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Introducing Ireland

Make the most out of your trip to Ireland.
Ireland's influence on global pop culture is undeniable—it's the land of "40 Shades of Green" and Guinness beer, after all—but this little island off the west coast of Europe also holds centuries of history, creating a curious blend of old and new in one compact destination. The rugged southwest is any traveler's dream—think golden beaches, vertical rock cliff faces, and mountains hugging the coast—while the "Ancient East" is home to ruins dating back thousands of years. See the highlights in a few days, or take your time getting to know the many hues of the Emerald Isle.

When is the best time to visit?
Ireland is best visited between March and October. June, July, and August are the busiest months for international travel, due to the increased chance of dry weather. That said, rain isn't as persistent or frequent here as you might think—the Irish climate is actually quite mild, with average temperatures only changing by a few degrees from March to October. This makes it ideal for active travel, with world-class hiking and cycling throughout the country. Learn more

Where should you go in Ireland?
Southwest Ireland is a must for first-time visitors. Killarney, which sits on the eastern end of the Iveragh Peninsula, is a good jumping off point to explore the world-famous Ring of Kerry. It's also on the outskirts of Killarney National Park, a stunning natural landscape of 26,000 acres.

From here, you can take your pick from locations dotted all along the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,500-mile driving route running from Mizen Head in the southwest to Malin Head in the northwest. The west coast boasts the iconic Cliffs of Moher, charming towns, and traditional Irish music, while further north lies the bohemian city of Galway. Venture west from here and you'll get to boggy and mountainous Connemara, home to Ireland's most unique landscapes. Learn more

How many days do I need?
Ireland may be small, but it's not a country to be rushed. If you only have a week, immersing yourself in one small region is the best way to see what makes the Irish tick—consider spending 2 nights in Dublin and taking a few days to explore the rural west coast. To experience multiple regions, you can easily fill 2 (or even 3!) weeks of well-spent travel. For an active trip, you might take a few days to relax in the countryside before a week of hiking or cycling on the west coast, followed by cultural exploration in one of Ireland's urban areas.

Getting Around Ireland
Self-driving in Ireland is popular, and major roadways connect Dublin to cities including Galway, Cork, and Limerick (and Shannon Airport). Some road trips do rely on rural roads, like the famous Wild Atlantic Way and the Ring of Kerry. Trains serve the bigger cities, and Aer Lingus offers direct flights from Dublin to smaller, regional airports. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days

Ireland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
The Cliffs of Moher on Ireland's wild western coast
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 5 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 5 Days

Hit the road and see the best of the Emerald Isle on this 5-day self-driving jaunt through Ireland. Walk the ancient streets of Dublin, kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, visit the famous heritage town of Killarney, take in breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher, and revel in the energy of bohemian Galway. From windswept Atlantic coastlines to bustling city streets, this itinerary is perfect for independent travelers looking to pack some of Ireland's most iconic sights into a short space of time.

Take a drive through the Irish countryside
Map of South Ireland Scenic Road Trip - 8 Days
South Ireland Scenic Road Trip - 8 Days

A great choice for families or travelers who prefer a little independence, this itinerary will take you on a leisurely road trip through some of Ireland's most scenic cities and natural sites. Experience the allure of Ireland as you drive along the coast and over verdant hills between stop at the medieval Rock of Cashel, Killarney National Park, and the Cliffs of Moher.

A beach on the Ring of Kerry route
Map of Classic Ireland Adventure - 7 Days
Classic Ireland Adventure - 7 Days

This guided road trip is the perfect introduction to Ireland for newbies. Over a week, you'll visit both classic icons and some off-the-beaten-path sites—paired with beautiful landscapes and gentle walks to breathe in the fresh air of Ireland's spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. In the evenings, partake in the local pub experience with a pint of Guinness and traditional Irish music. The tour starts and ends in Dublin, where you can bike and kayak to some of the capital's best sites.

Along the trail in Kerry
Map of Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Hike - 11 Days
Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Hike - 11 Days

Hike the Ring of Kerry at your own pace on this 11-day self-guided itinerary. The iconic Ring route is a loop of the Iveragh (pronounced eev-raa) Peninsula, on Europe's westerly edge. With the Atlantic and mountains ever-present, you'll follow the trail between some of Ireland's most charming towns and beauty spots, like Kenmare Bay, Caherdaniel, and Glencar. The start and end point of Killarney is easy to reach from a host of airports in Ireland.

