The Republic of Ireland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean on the western edge of Europe.

The country is a member of the European Union, and the currency in Ireland is the euro (€).

Dublin is the capital city that is positioned on the east coast.

The Emerald Isle is known for its unique history, incredible scenery, rich heritage, and warm hospitality.

Ireland is a tourist-friendly country that offers a variety of attractions and activities for all visitors.

These tips and good-to-knows will help you travel around Ireland with ease and confidence.

Plan a Trip to Ireland

The best way to enjoy your trip to the Emerald Isle is to know what to expect and to travel well-prepared.

Before you embark on your journey, there are some essential things to know about Ireland.

We believe the best way to discover Ireland is to rent a car and embark on a road trip. The best part is that car rental allows you to plan your perfect 2-week Ireland itinerary according to your preferences.

The Wild Atlantic Way road trip is perfect for those who don't have time to drive around the whole island.

As mentioned above, renting a car in Ireland allows you to explore the island at your own pace and according to your preferences.

Driving in Ireland can be challenging at times. The rural roads are narrow and winding, and you will need to get used to driving on the left side of the road. Here are some tips for driving in Ireland to have a stress-free trip.

Alternatively, you can get around Ireland by public transport, plane, train and ferry.

It's well known Ireland is not a cheap destination, but every destination can be affordable if you know how. Follow our tips to visit Ireland on a budget.

Most international visitors arrive in Ireland by air. Getting from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Center or any other location is easy regardless of the mode of transportation.

The best time to visit Ireland is during the summer, between May and September, but the country is worth visiting in any season. Each season is unique and special in its own way.

Just remember that the weather in Ireland is unpredictable, especially on the coast and in the mountains. These are the essential items to pack for your Ireland trip, no matter the season.

Generally, Ireland is a very safe country to visit, especially for tourists. Stay vigilant in the cities and be prepared for all weather.

Top Things to See and Do in Ireland

If you've just started planning your Ireland trip, you might be wondering what the most amazing places are on the island.

Look no further! We've put together a jam-packed list of the most beautiful places in Ireland.

Ireland is one of the best road trip destinations in the world. Here, you'll find a comprehensive guide to the best scenic drives in Ireland.

Ireland is a land of castles. In fact, there are thousands of castles ranging from ruins and towers to family mansions and castle hotels.

Here are the best castles in Ireland you need to visit on your next trip.

If you are craving a true getaway, great hiking, and amazing scenery, check out the best national parks in Ireland.

One of the best parts about Ireland's national parks is that they are free to enter.

While Ireland is more known for its rolling hills and rugged mountains, we can't fail to mention that the Emerald Isle is home to many amazing beaches. Here is the list of the best beaches in Ireland to visit any time of the year.

Ireland's entire coastline is dotted with stunning cliffs. The most famous cliffs on the island are undoubtedly the Cliffs of Moher. But there is so much more to see. Here's the list of the best cliffs in Ireland you should incorporate into your itinerary right now.

Irish whiskey whiskey is known for its smooth flavor and versatility.

The local distilleries are rising in popularity after years of decline. Here is the list of the best whiskey distilleries in Ireland.

Dublin

Dublin is the perfect place to kick off your Ireland trip thanks to its unique atmosphere, rich history, seaside location, lively pubs, and proximity to the main international airport.

This comprehensive Dublin travel guide is a must-read for every first-time visitor to the capital city, including tips on what to see and do, accommodation, transportation, safety, and much more.

Dublin's city center is relatively compact and can be explored on foot.

We believe it's also the most efficient way to see all the major attractions in the city center. Here's what you need to know about getting around Dublin.

Generally, Dublin is safe to visit. Like in any large European city, you have to be careful in certain areas and situations.

Finding the right accommodation can be a challenge, especially in a large city with a wide range of hotels. Discover the best hotels in Dublin for all budgets.

Dublin is an expensive destination. If you're a budget-conscious traveler, here's the list of the best free things to do in Dublin.

One of our favorite attractions in Dublin was the Trinity College. Ireland's oldest university has extensive grounds you can enter for free, plus it's home to the ancient Book of Kells.

