Planning a trip to Ireland? Here is everything you need to know before going. This blog is your ultimate guide to Ireland! Including where to stay, what to eat, & top places to visit!
Welcome to Ireland! It may be a small county, but it has a massive reputation: the most beautiful landscapes in the world, the friendliest people, and a rich historical heritage. Dublin is Ireland’s capital and largest city. A gateway into the country, it has many distractions to keep visitors busy for days.
The most popular route is to the south of Dublin around the Wild Atlantic Way. But if you travel north, there are some hidden gems to discover!
- Where Is It
- How To Get There
- Language
- Currency
- Where To Eat
- Where to Stay
- Best Time To Go
- Climate
- What To Do – 7 Day Itinerary
- What To Pack
- Best Instagram Spots
Where Is It
Ireland is an island in northwestern Europe in the north Atlantic Ocean. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St George’s Channel.
The time zone in Ireland is Western European Time (UTC/GMT November to March: plus one hour April to October)
How To Get There
The most popular way to get to Ireland is to fly. (There are some ferries from Scotland and England, however, they can be expensive and inconvenient).
Ireland has 5 International Airports:
Dublin Airport – North of Dublin City on the east coast.
Cork Airport – Just south of Cork City on the south coast.
Shannon Airport – North of Limerick City on the west coast.
Knock Airport (Ireland West Airport Knock) – in County Mayo in the North West.
Language
The official language in Ireland is Irish (Gaeilge). But throughout the country, and especially in the major cities, English is widely spoken.
Currency
The Republic of Ireland uses the euro. However, in Northern Ireland, the Pound is used.
Credit card payment is available in most places in Dublin. However, it is a good idea to carry cash for emergency purposes. (I found most taxi drivers preferred cash).
Where To Eat
In more recent years, Ireland has become a major foodie scene! Specializing in local produce and ingredients. These are the top foods you need to try!
Irish Breakfast
Starting bright and early in the morning, you have to experience an authentic Irish breakfast! Consisting of eggs (usually fried), beans, toast, sausage, bacon, and fried tomato. It is a hardy meal that will fill you up quickly! And of course, you cannot forget your morning tea!
Seafood Chowder
I found seafood chowder on pretty much every menu while exploring the northern and south coasts of Ireland. Usually consisting of a potato or vegetable base, with an assortment of smoked fish, clams, and other tasty seafood delicacies. Perfect for those rainy afternoons!
Irish Stew
My favorite dish here in Ireland is their stew! There are two kinds to choose from, beef or lamb. (I always go with beef). The stew is combined with Irish Stout and gravy, mixed with vegetables (most times carrots and onion). And usually served with mashed potato.
Where to Stay
There is a great range of stays in Dublin from hostels to five-star hotels. Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during high season. We chose to stay in a chain hotel, but if you are looking for a more authentic Irish stay, try a B&B!
Antrim House Bed and Breakfast
Portrush is a small fishing village located on the north coast of County Antrim. It is the perfect first stop if you are visiting Northern Ireland. Stroll the White Rock Beach and take in the sunset. Or explore the Royal Portrush Golf Club, the location of the 2019 US Open. For the full seaside getaway stay at the Antrim House Bed and Breakfast. Spacious rooms, delicious homemade Irish breakfast, and wonderful hospitality! $105 a night.
Westport Coast Hotel
Westport is a town on the edge of an Atlantic inlet, on Ireland’s northwest coast. In the Georgian town center, stone bridges link the tree-lined promenade on the banks of the Carrowbeg River. Rockfleet Castle and Burrishoole Abbey, both to the northwest, have ties to the 16th-century pirate queen, Grace O’ Malley. Explore the Westport House – a Georgian-era estate with a gorgeous lake view! Stay at the Westport Coast Hotel for a relaxing getaway! Stunning water views, a restaurant with a delicious menu, and an amazing spa!
Stay in Limerick
If you are looking for a B&B, check out Courtbrack Accommodation. Serving as student accommodation during the school year, the red-brick building is open to visitors in the summer. Includes laundry, continental breakfast, and wifi! If you are looking for a hotel stay, treat yourself to the No 1 Pery Square Hotel. Choose between their elegant club rooms or their classic period rooms.
Stay in Dingle
Check out Pax House for an outstanding B&B stay. Glass framed terrace and breakfast incorporate produce grown in its own garden, it is a treat to stay here! An ocean-like swimming pool, spa, and hot door hot tub are just some of the features of the Dingle Skellig Hotel. You will not regret booking a room for the night (or two).
