Image: Custom House, Dublin (photo courtesy Feverstockphoto/Getty Images/E+)
Image: Custom House, Dublin (photo courtesy Feverstockphoto/Getty Images/E+)
Ireland Today: November 27, 4:44 AM 40°F Light Rain

Ireland Travel Guide 

Ireland is known for its long-standing traditions of pubs, Guinness pints, and music. And while you may be picturing this island as a green landscape with old castles and cobble walk roads, Ireland has so much more to offer (including an impressive coastline and beaches and a variety of special Irish experiences).

This travel guide will tell you everything you need to know about this country in the far western region of Europe, including where to stay and when to visit.

Ireland has an Irish Rail with direct city-to-city links and a Bus Eireann’s network, making trains and buses a popular option for getting around Ireland. 

Dublin also has a DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) rail system, which is a lightweight electric rail system linking the capital to seaside suburbs.

The public transport network in Ireland covers almost every location nationwide and is easy to navigate. 

If you want to use public transport, you need to purchase a Leap Card, which will provide discounts on bus, tram, and train fares. 

You can also opt for car hire when visiting Ireland for its flexibility, but we haven’t tested this option out because the public transport was so efficient. 

We can recommend boat hire and ferry options, especially as a means of visiting one of the smaller islands. 

There are also many off-road hiking and cycling routes for the more adventurous.

 

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Important Things To Know

Currency

Chances are that you will need Euros when traveling to Ireland. 

The Republic of Ireland has used the Euro (€) since joining the European Union in 1999. Northern Ireland, which still forms part of the UK, accepts the British pound sterling (£).

National Languages

In Ireland, you will predominantly be speaking English. 

The country speaks predominantly English (98,4%), with a small percentage (1,6%) speaking Irish.

Derry, Northern Ireland, lit up during Halloween-time.

Derry, Northern Ireland, lit up during Halloween-time. (photo courtesy of CIE Tours)

Time Zone

Ireland observes daylight savings time in the summer. The time difference is usually 0 hours in summer and 1 hour in winter.

Climate And Weather

We would describe Ireland’s weather as mild with a lack of temperature extremes. 

The island has warm summers and mild winters. But pack your umbrella because this country has heavy rainfall, with the wettest months being December and January. 

The sunniest months are May and June, and during the height of the summer (May to July), the days are so long that it only gets dark at 10 pm.

We loved the fact that this gives you a bit of extra travel time. 

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When To Visit Ireland

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Britain and Ireland Discovery Guided Tour (Photo Credit: Insight Vacations)

Because of the pleasant weather, Ireland is a year-round destination. We recommend visiting during spring and fall because it is less crowded with tourists. 

If you are worried about crowds, opt for May or mid-September to October as the best times to visit. 

If you don’t mind a bit of bustle, it is best to go during the high season during the summer months.

 

Best Places To Stay In Ireland

Westfjords, waterfall, Iceland
Westfjords waterfall, Iceland(Photo by Lauren Breedlove)

Ireland boasts a variety of places to stay. These are some of our favorite spots: 

  • Dublin is the capital of Ireland and perfect for anyone who wants to experience the best that Ireland has to offer on a budget. It is also perfect for shorter stays due to its location and variety of hotels.
  • Galway is known as the cultural heart of Ireland and with good reason. We loved the absolutely stunning views that this coastal town has to offer. Not only will you get a chance to experience these, but also its rich history and variety of castles.
  • Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and balances a relaxed vibe with the hustle and bustle of city life. We recommend exploring its variety of breakfast spots and nightlife activities.
  • Sligo is a small seaport town that offers a more tranquil and relaxed atmosphere than any of the above destinations. Because of its more rural location, this humble town charms anyone who visits it for a relaxing getaway. 

 

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Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

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Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

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Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me