublin-area services (bus, Luas, DART and commuter rail in Zone 1) and some other local services, but does not cover all national rail journeys.

Train

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) connects Dublin to major cities like Cork, Galway, and Belfast. Reservations are generally available up to 90 days in advance, and QR tickets are available for mobile devices.

Bus

Bus Éireann provides extensive national coverage, while Dublin Bus serves the capital. For rural travelers, TFI Local Link connects smaller villages where standard services are limited.

Tram

Dublin's Luas light rail system has two main lines (Green and Red). With a TFI Leap Card, the TFI 90 Minute Fare in Dublin Zone 1 allows transfers across most Dublin city buses, Luas, and DART/commuter rail within 90 minutes (adult fare $2.36 / €2).

Car

Car rental is popular for driving the Wild Atlantic Way; however, roads in rural areas are often narrow and winding. Drivers must be prepared for left-hand driving and toll points such as the M50.

Food & Drink

Irish cuisine has undergone a modern revolution, shifting from simple, hearty staples to a sophisticated farm-to-table movement. You will find an emphasis on exceptionally high-quality dairy, grass-fed beef, and fresh seafood harvested from the cold Atlantic waters.

Must Try

Stobhach Gaelach

Traditional Irish Stew made with tender lamb, potatoes, onions, and carrots, slow-simmered into a rich and comforting broth.

Boxty

A traditional potato pancake that can be served as a thin wrap filled with savory ingredients or as a thick, fried cake alongside a full breakfast.

Dublin Coddle

A slow-cooked city staple featuring layers of sausages, back bacon, potatoes, and onions, traditionally eaten as a hearty evening meal.

Colcannon

A silky mixture of mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage, enriched with plenty of local butter and occasionally flavored with spring onions.

Barmbrack

A traditional fruited bread often soaked in tea, commonly served toasted with a thick layer of Irish butter.

Full Irish Breakfast

An expansive plate featuring eggs, sausages, bacon, grilled tomatoes, and the essential black and white pudding made from oats and spices.

Guinness

The world-famous dark stout brewed in Dublin, known for its creamy white head and complex notes of coffee and chocolate.

Money & Costs

Ireland is generally expensive, with a mid-range daily budget of ~$112 / €95 including meals and transport. While city costs are high, rural areas offer better value for traditional guesthouses and local dining.

Tipping

Tipping is customary but not mandatory; 10–12% is standard in restaurants for good service. In pubs, it is common to leave ~$1.18–$2.36 / €1–€2 per round for table service, though tips at the bar are rare.

Cards

Contactless and card payments are accepted almost everywhere, including most small shops and regional buses. Cash is still useful for small tips or in very remote rural pubs.

ATMs

ATMs are widespread in all towns and cities; use bank-affiliated machines to avoid high third-party fees. Most machines accept international Visa and Mastercard with standard network fees.

Culture & Etiquette

The Irish are known for being exceptionally friendly and informal, though they maintain certain social codes, especially in pubs and rural settings. Politeness and a willingness to engage in small talk about the weather are key to blending in.

✓

Participate in the round system; if you are with a group in a pub, it is customary to buy a round for everyone when it is your turn.

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Thank the bus driver as you exit the vehicle, as this is a standard sign of politeness across the country.

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Acknowledge other drivers with a small wave or a lift of the finger when passing on narrow, rural country roads.

Do not mimic the Irish accent, as it can often come across as mocking or stereotypical to locals.

Avoid bringing up sensitive political topics or the historical relationship between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

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Expect the weather to change rapidly and always carry a waterproof jacket, even if the sky looks clear in the morning.

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Leave a tip of 10–12% in restaurants if a service charge is not already included on the final bill.

Do not refer to the country as 'Southern Ireland'; use the 'Republic of Ireland' or simply 'Ireland' to be accurate.

Safety & Health

Ireland is generally considered low-risk for travelers; most government travel advisories recommend normal precautions. The main tourist risk is petty theft in busy urban areas like Temple Bar.

Tap Water

Safe to drink

Vaccinations

No specific vaccinations are required, but routine shots for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio are recommended.

Common Scams

⚠ ATM help scam: Fraudsters offer to help with a 'faulty' machine to skim your card.
⚠ Distraction theft: An individual 'accidentally' spills food or liquid on you while an accomplice pickpockets your bag.
⚠ Fake parking tickets: Scammers place unofficial tickets with QR codes on rental cars that lead to phishing websites.
⚠ Bogus tour operators: Unverified websites selling fake tickets for popular attractions like Newgrange.

Healthcare is of a very high standard. Visitors should have travel insurance, and those needing non-emergency advice can contact HSE Live at 1800 700 700.

Language

Irish is the first official language and appears on signage, while English is the dominant everyday language. Census 2022 data shows significant Irish-language ability nationwide, but daily use outside education is concentrated in Gaeltacht areas (primarily in the west).