Irish whiskey is getting more and more popular. There are several great whiskey distilleries clustered around the Golden Triangle.

Jameson is the most popular of the bunch, but we really enjoyed our experience at Teeling Whiskey Distillery.

If you decide to base yourself in Dublin, there are lots of must-see places outside the thriving capital.

From seaside towns and megalithic structures to scenic drives and amazing parks, here are some of the best day trips from Dublin.

If you want to sit back and relax, take a guided tour to maximize your time in Dublin.

Here are tips on the best tours from Dublin that will take you to some of the most amazing places surrounding the capital city.

One of our favorite places you can easily visit from Dublin is Bru na Boinne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The valley along the River Boyne is home to 90 Neolithic monuments, with Newgrange, Dowth, and Knowth being the most famous of the bunch.

If you travel from Dublin to Cork by car, you can visit several interesting places along the way.

Situated in County Kilkenny, the picturesque town of Kilkenny is one of the best medieval towns in Ireland.

With a beautiful setting and so much history, you can be sure there are plenty of things to see and do in Kilkenny.

The main attraction in this town is the Kilkenny Castle. The castle was built during the 12th century by the Earl of Pembroke and later was used as a seat by the Butler family.

If you want to see more castles, continue driving to County Tipperary, home to the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle.

Sitting on a prominent hill, the 12th-century Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most iconic castle ruins.

On the other hand, the 13th-century Cahir Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Ireland.

Wicklow

Nicknamed the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow is one of the best places to visit near Dublin. So, what are the main reasons to visit County Wicklow?

The county is home to the Wicklow Mountains National Park, one of the most spectacular places on Ireland's east coast. The park has breathtaking scenery, great trails, historic sites, and cool places to relax.

The best way to get to the Wicklow Mountains is by car. Take the scenic drive known as Old Military Road from Dublin to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery this area offers.

The getaway to the Wicklow Mountains is the small village of Glendalough.

The village is situated in the glacial valley and is famous for a 6th-century Glendalough Monastic Settlement founded by St. Kevin. This is one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland.

If you like hiking and want to find good trails, visit the Upper Lake area near Glendalough. Our favorite hike is a moderately challenging Spinc Loop, but there are trails for all ages and abilities.

Wicklow is also home to Powerscourt House and Gardens. The gardens are beautiful any time of the year, whether showcasing fall colors or rare plants blooming in the late spring.

Only a short drive from the estate is Powerscourt Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Ireland.

Cork

Cork is known for its rich heritage, dramatic history, epic coastline, and great food.

This County Cork guide includes all the resources to help you plan your trip and get the most out of your visit to Rebel County and beyond.

There's no better place to start exploring than Cork, the second-largest city in Ireland.

The city offers extensive walking tours, traditional pubs, great restaurants, and fun attractions. Discover all the best things to see and do in Cork for all visitors.

Positioned less than 10 kilometers northwest of Cork, the iconic Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's most visited places. This medieval fortress is home to Blarney Stone, which gives a gift of eloquence and well-landscaped gardens.

If you drive south from Cork, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Kinsale. This is one of the most picturesque villages in Ireland, known for great seafood, great hotels, and amazing seaside location.

Once in the area, you can explore the Old Head of Kinsale. This rugged headland is home to steep cliffs, nesting sea birds, a signal tower, the Lusitania Museum, a few sandy beaches, and a private golf course.

If you're interested in the history of the Titanic, immigration, or butter, consider visiting Cobh. This little town is 30 minutes east of Cork.

Cork County is home to three stunning peninsulas that boast epic coastlines: Sheep's Head Peninsula, Mizen Head, and Beara Peninsula, which is the most famous one of the bunch.

Discover the Ring of Beara and drive through the Healy Pass, take a cable car to Dursey Island, or try the seafood at Castletownbere.

If you want to escape the crowds, visit Sheep's Head Peninsula. This relatively small peninsula is tranquil and off the radar of most travelers.

Our favorite place on the peninsula is Sheep's Head Lighthouse, which can be reached via a short and easy trail.

There are plenty of things to see and do on Mizen Head. Barleycove Beach is one of Ireland's most beautiful beaches, and Dunlough Castle is a romantic ruin set in a stunning landscape.