Ring of Kerry
Map of Highlights of Ireland Road Trip - 10 Days
Highlights of Ireland Road Trip - 10 Days

Explore the magic of Ireland independently with this self-drive itinerary. You'll go from the ancient streets of Dublin to the rebel city of Cork, the quaint village of Killarney, and the breathtaking Ring of Kerry. Keep going to the spectacular views of the Cliffs of Moher and the buzzing cultural scene of Galway before you ultimately return to Dublin.

The medieval ruins of Ross Castle, Killarney National Park.
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Dingle & Galway - 7 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Dingle & Galway - 7 Days

Experience the best of Ireland's coastal scenery, historic sites, and vibrant cities on this week-long self-drive adventure. Starting in Dublin, this circular route takes you south to the Rock of Cashel and Ireland's second city of Cork, before heading into the wilds of Killarney National Park and along the spectacularly scenic Ring of Kerry. After a day spent exploring the Slea Peninsula and the seaside village of Dingle, you'll head up the west coast to hike along the Cliffs of Moher and spend a final night in Galway, enjoying the music, arts, and "craic" of the European cultural capital.

Make the Most of Your Time in Ireland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
A rainbow hovers above Ashford Castle, a luxury resort near Galway
How Many Days to Spend in Ireland

For a solid itinerary that covers Dublin or Belfast, plus outdoor activities in a few different counties, a 10-day trip is a great choice. With less time, you can still cover a...

Ireland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Ultimate Guide to Multi-Day Walks in Ireland
Ultimate Guide to Multi-Day Walks in Ireland

One of the best ways to experience Ireland's remote corners is with a multi-day walk through the heather-covered hills, stretches of unspoiled coast, and sheer cliffs that the...

Girl taking surfing lessons in Co. Donegal
Family Travel in Ireland

Ireland is full of kid-friendly outdoor adventures, fun ways to interact with ancient history, and cultural activities from falconry to farming. Chase the leprechaun legend in...

A loving couple look out at sunset over the Cliffs of Moher
Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Ireland

Ireland makes the ideal choice for a holiday with your true love: beautiful, mystery-steeped, constantly surprising and delighting, and one of the most warmly welcoming places...

Our Latest Ireland Content

The Slieve League, Irelands highest sea cliffs
Map of Ireland's Wild Northwest - 12 Days
Ireland's Wild Northwest - 12 Days

Welcome to the greenest part of Emerald Isle. Untamed, uncrowded, and unspoiled, Ireland's northwest is one of the most diverse wildernesses in Europe. Threaded with miles of empty roads, it's ripe for exploring by car. On this 12-day self-drive trip, you'll head directly west from Dublin and journey north up the Wild Atlantic Way, into a world of dramatic peninsulas, flower-specked marshland, sacred mountains, and Neolithic monuments.

Enjoy a seaside escape with the kids to the coast in County Kerry along the Ring of Kerry, Ireland
2 Weeks in Ireland - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Road-tripping for two weeks in Ireland is manageable, even with young children. You can visit at least six destinations, though focusing on the country's north or south is best. Explore Belfast and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland using Dublin as a jumping-off point. If venturing south, you can drive the Ring of Kerry, and it's easy to include the Cliffs of Moher in every itinerary. You'll surely experience family time at historical castles, on hiking trails, and along stunning coastlines.

Mullaghmore, County Sligo
Map of Ireland's Heritage & Legends - 11 Days
Ireland's Heritage & Legends - 11 Days

Starting from Dublin, this itinerary takes you on an anti-clockwise self-drive adventure around the Emerald Isle. Delve into history and folklore as you explore Ireland's dramatic landscape over 11 days. The trip includes guided tours of Boyne Valley’s ancient sacred sites, “haunted” Leap Castle, and a walk around Dublin’s Medieval Quarter. On the west coast, you’ll discover the enchanting setting that inspired the poetry of WB Yeats.