Seafood is what stands out when dining in Dingle. Restaurants, cafes, and pubs – no matter what you choose, it will be delicious! Check out Chowder for an excellent lunch menu! Idas is a must-visit for an authentic Dingle cuisine experience! Finish off at Murphy’s for some sublime ice cream cones!
Best Time To Go
High Season (June-Mid-September)
The weather is at its best during these months. Think warmer temperatures and although it is never guaranteed, blue skies and sun! The peak time for visitors and accommodation.
Shoulder (Easter-May, Mid-September-October)
The weather is fantastic during this time (typically with more rain in May). The long summers can usually lead to warm temperatures into September. The Summer crowds tend to drop off.
Low Season (November-February)
Most places have reduced hours, with some closing altogether. It can be cold and wet, sometimes even foggy during this time. Low visitor number (Christmas time being the exception).
Climate
The climate of Ireland is oceanic, cool, and humid throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from around 41F (5C) in January and February to around 59F (15C) in July and August. In other words, if you are traveling doing the summer months, pack layers! There can be a rain shower or two during the day. If it is a particularly wet day, there are plenty of activities indoors!
What To Do – 7 Day Itinerary
Start in Dublin. If you only have a day to spend in this amazing city, start with Trinity College and the Book of Kells! As you are leaving, grab a photo near the Molly Malone statue. Followed by a trip to Dublin Castle and St Patricks Cathedral.
Be the first ones in line at the Guinness Storehouse. And after you grab a bite to eat, take an afternoon walking tour! Choose from the best of Dublin walking tours, a historical 1916 Rebellion walking tour, or try a dark and mystery walking tour. Don’t forget those walking food tours!
On day 2, head north from Dublin to the city of Belfast.
Keep in mind Belfast is located in the country of Northern Ireland. (Dublin is located in the Republic of Ireland). At this time there is no border control or any need to bring your passport as you cross the border. You will need to run by the bank as pounds are used as currency, rather than the euro.
The first thing you might notice in Belfast is the Peace wall. The Peace Walls are a series of barriers that were erected across the course of “The Troubles” which are still visible throughout Northern Ireland today. Another site in Belfast to visit is the Titanic Museum. The self-guided tour extends over nine interactive galleries where you discover the sights, sounds, smells, and stories of the ship.
After you have spent the morning in Belfast, keep heading north to Ballycastle. Here you can walk across the National Trust – Carrick-a-Rede. Or get a gorgeous photo of the coast at the Portaneevy Car Park & Viewpoint.
Travel to your next stop – Giant’s Causeway. Legend has it the Giant’s Causeway was built and partially destroyed in a battle between two giants, Irish Finn McCool and the Scottish Benandonner. After parking at the visitor center, the quickest way to the Causeway is the Blue Trail. Follow the kerb stone footpath eastward. On your right will be the sheer dramatic cliff face, and on the left, the wild North Atlantic Ocean. You will turn a sharp corner called Windy Gap. From here the causeway stone outcrop will be visible in the distance beyond the bay. (There is also a shuttle if you do not feel up to the climb).
London Derry (or Derry as it is known in the Republic of Ireland) is the first stop of day 3.
The top attraction here is The Derry Walls. These 17th-century enclosure circles the city. It has a total of 24 restored cannons and 7 gates. One most famously featured on Derry Girls.
The next stop of the day is the beautiful Glenveagh National Park. More specifically Glenveagh Castle. Glenveagh Castle is a 19th-century castellated mansion and was built between 1867 and 1873. Its construction in a remote mountain setting was inspired by the Victorian idyll of a romantic highland retreat. It was designed by John Townsend Trench, a cousin of its builder and first owner, John George Adair, with whom he had been raised in Co. Laois.
The designer appears to have imitated the style of earlier Irish Tower-houses adding an air of antiquity to the castle. The building stone chosen was granite, plentiful in Donegal but difficult to work and allowing for little detail. Admission to the Park is free. Charges only apply to services (shuttle services to the castle from the visitor center). The National Park is open to walkers all year around.
A visit to Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is a perfect way to start day 4!
It is the largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Ireland. It lies just southwest of Sligo town, right at the heart of the Cúil Írra Peninsula. Packed together at Carrowmore are more than 30 stone tombs, many of which are still visible. Most are passage tombs and boulder circles. There are various forts and standing stones in the area too. The origins of these monuments reach far into prehistory – the most ancient among them is close to 6,000 years old. (Opens at 10 am for 5 euros).