The main reason to visit this peninsula is Mizen Head Signal Station, Ireland's most southwesterly point with rugged cliffs, a signal station, and great wildlife-watching opportunities.

On your way out to Kerry, consider driving the Priest's Leap instead of N71. This narrow, winding road is incredibly scenic and allows you to get off the beaten track.

Kerry

Kerry is one of the most incredible counties you can explore while in Ireland. There are so many things to see and do in County Kerry that you can easily spend a week or two without getting bored.

The most popular attraction is the Ring of Kerry. This 170-kilometer coastal route around the Iveragh Peninsula often ranks as one of the best road trips in the world.

One of the most popular Ring of Kerry's starting points is Killarney Town. Here you will find a wide range of accommodation for every budget and several great Irish pubs.

This tourist hub is located on the edge of the Killarney National Park.

The oldest national park in Ireland is free to explore, and some of its most popular attractions are easily accessible on foot or by bike from town.

If you like history, visit Muckross House and Muckross Abbey, which are both located within the park.

The 15th-century Ross Castle that sits on Lough Leane's shores is also pretty amazing.

Another gorgeous place to visit in the park is Torc Waterfall, a lovely area with a beautiful cascade and several great hiking trails.

No trip to Killarney is complete without driving through the famous Gap of Dunloe.

This U-shaped glacier valley can also be explored on foot or by bike, especially when combined with a boat trip across the Lakes of Killarney.

One of our favorite places on the Ring of Kerry was Derrynane Bay. This area has a beautiful Blue Flag Beach, Derrynane House, and Abbey Island with a 6th-century monastery ruin.

The 18-kilometer scenic route known as Skellig Ring is a fantastic extension to the Ring of Kerry for those travelers who want to see more of this incredible scenery.

This coastal drive features places such as the Kerry Cliffs and Ballinskelligs Beach. Both places are spectacular in their own way and worth exploring.

Valentia Island is another great Ring of Kerry's extension. This island can be easily reached by car or ferry but is often overlooked by international visitors.

Valentia Island is home to Geokaun Mountain and Fogher Cliffs, Bray Head, and Transatlantic Cable Station.

There are several cute seaside towns and villages on the Ring of Kerry.

With a lovely beach, nice promenade, good hotels, and seafood restaurants, Waterville is one of the most popular villages on the west edge of the Iveragh Peninsula.

Another popular village worth visiting is Cahersiveen, the birthplace of Daniel O'Connell. If you come here on a sunny day, several lovely beaches are near the village.

Besides beaches, cliffs, and mountains, Iveragh Peninsula is also home to several monolithic structures.

Staigue Stone Fort is located in the southwest near Sneem. Cahergall and Leacanabuaile Stone Forts are in the northwest, only a short distance from Cahersiveen.

The boat trip to a UNESCO site, Skellig Michael, is one of the highlights of every trip to Kerry. The landing tours depart only in the peak season from the cute seaside village of Portmagee.

West Kerry is known for its many popular attractions. One of those must-see places is Dingle Peninsula, the most westerly point in Ireland.

There are several great beaches on Dingle Peninsula, such as Inch Beach and Minard Beach. The two beaches couldn't be more different, so ensure you have time to explore both.

Our favorite part of the Dingle Peninsula road trip was Slea Head Drive.

This 40-kilometer scenic looped route starts and ends in Dingle Town, which is a perfect base for exploring the entire peninsula.

The westernmost point of the Dingle Peninsula is Dunmore Head.

This beautiful headland offers a gorgeous trail and epic views of the Blasket Islands. It was also featured in the Star Wars trilogy.

The Conor Pass is a 12-kilometer mountainous drive connecting Dingle Town with the peninsula's north side. The road is quite narrow at certain points, so drive carefully.

While Dingle is all about the coastline scenery, Gallarus Oratory is a great stop for all history lovers. This waterproof structure was built using a dry stone technique around the 7th and 8th century CE.

Limerick

County Limerick sits between County Kerry and County Clare. The county is known for its rich history, River Shannon, medieval landmarks, and lush green landscapes.