Ireland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Ireland map: Top Regions in Ireland
Top Regions in Ireland
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Ireland map: 5 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Ireland map: 10 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Ireland
Travel specialist Dean Garrison
active 7 hours ago

Dean Garrison

My role as a Sales executive is to help my clients achieve what they are looking for in a holiday to Ireland. Whether that would be offering places to stay, providing a detail Itinerary outlining...

read more...
Travel specialist Austin Rock
active 12 hours ago

Austin Rock

Being Irish I love Ireland! I have travelled a lot, I only see the good in people I have always enjoyed meeting others. Irish roots go very deep, I love our unique culture, our long history, our...

read more...
Travel specialist Stephen Molloy
active 5 hours ago

Stephen Molloy

Urbanist by training, he spent most of his twenties traveling and living overseas. Bitten by the bug, he lived in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, California, Australia, DRC, Kenya, Pakistan...and...

read more...
Travel specialist Rachel Long
active 7 hours ago

Rachel Long

Although I have always lived in beautiful Wales, I am passionate about travel. As a child I spent family holidays in Britain, touring the west coast of Scotland and the south coast of England,...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Ireland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Quaint countrysides, endless Guinness, and Irish hospitality
Ireland | Mar 3 - Mar 10, 2023

Madison
Madison K.
North Charleston, SC | Reviewed on Mar 12, 2023

We had an amazing trip in Ireland. Austin Rock is very kind & knowledgable and took us on a tour of Dublin on our first day. He did great with picking places to stay and visit based on our desire to see as much of Ireland and its beautiful landscapes we could in a span on 7 days. Quaint countrysides, endless Guinness, and Irish hospitality. Memories for a lifetime! read more

We had an amazing trip in Ireland. Austin Rock is very kind & knowledgable and took us on a tour of Dublin on our first day. He did great with picking places to stay and visit based on our desire to see as much of Ireland and its beautiful landscapes we could in a span on 7 days. Quaint countrysides, endless Guinness, and Irish hospitality. Memories for a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews
Cassidy's Hotel City Centre
Dublin
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Old Bank Townhouse Kinsale
Kinsale

Great hotel. Their Irish breakfast was the best we had!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Randles Hotel Killarney
Co. Kerry
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Harbour Hotel
Galway
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Monks Guesthouse & Famous Restaurant

The best place we stayed by far. Has a lot of character and charm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Dublin Walking Tour, Trinity Book of Kells & Christchurch Cathedral
Dublin

Austin was a great tour guide of Ireland. Great start to the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Reviewed on Mar 15, 2023

Thank you so much Madison, I enjoyed the walk around Dublin and it pleases me so much you had a wonderful time. The pictures are a terrific memory and you have a great eye for taking a picture. The images are a perfect advertisement for just having a great time. Maybe sometime in the future we will meet again.

An amazing experience from beginning to end. ...
Ireland | Dec 31 - Jan 8, 2023

Quoc-Dien
Quoc-Dien T.
Brookline, MA | Reviewed on Jan 09, 2023

An amazing experience from beginning to end. Rachel put together a perfect itinerary adapted to our needs in a very short period of time. read more

An amazing experience from beginning to end. Rachel put together a perfect itinerary adapted to our needs in a very short period of time.

Hotel Reviews
Cliff at Lyons
Co. Kildare
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bushmills Inn
Bushmills
The Ardilaun Hotel
Galway

Very good value for the money

Clontarf Castle Hotel
Dublin
Lough Eske Castle Hotel
Local specialist: Rachel Long

We are so thrilled!
Ireland | Dec 27 - Jan 5, 2023

Libby
Libby B.
La Vista, NE | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2023

We are so thrilled with the trip Austin planned and organized for us! We were struggling to plan on our own logistically and he put together an itinerary that made perfect sense. He booked wonderful places to stay and booked our car too. When we got to Dublin he met us and gave us a 2 hour walking tour of the city. I plan to hopefully use him again when my family takes a trip to Ireland! read more

We are so thrilled with the trip Austin planned and organized for us! We were struggling to plan on our own logistically and he put together an itinerary that made perfect sense. He booked wonderful places to stay and booked our car too. When we got to Dublin he met us and gave us a 2 hour walking tour of the city. I plan to hopefully use him again when my family takes a trip to Ireland!

Hotel Review
Ballyseede Castle
Co. Kerry

We had an amazing experience here! The room was huge and beautiful. The service was amazing. The food was the best we had in Ireland! Perfect castle experience.

Authenticity & Character
Historically preserved castle but modern like rooms
Location
Staff
Staff was accommodating and great service!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Local specialist: Austin Rock
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Reviewed on Jan 13, 2023

Hi Libby it was great working with you but even better meeting you and Luke it was a really enjoyable evening. I am delighted you enjoyed your trip.
Regards,
Austin