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Welcome To Your Irish Adventure!
On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about travelling to Ireland. On this blog we have in-depth travel guides written by locals and Ireland travel experts, as well as our most popular blog posts and much more. Enjoy!
Weather
BEST TIME TO VISIT IRELAND
Peak Season
The peak season in Ireland is July and August. While this is the time of year that you’ll likely have the warmest and clearest weather, it’s also the time that most tourists visit, hotels get booked up and prices sky rocket.
Shoulder Season
Spring and Fall are definitely the shoulder seasons in Ireland. This is the best time to visit the country for a combination of decent weather and fewer crowds. Keep in mind that easter is a popular holiday here and things can get busy around that time.
Off-Season
The off season in Ireland is between October and March when prices (and the temperature) tend to drop drastically. Ireland is beautiful in the winter, but it can be very cold and wet so be sure to come prepared with plenty of warm and rain-resistant clothes.
Search by City
IRELAND TRAVEL GUIDES
Check these in-depth guides below to find everything you need to know on different cities, counties and regions of Ireland. These guides have everything including the budget, when to visit, things to do and places to eat – a great place to start when planning a trip around the country!
Sitemap
Your Irish Adventure Posts Below you’ll find every post, category, and page on our website. You will be able to click any of the links
Dingle Travel: A Guide To Visiting The Town
About Dingle When planning a trip to the Emerald Isle, you absolutely must visit Dingle, even if it’s just for a weekend. This essential Dingle
Belfast Travel: A Guide To Visiting The City
About Belfast Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and has all the attractions that larger national capitals have such as historic landmarks and a
Ireland On Foot
Best Hiking In Ireland
Ireland is one of the top destinations in Europe for hiking! Strap on your hiking boots and get ready for some epic walks. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy day trip or a multi-night excursion, you can find the perfect trail for you in Ireland.
Howth Cliff Walk: Complete Howth Hiking Guide
There’s no better way to explore the picturesque seaside town of Howth than by hiking along one of its many trails. And lucky for you,
Hiking In Galway: 10 Best Trails For All Levels
Ireland is truly home to some of the most breathtaking hikes in the world. Hiking in Galway on Ireland’s west coast is the perfect way
7 Best Hikes Near Dublin, Ireland
Ireland has one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, with some of it looking unlike anything else on earth. Many of the most
15 Best Hikes in Ireland: A Local’s Trail Guide
For those of you who have been to Ireland, you’ll know that the landscape is littered with amazing mountains that are just begging to be
Hit The Links
BEST GOLF COURSES IN IRELAND
Fore! Get your clubs ready for some incredibly beautiful golfing in Ireland. Not surprisingly on the Emerald Isle, you’ll find some fantastically green greens and some perfectly groomed fairways. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or in the PGA, you’ll find a beautiful course here and our Irish golfing expert Stephen will show you the way.
Portmarnock Golf Club Review: A Guide To The Course
In this Portmarnock Golf Club review, learn what it’s like to golf here, including the greens and fairways, the code of conduct, the scorecard and
7 Best Northern Ireland Golf Courses
For such a small island, Ireland (both the Republic and Ulster in the UK) is producing an impressive number of world-class golfers. The world-class Northern
Ballyliffin Golf Club: A Guide To The Course
When I asked an Irish tour company to arrange accommodation and tee-times for several links courses, starting in Northern Ireland, it suggested I add another
Golfing At Holywood Golf Course: A Complete Guide
While Ulster’s links courses get the most attention from golfers, there are parkland courses to consider as well. Golf was first played in Ireland on
The Royal County Down Golf Club: A Guide To The Course
The Royal County Down Golf Club (RCD) is judged by the highest standards of links golf courses and passes the test. It’s located in Northern
Royal Portrush Golf Club: A Guide To The Courses
The Open Championship returned to Royal Portrush Golf Club in 2019 for the first time since 1951 and it was apt that the winner was
10 Best Golf Courses in Ireland
While the Ryder Cup between Europe and the USA was held at the K Club in County Kildare in 2006, it’s Ireland’s wonderful coastline that
10 Best Golf Resorts In Ireland
The increased popularity of golf within the last half-century resulted in the growth of the number of new golf courses built with onsite hotels to
UK Ireland
NORTHERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland is a stunning area with some of the best things to do and sites to see in the entire country. If you have time, don’t miss Belfast and the stunning city of Londonderry. But aside from these two destinations, there is plenty more to see in Northern Ireland.
