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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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

See natural wonders like the Giant's Causeway on this scenic multicountry tour
Map of Discover Scotland & Ireland: Castles & Cuisine - 15 Days
Discover Scotland & Ireland: Castles & Cuisine - 15 Days

Zip around Scotland and Ireland on this 15-day itinerary packed with the best castles and local fare. Your culture-rich road trip starts in Edinburgh with a visit to the iconic castle. After, drive into the Scottish Highlands, stopping at local distilleries in Pitlochry before reaching Glasgow for a musical march. Fly into Belfast, then lap the Emerald Isle. Tick off the Giant's Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, the Rock of Cashel, and Kilkenny Castle. Finish in Dublin with a Guinness and Jameson tasting tour.

Begin and end your Irish adventure in Dublin
Map of Ireland Self-Drive Cultural Tour - 9 Days
Ireland Self-Drive Cultural Tour - 9 Days

Go off the beaten track on this self-drive history and cultural tour of Ireland that takes you to some of the country's most beautiful regions and noteworthy landmarks. From Dublin, you'll visit ancient burial mounds, travel the Wild Atlantic Way, hike through national parks, and tour historic castles. For a bit of fun, you'll enjoy nights out at local pubs and walking tours of vibrant cities like Galway and Dublin.

Sunset over the Claddagh in Galway
Map of Adventure in Southern Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 11 Days
Adventure in Southern Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 11 Days

On this 11-day journey through southern Ireland, you'll eat, drink, and travel like a local. In Dublin, you'll see highlight landmarks on walking tours plus imbibe at the famous Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse. Then hit the road and enjoy the stunning scenery of counties Cork, Kerry, and Galway as you take boat trips, visit the Cliffs of Moher, embark on nature hikes, tour historic villages, and much more.

Ireland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Top Regions in Ireland
Top Regions in Ireland
View article
Map 5 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 6 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
6 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Ireland
Travel specialist Dean Garrison
active 50 mins 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 Jane Davey
active 1 min ago

Jane Davey

Born and raised in the UK, I’ve always had a love affair with the great outdoors. It’s no wonder I ended up in travel! Growing up, family holidays meant exploring the UK with my parents and...

read more...
Travel specialist Aleksandra Shebaltseva
active 14 mins ago

Aleksandra Shebaltseva

As a passionate traveler, my approach is anchored in the belief that every journey is an opportunity for exploration and growth. With a penchant for immersing myself in diverse cultures and seeking...

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...

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Trip Reviews for Ireland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our Ireland trip August 23 to August 31
Ireland | Aug 24 - Aug 29, 2025

Joanne
Joanne A.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 01, 2025
Kimkim travel agent was amazing very easy to use! You just explain what you are looking to do during your vacation and they do the rest!!! Cathy was awesome always quick to reply to any questions that I had!! The whole thing was so easy the planning, the payment. Then the Roadbook wow I can’t even begin to explain how amazing all the details they provided us!! The google maps links from one location to the other the time it will take to get to one location to the other the schedule that they... Read more

Kimkim travel agent was amazing very easy to use! You just explain what you are looking to do during your vacation and they do the rest!!! Cathy was awesome always quick to reply to any questions that I had!! The whole thing was so easy the planning, the payment. Then the Roadbook wow I can’t even begin to explain how amazing all the details they provided us!! The google maps links from one location to the other the time it will take to get to one location to the other the schedule that they set was perfect to go from one tourist destination to the other! All the tickets were provided that we would need for entrance for our stops!!! But what we are most grateful for was the hotels they chose! They were amazing! With comfortable rooms and beds to amazing breakfast! The attractions that they chose for us were wonderful!!! I can’t say enough about how pleased we were with Kimkim (Cathy)
Thank you so much for your time and for planning such a wonderful vacation that we will remember for ever!

Hotel Reviews
George Hotel Limerick City
Limerick

The hotel is lovely but no parking on site so hard with luggage

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was in a city so traffic and no parking
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blarney Woolen Mills Hotel
Blarney, Ireland

Steps away from the Blarney Stone! Very clean Nice staff

Authenticity & Character
Lots of shops at the hotel location
Location
Just seconds away from the Blarney castle
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom and rooms were clean
Killarney Heights Hotel
Killarney

Very lovely clean and beautiful

Authenticity & Character
Clean and comfortable beds
Location
Easy to get to and close to our attractions
Staff
Very kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom in lobby clean hotel rooms very clean
Fiddle & Bow
Doolin

This hotel was so cute and charming very bohemian. The workers were very helpful to any information that we asked about! Gave us great recommendations on where to go eat and any extra sightseeing that we must do!