Achill Island is a gorgeous spot to spend the afternoon. Marked by rugged mountains and peat bogs, the island is known for its tall sea cliffs and clean beaches. Its breezy shoreline makes it a popular spot for water sports. Check out the Slievemore Deserted Village along the slopes of Slievemore mountain.
Start day 5 but traveling to County Galway.
Located on the shores of Galway Bay is the picturesque Dunguaire Castle. Built in 1520, you can experience the castle through a self-guided tour. If your time is flexible, stay for a banquet! In the tradition of the medieval ‘King Guaire,’ you are welcomed to savor a delicious four-course dinner. Enjoy fine wines, stories, and excerpts selected to lift the soul and lighten the heart. (7.50 Euro for the castle tour and 63 Euro for the banquet)).
One of the most popular sights in Ireland is the Cliffs of Moher. If you are lucky enough to get a clear day, the cliffs are jaw-dropping. Sunsets here are a mix of pinks, purples, and reds. From the visitor center, you can follow the Doolin Trail to O’Brian’s Tower. If you are up for the walk, Try Hag’s Head or the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk. It is free to enter the walkways to the Cliffs, however, you will have to pay for parking (around 6 Euros).
Make your way through the Wild Atlantic Way on day 6.
And make your way to one of the highlights The Dingle Peninsula – Ireland’s most western point! Ancient landscapes, prehistoric rings, crosses, and holy wells, you will not want to miss this! Start by driving through Conor Pass. The views from the road are breathtaking, with a glaciated landscape of mountains, corrie lakes, and a broad sweeping valley spread out below. There are some very narrow sections where two cars cannot pass, so drivers need to keep their eyes peeled when driving and be ready to stop at the wider sections.
As you continue on to Slea Head, you will find The Fahan Beehive Huts. Comprised of 18 standing clochans (beehive huts). There are also inscribed stones, sculptured crosses, and earthen ring forts. The exact age of the houses is uncertain, and different theories date them anywhere from the eighth to 12th centuries AD. It’s likely hermit monks and followers of Saint Peter once lived in them, though pagans may have also called some of the cone-shaped structures home even earlier.
If you are up for an adventure visit the Great Blasket Islands. These stunning islands are renowned for their magnificent beauty and rugged wildness – seals, whales, and dolphins; puffins and an array of sea birds; the “Cathedral Rocks” of Inis na Bró; the most westerly lighthouse of Ireland – An Tiaracht; and our famous “Sleeping Giant”, An Fear Marbh (Inis Tuaisceart). Book a tour today!
On your 7th and final day in Southern Ireland, discover the Ring of Kerry.
Windswept beaches, Atlantic waves, cliffs, and islands, not to mention the mountains and glinting loughs that can be seen as you journey around the Iveragh Peninsula. Valentia Island is a scenic highlight on the Kerry Ring. Some of it is accessible by boat, however, you can reach Valentia by a short bridge. (Or a summer car-ferry service). Shop, visit the Glanleam House and gardens or take a cruise around the Skellig Islands.
One of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions is Blarney Castle. Visit the impressive 16-century tower, and gorgeous grounds! Make the ascent to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the Gift of Gab. (The climb is steep, and the stairs can be claustrophobic). But all is forgotten once you admire the stunning view as you descend the tower. I highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance as this is a popular tour bus stop. (Opens at 9 am and 8 Euros per person).
What To Pack
Ireland during the spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit! However, it can come with the occasional rain shower and cooler temperatures. Packing is always a bit of a challenge for me. I want to anticipate every situation, and in doing so I tend to over-pack. I like to be prepared for any season or adventure, no matter where I was going. One of the things that helped me most is packing in layers. Also, outfits I can mix and match. I recommend bringing a few sweaters along with some cooler shirts that can be worn underneath. That way, as the day heats up, you can remove the sweater. Be sure to check the weather on a day-to-day basis.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
It is essential you bring a rain jacket to Ireland. You should always have it handy for those unexpected Irish rain showers. My favorite rain jacket is the Venture from North Face.
Best Instagram Spots
Ireland is one of the best countries for Instagram shots! There can be countless photo opportunities throughout the country, you just need to know where to look! My favorite is Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, and Blarney Castle.
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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