Why Visit Ireland
Ireland punches well above its weight for a country this size. You get ancient history, genuinely wild coastline, world-class pubs, and some of the friendliest locals you'll encounter anywhere in Europe — all within a few hours of each other. Dublin anchors most trips with Trinity College, the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, and a pub scene that runs deep into the night. But the real Ireland reveals itself when you head west toward Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands, or south toward Cork and the winding roads of the Ring of Kerry.
Ireland is not a budget destination, but it delivers value if you know where to spend. The landscapes are genuinely dramatic — think rugged Atlantic cliffs, green rolling hills, and medieval stone ruins around every bend. Add in a thriving live music culture, strong food scene (especially in Cork and Galway), and easy access from North America and Europe, and it earns its place on most travel lists. Day trips from Dublin also open up the Wicklow Mountains, Kilkenny, and the Boyne Valley megalithic tombs at Newgrange — older than Stonehenge and Giza.
Best Time to Visit Ireland
The honest answer: there is no perfect time, just trade-offs. May through September is your best window. Temperatures sit between 15–20°C (59–68°F), daylight stretches past 10pm in June and July, and most attractions are fully open. July and August are peak season — expect crowds at the Cliffs of Moher and Dublin's Temple Bar, and book accommodation weeks ahead. May and September are the sweet spot: fewer tourists, reasonable prices, and still decent weather. March 17 brings St. Patrick's Day festivities across the country — Dublin's parade draws hundreds of thousands, so book flights and hotels months out if that's your goal. October through April means frequent rain, shorter days, and some rural attractions shutting down, but you'll get cheaper prices, cozy pub culture at its best, and a more authentic feel in smaller towns.
Getting Around Ireland
For getting between cities, Bus Éireann is the national coach network and covers most of the country affordably. Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) connects Dublin to Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Belfast — trains are comfortable and scenic, though not always fast. The Dublin to Cork train takes about 2.5 hours. For anything off the main intercity routes — the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry, rural Clare — you need a car. Driving is on the left, roads are narrow outside cities, and GPS is essential. Rental cars start around €40–60 per day. Fuel is expensive. If you're sticking to cities, the Dublin Bus network and Luas tram system cover the capital well, and the DART commuter rail runs along the coast. Taxis and rideshare apps (Free Now is dominant) work reliably in Dublin and Cork.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU citizens do not need a visa or even a passport — a national ID card is technically sufficient, though airlines may require a passport. UK nationals travel freely under the Common Travel Area and can stay indefinitely. US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days, provided your passport was issued within the last 10 years and remains valid for the duration of your stay. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so your Schengen stamps and days do not count here — it's a completely separate entry system. For stays longer than 90 days, US citizens must register for an Irish Residence Permit. No vaccines are required for entry.
Money & Budget
Ireland uses the euro (€). Note that Northern Ireland uses pound sterling (GBP) — if you're visiting Belfast, you'll need a different currency. Contactless card payments are widely accepted in cities and most towns. Carry some cash for rural pubs, farm shops, markets, and smaller B&Bs that still prefer it. Airport currency exchange is poor value — use your card or withdraw from ATMs on arrival. Notify your bank before travel to avoid fraud blocks. Budget travelers staying in hostels and cooking or eating cheaply can manage on €70–100 per day. A mid-range trip — decent hotel, pub meals, a few paid attractions — runs €130–200 per person per day. Luxury (castle hotels, fine dining, private transfers) starts at €300+. Dublin and tourist hotspots like the Cliffs of Moher area are noticeably pricier than the rest of the country.
Top Cities to Visit in Ireland
- Dublin: The capital and most visited city — base yourself here for history, nightlife, world-class museums, and easy access to day trips across Leinster.
- Galway: The most culturally vibrant city in the west, known for traditional music, street performers, good food, and its gateway position for the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara.
- Cork: Ireland's second city with a serious food culture centered on the English Market, a strong craft beer scene, and the nearby Ring of Kerry and Blarney Castle.
- Kilkenny: A compact medieval city with a well-preserved castle, craft heritage, and one of Ireland's best pub atmospheres — easy day trip or overnight from Dublin.
- Limerick: Often overlooked but useful as a base for the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Adare village; the city itself has solid history and a regenerating food scene.
- Belfast: Technically Northern Ireland (UK), but easily accessible and worth the trip for the Titanic Museum, political murals, Cathedral Quarter nightlife, and the Giant's Causeway day trip. Remember you're spending pounds here, not euros.
FAQ — Flights to Ireland
Which airports should I fly into for Ireland?
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the main hub and handles the majority of international and transatlantic flights. Cork Airport (ORK) is useful if you're heading straight to the southwest. Shannon Airport (SNN) in County Clare serves the west and also handles some transatlantic routes with US pre-clearance, meaning you clear US customs before you board — a genuine time-saver on the way home.
Are there direct flights to Ireland from the US?
Yes. Aer Lingus and United fly direct from New York (JFK and EWR), Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and a handful of other US cities to Dublin and Shannon. Flight time from the East Coast is roughly 6–7 hours westbound, shorter eastbound. Shannon's US pre-clearance facility is worth knowing about if you're flying home from the west of Ireland.
Is it worth flying into Belfast instead of Dublin?
It can be, depending on your itinerary. Belfast International (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) are well-connected to UK cities and some European routes, and fares can be cheaper. If your trip is focused on Northern Ireland, the Causeway Coast, or you're combining a UK and Ireland trip, flying into Belfast makes sense. Just remember you're entering the UK, not the Republic — different currency, same Common Travel Area rules for most nationalities.