Authenticity & Character
Every detail in that hotel was amazing definitely Bohemian style, which we loved!
Location
In such a cute town with pubs and cows all around!
Staff
Vladimir gave us amazing insight on places to go
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds were so comfortable!!!
The Connacht Hotel
Galway

Lovely hotel, beds very comfortable breakfast was wonderful!!! Very nice workers and it was very clean!

Authenticity & Character
Had very nice charm
Location
Easy to get to, lots of parking around back
Staff
Very helpful and kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lobby bathrooms were clean and hotel rooms were lovely
Activity Reviews
Welcome to Limerick!
Welcome to Limerick!
Limerick

More of city living, lots of traffic rather be back in Dingle for sure. But have to make our way closer to Shannon Airport!

Quality of Experience
Transport
Hard to find parking had to use parking garage a block and half away from hotel! Very hard with all your luggage! But it was a clean city!
Rock of Cashel
Rock of Cashel
Ireland

All up hill. But beautiful

Quality of Experience
All up hill but beautiful to see
Welcome to Cashel!
Welcome to Cashel!
Cashel

Lovely little town

Quality of Experience
Killarney National Park Jaunt - From Park to Castle
Killarney National Park Jaunt - From Park to Castle
Ireland

The hour long ride was lovely.

Quality of Experience
We had a beautiful sunny day
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kyle was a young 18 yr old driver that was very kind and informative.
Transport
The horse carriage ride was clean and very smooth
Harrow  : Authentic dining experience
Harrow : Authentic dining experience
Killarney

Lovely little restaurant in town.

Quality of Experience
Food was delicious!!!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staff was wonderful
Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring Private Day Tour
Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring Private Day Tour
Ireland

Lots of Ireland information! Aodan catered the trip around our abilities to be able to walk or climb and our likes and what we would really like to see!

Quality of Experience
5 stars our driver Aodan was great to work with!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very informative
Transport
Drove those windy roads gracefully
Afternoon tea at Dromoland Castle
Afternoon tea at Dromoland Castle
Doolin

5star experience first class all the way!

Quality of Experience
The food and desserts were delicious
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The staff was delightful
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center tickets
Ireland

The staff was wonderful the have golf cart to take the handicap or elderly up to the top!!

Quality of Experience
We had a beautiful day with the sun out so we could see the cliffs perfectly!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The golf carts were amazing to help older people!
Transport
Very kind and helpful with the walker!!!
Welcome to Doolin
Welcome to Doolin
Doolin
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Traditional working sheep farm and Sheepdog demonstration
Traditional working sheep farm and Sheepdog demonstration
Ireland

One of our favorite things that we did! Very interesting and informative. Loved watching Rex handle the sheep. So glad we did it worth seeing for sure!

Quality of Experience
Just fascinating to watch and beautiful scenery all around!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The owner was very nice and answered lots of questions
Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey
Ireland

A must do attraction! The garden s there were amazing

Quality of Experience
The tea shop at the garden had amazing hot soups and sandwiches to warm up!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
A staff told us the history of the Abby because my mom couldn’t walk the steps to where the briefing was at.
Transport
Yes they have a bus to drive you back and forth from garden to Abby and a shelter out of the rain while waiting for the bus!
Local specialist: Cathy Geoffroy

Ireland Was Amazing!
Ireland | Aug 24 - Aug 30, 2025

M
Matt C.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025

The trip was really amazing. We found some added adventures that I think you need to add to your list, but all in all - very satisfied. Avondale Forrest Experience and a drive through Black Valley near Killarney were the highlights of the things that we added.
The fishing trip was not what I expected. Guy was nice, but we fished basically in town and never had a bite in 6 hours that we casted over and over again. Had hoped to at least see some scenery.
Still could not have planned a better trip!

Thanks,
Matt

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 01, 2025
Hi Matt, Thank you for taking the time to write a review of your trip. I'm really glad to hear the experience was amazing overall—and it sounds like you uncovered a couple of real gems! I'll definitely add the Avondale Forest Experience and the drive through Black Valley near Killarney to the list. Those are fantastic additions. That area has such hidden beauty, and Black Valley especially is one of those special places that many people miss unless they know to look for it. I'm sorry to... Read more

Hi Matt,

Thank you for taking the time to write a review of your trip.