If you're driving the Wild Atlantic Way, the City of Limerick is one of the essential stops along this route.

As this is one of Ireland's largest cities, you can be sure there are plenty of things to see and do in Limerick.

Only a short drive from Limerick is the small village of Adare, nicknamed the prettiest village in Ireland.

The village was founded in the 13th century and still retains its strong heritage, historical buildings, thatched cottages, and few Irish pubs.

The striking contrast between this picturesque village and busy Limerick couldn't be greater. 

Clare

Of all the places you can visit in Ireland, County Clare is no doubt one of the most unique.

This comprehensive Clare guide will help you plan your trip, discover new attractions, and learn about this beautiful corner of Ireland.

The county contains the Burren, an extensive karst region with limestone pavement and rich fauna and flora.

The land of limestone you can see today was formed during the last Ice Age, though the process started about 350 million years ago.

Archeological evidence suggests that hunters inhabited the Burren during the Ice Age. Settlers arrived during the Neolithic era and constructed megalithic sites like Poulnabrone Dolmen.

Later, several Christian structures were built throughout the Clare. The Gothic ruins of the 13th-century Cistercian Corcomroe Abbey are easily accessible and worth seeing.

The western edge of County Clare features arguably Ireland's most famous natural attraction, the Cliffs of Moher. This is one of the unmissable stops on every Ireland road trip. You can explore the cliffs on foot or by boat.

One of our favorite places in County Clare is the Burren National Park. The park features unique limestone pavement, rare wildflowers, ancient historic sites, and stunning scenery.

Despite its relatively small size, the national park has several trails for all fitness levels. Arguably, the most rewarding trail is the 7.5-kilometer Mullaghmore Loop Walk. The park is free to enter.

Another cool place you can visit is Doolin Cave. Delve underground into a beautiful cave with the longest-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere.

Situated on Clare's west coast, consider visiting Fanore Beach. Fanore is a gorgeous beach with an extensive dune system. This is a Blue Flag Beach popular among swimmers and surfers alike.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park should be on your list if it's the history you're after. The 15th-century castle you can see today is pretty impressive and boasts lovely gardens and a 19th-century Victorian-themed Folk Park.

Galway

Situated on the west coast, County Galway is a remarkable place to visit.

As this is one of Ireland's most beautiful regions, you can be sure there are plenty of interesting things to see and do in County Galway.

Where better to start your trip than at the thriving cultural heart of Ireland? The City of Galway is a cosmopolitan city known for its bohemian atmosphere, year-round festivals, rich history, and great food.

County Galway is also known for one more thing - the Connemara Region. Connemara is home to an epic coastline, wild terrain, and rugged mountains.

The getaway to Connemara is the small town of Clifden.

There are only a few things to do in Clifden, but it's an ideal base for day trips to discover more of the Connemara region.

There are several must-see places within a short drive from Clifden.

The wild region of Connemara is home to one of Ireland's most spectacular national parks. If you love hiking, Connemara National Park should be on your list.

Our favorite hike within the national park was Diamond Hill Loop. This 6.7-kilometer trail with an elevation gain of 350 meters offers some of the most spectacular views in Connemara.

If you're after history, Victorian Gardens, and neo-Gothic architecture, Kylemore Abbey is the next place you should visit. This former family mansion of Mitchell Henry's family is one of the main attractions in County Galway.

Dog's Bay and Gurteen Bay Beach are one of the most beautiful beaches in Galway. This pair of fine sand strips lie back-to-back, forming a tombolo jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. The result is absolutely spectacular.

A short but scenic drive known as Sky Road starts and ends in Clifden. This 16-kilometer circular route allows you to enjoy some of Connemara's most stunning coastal scenery.

One of the highlights of Sky Road is the ruined Clifden Castle. If you are looking for a way to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet, then look no further.

If you're heading from Galway back to Dublin, you can explore County Offaly along the way.

County Offaly is known for its extensive bog lands, rich history, and idyllic countryside scenery.

A ruined monastery of Clonmacnoise sitting on the River Shannon is one of Offaly's main attractions. In fact, this 6th-century monastic site is one of the best historic sites in Ireland.

