All Posts, Country Guides, Europe Guides · Ireland Travel Guide The grass really is greener in Ireland. With its castles, epic scenery, and pub culture, Ireland is a place that everyone can enjoy. Drink a pint of Guinness, chat with the friendly locals, and discover the natural beauty behind the Emerald Island. Ireland is the perfect destination for a first trip to Europe – the locals speak fluent English, getting around is easy, and there’s loads of beauty just waiting to be discovered. The legend may say that you should search for a hidden pot of gold, but I think we’ve already found it in the beauty of Ireland! Note: Northern Ireland and Ireland are two separate provinces, but for the purpose of this travel guide I have combined them. I recommend visiting both on the same trip. Quick Info Capital: DublinPopulation: 4,9 millionCurrency: Euro / Pound sterling in Northern IrelandVisa: 90-day Schengen visa on arrival for most nationalities (click here for more info)Safety: Ranked #12 on the Global Peace Index (USA is ranked #128), meaning Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world.Language: EnglishTime zone: UTC +1 When to Visit High Season – June to Mid-September Summer is generally the high season in Ireland and is the busiest time of year to visitWeather is at its best during this time of year, with less rainfall and temperatures averaging 20ºC/68ºFDuring this time, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance as they can sell out quickly Shoulder Season – April to May; September to October Great time to visit as the tourist sites are less congested. I visited Ireland in May and enjoyed great weather with very little crowds Low Season – November to March Winter is low season, with cold and wet weather throughout the countryThis is still a good time to visit big cities such as Dublin St. Patrick’s Day in March is the perfect reason to visit Ireland Top 5 Bucket List Experiences in Ireland 1. Cliffs of Moher If you’ve seen a postcard from Ireland, chances are that the Cliffs of Moher was on it. These stunning limestone sea cliffs stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast and reach a height of over 700 feet. Also known as the site where Voldemort hid his Horcrux in Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince, there’s a reason why this geographical wonder is voted Ireland’s favorite tourist attraction each year. 2. Dublin Ireland’s capital and largest city is home to pubs, museums, and even castles. Visit the Guinness Storehouse Factory to learn about its Irish brewing history and say “cheers” with the best pint of Guinness you’ve ever tasted. 3. Giant’s Causeway This natural rock formation looks like a huge staircase for giants – hence the name! Made up of over 40,000 densely-packed hexagonal columns, this rock formation is something you have to see to believe. I recommend visiting around sunset for the best views and fewer crowds. 4. Coasteering Coasteering is one of the most adventurous activities in Ireland: climbing, jumping, and even belly-flopping into the chilly waters of the Irish Sea! Located only 10 minutes from Giant’s Causeway, this extreme activity lets you explore the rugged coastline like it’s your personal playground. This is an experience you’ll never forget when in Ireland! 5. Game of Thrones- Winterfell Ireland is full of Game of Thrones filming locations, but the Winterfell castle movie set has something for everyone. Dress up in legit costumes, stand exactly where Jon Snow stood, and fire arrows at the White Walkers! Ok, not really, but you do get to play an archery game while hearing all the ‘behind the scenes’ secrets from your tour guide, who was in several episodes of the famous TV show. Only 40 minutes from Belfast and 2 hours from Dublin, this is a true bucket-list experience in Ireland. Other Things to See and Do in Ireland Belfast- Belfast is the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland. Once home to political turmoil and conflicts, Belfast today is booming in all the best ways. Visit the Titanic museum, located on the slipways where the ship was constructed over 100 years ago. Ring of Kerry- Located in the southwest peninsula of Ireland, the Ring of Kerry stretches over 100 miles of everchanging scenery. The road winds through medieval castles, pristine beaches, mountainous terrain, and stunning landscapes. This scenic 3.5-hour joyride is one of the most well-traveled tourist routes in Ireland.Connemara National Park– Connemara, meaning ‘Inlets of the Sea’, extends some 12 square miles of scenic views and is best explored by hiking. As Oscar Wilde once said, “Connemara is savage beauty.” Dos and Don’ts DO No matter when you go, be prepared for rain and pack a raincoat. Ireland isn’t called the ‘Emerald Isle’ for nothingExplore more than just the capital city of Dublin. Ireland is full of beautiful countryside, castles, and more.Ireland drives on the left, so always look right when crossing the street as a pedestrian DON’T If you rent a car, don’t expect it to be an automatic transmission. Most rentals are still manual, so be sure to explicitly request an automatic if you can’t drive a stick.Don’t forget to drive on the left side of the roadDon’t worry about meeting the locals. The Irish are some of the friendliest people in the world! Good To Know Airport- The largest international airport in Ireland is the Dublin Airport (DUB). There are also several regional airports spread out across Ireland and Northern Ireland. Getting Around- Public transportation in Ireland’s big cities is first-class! You’ll find free Wi-fi, prompt departures, and reasonably priced services. You can purchase a reusable LEAP card, which is a smart card used to pay for public transportation in and around Dublin and Cork. To explore Ireland’s countryside, I recommend renting a car. It is affordable, convenient, and allows you to explore at your own pace. Remember to drive on the left. Money- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Ireland but do make sure that your card has no international fees.For cash, ATMs are situated in all cities and towns across Ireland but be aware of transaction fees. Tipping- Restaurants: For good service, tip 10%. At more expensive restaurants, go up to 15%.Taxis: Tip 10% or round up to the nearest euro/poundServices: In general. if your tour guide does a great job, a small tip is appropriateHotels: 1 euro/pound per bag is normalPubs: Not expected unless there is table service, then 1 euro/pound for a round of drinks Ready for your dream trip to Ireland? CONTACT US TODAY DID YOU LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER!