10 Best Bars In Belfast, Northern Ireland
A small city with a lot to offer, from traditional Irish cultural bars, to classic cocktail bars, Belfast has it all. As a huge bonus,
5 Best Day Trips From Belfast, Ireland
Belfast is a great hub to base yourself out of to explore Northern Ireland and beyond. While there enough things to do in Belfast to
15 Best Things To Do in Derry, Ireland
The huge variety in the things to do in Derry make it somewhere all visitors will enjoy. Derry (Londonderry) is located in the province still
Best Belfast City Tours For First-Time Visitors
Belfast is a bustling city filled to the brim with exciting adventures to be had. But visiting for the very first time can prove to
12 Active Things To Do Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Enniskillen is an area of outstanding natural beauty, its rich heritage and stunning views make it a must see when visiting Northern Ireland. Discover the
All You Need To Know About Mountain Biking In Northern Ireland
There are some absolutely stunning mountain biking trails in Northern Ireland so we decided to head up and see what all the fuss is about.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland Map
You may not have paid Northern Ireland a visit just yet but chances are, you’ve already seen a lot of it. There are loads of
Lakes in Northern Ireland You NEED to Visit
Not content with being surrounded by water, Ireland has a treasure trove of stunning lakes, or “loughs” as we say here. Northern Ireland, in particular,
Exciting Derry Festivals You’ll Love This September and October
In the very north of Northern Ireland lies a striking and unique city that is very close to my heart. Derry is a lively city
Finn Lough Resort – Sleeping With The Stars in Northern Ireland
Do you like the idea of a spa getaway but an entire weekend of relaxing sounds a little boring? Well then, Finn Lough Resort
Tips For Visiting Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland
The ruin of medieval Dunluce Castle has a long and dramatic history that can be traced back to as early as the year 1500. Today
Reasons To Visit Newcastle, County Down This Summer
Newcastle is a small seaside town at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in County Down. One of the nicest seaside towns in Northern Ireland,
The Most Beautiful Seaside Towns in Northern Ireland
There are a number of beautiful seaside towns in Northern Ireland which are just waiting to be explored. You can find it all – stunning
A Perfect Weekend in Derry: Where To Eat, Drink, Stay and Play
Planning a weekend in Derry? Your Irish Adventure writer Sarah McKinley takes us on a journey of delicious food, fun facts, historical walks and shares
Free Things To Do in Belfast This Summer
The largest city in Northern Ireland, Belfast is a bustling metropolis full of culture, beautiful architecture, lively bars and a big arts scene. If you’re
Luxury Hotels in Belfast You Need To Visit
Belfast is a city that has come through some rough times, but it has never been more safe or more fun to visit than right
Beautiful Hotels in Bushmills Northern Ireland
Many people take a day trip up to the Giant’s Causeway from Dublin or Belfast, but by not staying over in the lovely town of
Secret Castles in Northern Ireland – Game Of Thrones Territory
If you’re planning a visit “Up North” as we say in Ireland, then you’re going to want to visit some of these amazing castles in
Medieval Ireland
CASTLES IN IRELAND
Step into the fascinating history of Ireland by visiting one of the many captivating castles in the country. There are over 30,000 different castles and ruins found in Ireland, so if history buffs could spend a lifetime here and never see them all.
5 Top Castles To Visit in Cork (+Castle Accommodation)
Ireland is home to some of the richest and most vibrant history in Europe, much of which can be traced back to the hundreds of
The Most Haunted Places In Ireland
Ireland is steeped in history and mythology, and where there’s history, local legends and stories of ghost sightings are surely guaranteed. Here are some of
Visiting Malahide Castle, Dublin: One Of Ireland’s Oldest Castles
The majestic Malahide Castle is truly a sight to behold. Within its walls, it holds an impressive 800 years of history just waiting to be
How Many Castles Are In Ireland?
