Impressive  Ireland tours & holidays

The best time to visit Ireland is during the spring, from April to early June, and in autumn, from September to October. Ireland’s temperate climate means it’s rarely scorchingly hot or freezingly cold, although the country’s famously beautiful countryside owes its lush greenness to the rain which you can expect year-round. Planning your Ireland holidays during the shoulder season avoids the worst of the wet winter weather as well as the crowds of the peak summer months. March is another good time to visit, but bear in mind that it will be very busy around St Patrick’s Day.

No, British citizens can visit and remain indefinitely in Ireland under the Common Travel Area rules, so there’s no need for a visa or any kind of permit for your Ireland breaks. Requirements can change, though – for the most up-to-date information on visas, please use the quick-check tool on our visa requirements page. 

If you’re focusing on Ireland’s cities, the train is often the best way to get around, with good links between urban areas, including routes between Dublin and Belfast or Dublin and Cork. Within Dublin itself, there’s a light-rail system known as the DART and two tram lines, while both Dublin and Belfast have a good bus networks (and very walkable centres). Outside the cities, there are also buses to some of the main tourist sights but these can be limited and it’s usually easiest to get around by car. Do be prepared for narrow winding lanes in the countryside though. If you’d prefer someone else to handle the transport, escorted tours to Ireland can be a hassle-free solution.

Ireland and Northern Ireland have some magnificent scenery to discover, and it’s easy to include at least one of the top scenic drives on your Ireland holidays. If you have the time, don’t miss driving the length of the Wild Atlantic Way, a route stretching 1600 miles with dramatic countryside and coast which easily lives up to its name. For a shorter option, one of the best-known routes is the Ring of Kerry, an 111-mile loop beginning and ending in Killarney. The Burren Loop is a quieter alternative taking you past striking karst landscapes and to the Cliffs of Moher. In the north, the Causeway Coastal Route has been called one of the world’s top road trips, passing the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges – just under 200 miles long, plan plenty of time for stops along the way.

A stop in Dublin is an unmissable part of any Ireland breaks, whether you’re fascinated by its history or the ‘craic’, the city’s unique atmosphere and pub culture. Start with a visit to Trinity College, founded in 1592, with its beautiful library housing the historic illuminated Gospel known as the Book of Kells. There’s art elsewhere too, including the Dublin City Gallery, the National Gallery of Ireland and Irish Museum of Modern Art, as well as the Museum of Literature, and three branches of the National Museum of Ireland; the one on Kildare Street has Celtic gold on display, plus four Iron Age ‘bog bodies’. No visit is complete without stopping at EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum, telling the story of how Irish people have spread across the world, impacting the world of sport, politics, the arts and more along the way. For another view of more recent history, Kilmainham Gaol has imprisoned a string of rebel leaders and Irish Republicans, while the Little Museum of Dublin takes a quirky look at the city’s past. Then you’ll have earned a glass of the ‘black stuff’ at the Guinness Storehouse, to learn how the famous drink is made. 

Whether you love the buzzing cities or the glorious countryside and coast, there’s plenty to tempt when you’re planning your Ireland holidays – and the island’s relatively compact size means that it’s easy to enjoy a bit of everything, whether you’re focusing on Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or a mix of the two. Don’t miss the two capitals, Belfast and Dublin, where you’ll find history, great museums and a vibrant nightlife. Ireland’s second city Cork is another must-visit destination, known for its food and picturesque river location, as well as making a great base to visit Cobh and the west coast. The coast itself is home to some of Ireland’s loveliest scenery, especially in Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry, or visit the Cliffs of Moher and follow the Wild Atlantic Way all the way along the coast. In the north, the striking basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway are deservedly one of the most popular sights in Northern Ireland, with more dramatic scenery along the Causeway coast.

You’ll be spoiled for choice if you’re hoping to visit a few castles, wherever your Ireland breaks take you, with dozens to discover across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In the north, it’s hard to beat Dunluce Castle, teetering on the cliff edge on the Causeway Coast, with parts dating back to the 13th century. Don’t miss the Norman Carrickfergus Castle on the north shore of Belfast Lough, one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in the country, with a chance to learn what life would have been like for the garrison stationed here. The Republic of Ireland is home to more than a few famous fortresses too, including Blarney Castle near Cork, home to the Blarney Stone that’s said to inspire Irish eloquence. Or for one of the most intact, Cahir Castle is an imposing medieval castle in Waterford that’s been used repeatedly as a filming location. For a great photo, the ruins of Ross Castle set on the banks of Lough Leane in Killarney have one of the most memorable locations in the country. And Dublin Castle might not be a traditional medieval fortress, but as well as being a working government building, you can visit the state apartments and learn more about the country’s history inside.

Focused around local ingredients, Irish food may not be as well-known as other cuisines, but you’ll find some delicious dishes which shouldn’t be missed during your Ireland holidays. Start with the national dish, Irish stew. Traditionally ingredients have varied from person to person and time to time, but the classic version features lamb with potatoes and onions, all cooked up together (and sometimes with a splash of Guinness). Even the simplest dishes get an Irish twist too; crumbly soda bread, potato farls (or potato bread) and Colcannon, mixing mashed potatoes, Savoy cabbage or kale, and butter for a creamy side. Look out for fantastic shellfish at the coast too. Save some space for Barmbrack, a fruit loaf packed with sultanas and raisins that’s usually toasted and buttered – traditionally, items were hidden inside at Halloween, symbolising different fortunes for those who found them in their slice.

The packing list for your Ireland breaks depends partly on what season you’ve chosen for your visit as well as whether you’re getting outdoors in the national parks or sticking to the cities. But any Ireland packing list needs to include layers as the weather can be unpredictable; summer days can be cloudy and drizzly, while you can experience unexpectedly sunny days in late spring and autumn, and four seasons in one day at times. Make sure you have a waterproof jacket that’s relatively lightweight so you can add warmer layers such as  fleeces underneath if needed, while a travel umbrella can be useful in the cities too. Quick-drying clothes are also a good option, such as walking trousers and long-sleeved cotton tops or T-shirts, plus comfortable walking shoes (or hiking boots). If you’re visiting Ireland in the summer, bring insect repellent to deter the midges, and in winter (or early spring/late autumn), add in gloves, scarf and hat against the chill. Dress codes in Ireland are relatively casual, so unless you’re planning something special, you won’t need lots of formal outfits, although it can be nice to have something smarter to change into for the evenings. For more tips, check out our packing guide.

Ireland can be unexpectedly expensive to visit, ranked one of the priciest countries in Europe and well ahead of the UK. Visiting outside peak season will help cut the cost of flights and accommodation, with autumn often proving the best balance of weather and affordability. You can also save on public transport using the LEAP visitor card and tourist attractions if you look for city passes, along with the Heritage card in Ireland and National Trust membership in Northern Ireland for historic sites. If you’re looking forward to a pint of Guinness, you can expect to pay at least 6 euros, more in Dublin’s Temple Bar, while a glass of Irish whiskey will have a higher price tag. Joining one of our Ireland tours from the UK makes it easier to budget upfront, with many meals and excursions included, along with transport and hotels.