English Spoken: Widely spoken

Key Phrases

Key Phrases
Meaning	Local	Pronunciation
Hello	Dia duit	Dee-ah gwit
Thank you	Go raibh maith agat	Guh rev maw aw-gut
Goodbye	Slán	Slawn
Cheers (Health)	Sláinte	Slawn-cha
How are you?	Conas atá tú?	Cun-is ah-taw two
Fun / Good times	Craic	Krak
Excuse me	Gabh mo leithscéal	Gow muh lesh-kale
Fine / Alright	Grand	Grand

Visa & Entry

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area and maintains its own visa policy. Many nationalities are visa-exempt for short visits; others must apply for a Short Stay 'C' visa (maximum stay 90 days). Always check the official Irish Immigration 'Visa & Non-Visa Required Nationalities' list for your passport.

Max Stay

Up to 90 days (short-stay 'C' visa); visa-free permission length granted on arrival

Passport Validity

Visa-free visitors: passport valid for duration of stay. Short-stay visa applications: typically valid at least 6 months after planned departure.

Visa-free for

USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU/EEA, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico

Check requirements →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ireland safe for solo travelers?

Ireland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, with most government advisories recommending normal precautions. While major cities like Dublin are very safe, you should exercise standard precautions against petty theft and pickpocketing in high-traffic tourist areas such as Temple Bar or near major transport hubs. Solo travelers will find the local population very helpful and the social atmosphere of pubs makes it easy to meet people.

Is Ireland expensive to visit?

An average daily budget for a mid-range traveler is approximately $112 / €95, which covers modest accommodation, meals, and local transport. Dining out in major cities can be pricey, with a standard restaurant meal costing between $24–$41 / €20–€35 per person. To save money, consider purchasing a TFI Leap Card for discounted public transport fares and exploring the many free national museums and public parks across the country.

When is the best time to visit Ireland?

The peak travel season is during the summer months of June, July, and August, when you can expect average temperatures of 16–20°C (61–68°F) and up to 18 hours of daylight. May and September are excellent shoulder months, offering fewer crowds and relatively mild weather. While winter is cool and damp, it is a great time to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of indoor festivals and traditional music sessions without the summer tourist rush.

Do I need a visa for Ireland?

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so it maintains its own visa requirements. Citizens from many countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia, can enter visa-free for tourism, with permission granted on arrival (typically up to 90 days). Always check the official Irish Immigration list for your specific nationality before traveling. Visa-free visitors should ensure their passport is valid for the duration of stay; those requiring a visa typically need 6 months validity beyond departure.

Is English widely spoken in Ireland?

English is the dominant everyday language and proficiency is extremely high. While Irish (Gaeilge) is the first official language and is taught in schools, daily use outside education is concentrated in designated Gaeltacht regions in the west. You will see bilingual signs everywhere, and learning a few basic Irish phrases like 'Sláinte' (Cheers) or 'Go raibh maith agat' (Thank you) is highly appreciated by locals.

What food is Ireland famous for?

The country is famous for hearty, comforting dishes like Irish Stew (Stobhach Gaelach), Boxty (potato pancakes), and freshly baked Soda Bread. Coastal regions are renowned for world-class seafood, particularly Galway Bay oysters and Dublin Bay prawns. You must also try a Full Irish Breakfast, which typically includes local sausages, bacon, and traditional black and white pudding. For a sweet treat, look for Barmbrack, a spiced fruit bread often served with butter.

How do I get around Ireland?

In urban areas like Dublin, Cork, and Galway, public transport via buses, trams (Luas), and trains (DART) is efficient, especially if you use a TFI Leap Card for easy payments. However, to explore the more remote and scenic rural regions like the Wild Atlantic Way or the Ring of Kerry, renting a car is highly recommended. Be aware that driving is on the left-hand side of the road and many rural routes are quite narrow.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Ireland?

Yes, tap water is generally safe to drink throughout Ireland and meets high quality standards. You can easily refill your reusable water bottle at hotels, restaurants, and public fountains to stay hydrated while exploring. In some very rural areas, the water may occasionally have a slightly different mineral taste due to local sources, but it remains perfectly safe for consumption. Note that local boil water notices can occasionally occur, so check local signage. Using a refillable bottle also helps reduce plastic waste during your travels.

Do you tip in Ireland?

Tipping is customary for good service but is not as mandatory as it is in North America. In restaurants, leaving a tip of 10–12% is standard unless a service charge has already been added to your bill. In pubs, you generally do not tip the bartender at the bar, but if you receive table service for several rounds, leaving $1.18–$2.36 / €1–€2 as a gesture of thanks is common. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is usually sufficient.

What should I pack for the weather in Ireland?

The most important rule for packing is to prepare for 'four seasons in one day.' You should bring a high-quality, lightweight waterproof jacket and comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes, as rain showers can occur even on sunny days. Layering is key; pack breathable base layers, a warm sweater or fleece, and trousers that dry quickly. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so a light scarf or extra layer is always useful for coastal walks or late-night pub visits.

Why you can trust this guide

Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

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