One of our favorite places in County Offaly is Birr Castle. This charming castle, with a history stretching back to the 12th century, is home to well-landscaped gardens and the Great Telescope known as the Leviathan of Parsonstown.

Mayo and Sligo

Even though they are less visited, Mayo and Sligo are home to some of the most places in Ireland. This is the place to go if you want to enjoy spectacular scenery without crowds.

Sitting on the border between Galway and Mayo is one of Ireland's most stunning landscapes.

Killary Harbour is a 16-kilometer fjord formed about 20.000 years ago. The dramatic scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

As soon as you enter County Mayo, there is another lovely place worth seeing.

Aasleagh Falls might not be the most spectacular waterfall in Ireland, but the fjord setting and easy access make it a very cool place to visit.

You can take the N59 to Westport from here, but we suggest following the R335 instead.

This scenic route goes through the Doolough Valley, offering a tragic story from the Great Famine, dramatic scenery, and unparalleled vistas along the way.

Wild Nephin National Park is located in the heart of County Mayo. This national park offers a wealth of hiking and stargazing opportunities.

There are several great trails within the national park. Tochar Daithi Ban Trail serves as a great introduction to Wild Nephin for all ages and abilities.

The northern edge of County Mayo is home to Downpatrick Head. This stunning headland with blowholes, cliffs, nesting seabirds, and a massive sea stack is a sign to behold.

The seaside town of Enniscrone is a perfect stop once you enter Sligo from Mayo. This small town has a beautiful 5-kilometer beach, good waves for surfing, and traditional Seaweed Baths.

Just before you reach Sligo Town, you can find another hidden gem worth exploring.

Knocknarea is home to Queen Maeve Trail. As the name suggests, this is supposedly a resting place of the queen of Connacht in Irish mythology.

Just a short drive from here is Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. This is one of Ireland's oldest and most populated tomb clusters that was built about 5500 years ago.

Glencar Waterfall is technically located in County Leitrim but only 13 kilometers from Sligo Town. This waterfall is gorgeous and easily accessible via a short trail from the Glencar Lough parking area.

Mullaghmore Head is one of those little places that are easily missed on the way up to Donegal. If you like going off the beaten path, you might enjoy this tiny headland.

Donegal

Located in the north, County Donegal is one of Ireland's most intriguing regions. The county has highlands, cliffs, beaches, inlets, seaside villages, lakes, and much more.

With its rich heritage and stunning scenery, you can be sure there are plenty of things to see and do in County Donegal for all visitors.

One of the best places to base yourself for exploring Donegal is the town of Letterkenny. From here, you can easily visit Inishowen and Fanad. Both peninsulas feature rugged coastlines, historic sites, and incredible scenery.

Inishowen is home to Malin Head, Ireland's most northerly point. You will find beautiful cliffs, a signal tower, an EIRE sign, and a tranquil atmosphere there.

Fanad sits between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay, boasting incredible scenery and less traveled roads. Our favorite place in this area is Fanad Lighthouse, arguably the most beautiful lighthouse in Ireland.

Just a short drive from Letterkenny is another beautiful national park. Glenveagh National Park is known for its great hiking trails, Glenveagh Castle with Victorian walled gardens, and dramatic scenery.

The town of Donegal has an ideal location for exploring the southern part of this county. There are only a few things to see and do in Donegal Town, but you can still easily spend a few hours here.

The main attraction within the town is the Donegal Castle, which sits on the River Eske. This was once one of the most formidable fortresses in Ireland. Today, the castle can be explored on a self-guided tour.

If you want to see Slieve League, consider staying overnight in Killybegs. This busy port town has a great location, good hotels, and nice seafood restaurants.

Why should you visit Slieve League? With their 600-meter height, these sea cliffs are among the highest in Ireland. Slieve League is undoubtedly one of the most dramatic landscapes on Emerald Isle.

If you like surfing, you need to visit Bundoran. This small beach town is Ireland's surfing capital. With Bundoran Beach, Tullan Strand, Rougey Walk, and Fairy Bridges, this is a great place to relax and unwind.

Do you want more info? Check out all our articles on Ireland.