I'm really glad to hear the experience was amazing overall—and it sounds like you uncovered a couple of real gems! I'll definitely add the Avondale Forest Experience and the drive through Black Valley near Killarney to the list. Those are fantastic additions. That area has such hidden beauty, and Black Valley especially is one of those special places that many people miss unless they know to look for it.

I'm sorry to hear the fishing trip didn’t meet your expectations. I’ll be sure to pass your feedback along to the tour company—we really value honest insights like this, as they help us ensure future experiences are as rewarding as possible.

Thanks again for the great feedback—it truly helps. And if you have any photos or more details you’d like to share from the new spots, I’d love to see them!

Best regards,

Dean

Another amazing trip ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ireland | Aug 9 - Aug 19, 2025

Deborah
Deborah F.
Wayne, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025
Another amazing trip using KimKim we had a fun filled adventure I recommend kimkim for any trip their personal touch to detail and times is suberb. Always readily available to answer any question or issues before during and after our trip. Jane worked timelessly with Kathleen to make this trip excellent her colleagues helped us during the trip with questions Kim Kim with always be my number one choice to use on any future trips thank you to all and especially to Jane for a memorable... Read more

Another amazing trip using KimKim we had a fun filled adventure I recommend kimkim for any trip their personal touch to detail and times is suberb. Always readily available to answer any question or issues before during and after our trip. Jane worked timelessly with Kathleen to make this trip excellent her colleagues helped us during the trip with questions Kim Kim with always be my number one choice to use on any future trips thank you to all and especially to Jane for a memorable experience

Hotel Reviews
Castle Hotel
Dublin

Rooms were perfect for a large group

Authenticity & Character
Very clean and detail of authenticity
Location
Walkable to all areas of Dublin
Staff
Staff was very helpful and attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfectly clean
Clontarf Castle Hotel
Dublin 3

Although our time at clontarf was short it was beautiful

Authenticity & Character
Had the character original castle with details of authenticity perfect stay
Location
Location was out of the hustle bustle of Dublin was nice
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fraser House Inverness
Inverness

This was my personal highlight stop of our trip beautiful area amazing home beyond my dreams

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful charm authentic bed and breakfast charming home
Location
Inverness riverfront beautiful area walking dustanxe to shopping eating and old charm church’s historic areas
Staff
Leila I can’t say enough her hospitality and friendliness always so helpful I for sure will be coming back to enjoy such a peaceful area
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were beautifully arrangedd and comfortable newly renovated and such detail to charm and decor spotless clean
Royal Scots Club
Edinburgh

Beautiful loved the detail throughout the hotel all staff was pleasant and extremely helpful the rooms were spotless

Authenticity & Character
Lovely the character and detail to keeping with the hotels old charm
Location
Perfect location
Staff
Always pleasant and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was amazing it was clean and comfortable and perfectly setup
Activity Reviews
Night out at the Merry Ploughboy + Transport, show and a meal
Night out at the Merry Ploughboy + Transport, show and a meal
Dublin

Loved the everything about this night food staff singers and dancers so much fun

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour
Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour
Dublin

Funnnnnnn!!!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blarney Castle, Rock of Cashel & Cork Tour from Dublin
Blarney Castle, Rock of Cashel & Cork Tour from Dublin
Dublin
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cliff of Moher tour from Dublin
Cliff of Moher tour from Dublin
Dublin
Quality of Experience
Transport
Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip
Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip
Dublin

Loved this tour so unique and absolutely fun

Quality of Experience
Food was great
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Perfect and fun
Transport
Such a cute ride
Dublin Private Walking Tour
Dublin Private Walking Tour
Dublin
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day out on the Jacobite Train (of Harry Potter fame)
Day out on the Jacobite Train (of Harry Potter fame)
Ireland

It was a great tour only part that was not desirable was the train ride a lot of hype anout Harry Potter but was just a steam train ride on an oppressive hot day and the train had no windows that opened it was very hot

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
Inverness

Besutiful

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver was fun and knowledge
Transport
Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour
Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour
Edinburgh
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide
Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide
Edinburgh

It was great

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jane Davey
Jane
Jane Davey
Local specialist in United Kingdom | Replied on Aug 25, 2025

Hi Deborah

What a lovely welcome back from my own vacation. Thank you for your kind words and detailed review. It was an absolute pleasure working with you all and delighted that the team and I were available to create such perfect memories for you all.

Look forward to working with you again in the future.

All the best, Jane

Why travelers love kimkim

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