When you picture Ireland in your head, it’s likely that three things come to mind: rolling green hills, Guinness, and castles. The country has quite
Castles in Clare That Would Be Great On Your itinerary
If you visit the Wild Atlantic Way, then you’re going to be spending quite a lot of time in County Clare. Its steeped in history
Tips For Visiting Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland
The ruin of medieval Dunluce Castle has a long and dramatic history that can be traced back to as early as the year 1500. Today
Magical Castle Hotels in Ireland You NEED To Stay in
One of the many reasons people come to Ireland to see is our amazing collection of historical castles. They dot the countryside, and if you
Stop For a Pint
BEST PUBS IN IRELAND
Ireland has some of the most iconic and unique pubs found anywhere in Europe, with the oldest of the bunch, The Brazen Head, dating back to 1198! If you are looking for some fantastic places to eat and drink, then look no further.
10 Best Pubs In Galway, Ireland
Galway is considered to be Ireland’s cultural capital and is the hub of the country’s music scene. With its countless live music venues and excellent
7 Best Pubs in Kinsale, Ireland
Kinsale is one town that you simply cannot miss during your time in Ireland. It is an absolutely beautiful and historic town in County Cork
13 Unique Pubs In Dublin To Grab A Drink
Few people know that many of Dublin’s most famous pubs come with a fascinating history. From famous music stores to pig abattoirs, to pubs that were once used as morgues during the great famine. Read on to learn more about Dublin’s most interesting drinking establishments.
Craft Beer In Ireland: Here Are Some Of Our Favourite Beers
Craft beer in Ireland has reached such a level of success that I haven’t had a Heineken since I was 17 stood at the bar,
Party It Up!
FESTIVALS IN IRELAND
There are so many fantastic festivals in Ireland. If you can plan your trip to make it to one of these exciting gatherings, you won’t be disappointed. There are more parties than just St.Paddy’s Day! Find the best festivals in Ireland below.
Exciting Derry Festivals You’ll Love This September and October
In the very north of Northern Ireland lies a striking and unique city that is very close to my heart. Derry is a lively city
Cool Festivals to Check Out In Ireland In August
August is the perfect month to visit Ireland as there are loads of things going on in our beautiful country. There are also really quirky
Fun Festivals and Exciting Events in Ireland This July
Here’s a list of some fun festivals and events in Ireland this July, great for all the family! Here’s a guide to some of the
The Top Belfast Festivals And Events For You This Summer
Summer is the perfect time to visit Northern Ireland as there are a lot of Belfast festivals and events to keep you entertained on those
Best Festivals in Ireland in November: Your Irish Festival Guide
There is always a great variety of events and festivals in Ireland throughout the year and November is no exception! We’ve put together a list
Festivals in Ireland in September: Our Festival Guide
September is a fantastic time of the year for festivals in Ireland, the season has begun to turn and there is something fun to do
15 Best Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
The highlight of celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Dublin is without doubt the annual parade through the city centre which attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around Ireland and abroad.
Hit The Road
BEST ROAD TRIPS IN IRELAND
Ireland is easily one of the best countries in Western Europe for road tripping. Whether you’re travelling around by car, van or rented RV, this is the perfect place to hit the road and explore. Of course everyone knows about the famous Giant’s Causeway, but there are plenty more stunning routes to cruise in Ireland.
The Ring Of Kerry Drive: Itinerary, Highlights & Tips
Picturesque Irish towns, coastal viewpoints, and breathtaking natural landscapes. You can see all of this and more along the Ring of Kerry drive, which is
9 Best Places On The Wild Atlantic Way Route
After spending a massive amount of time on the Wild Atlantic Way Route last year, I have put together my top 9 must-see gems on
A Photographer’s Definitive Ireland Road Trip
In nine short days, my husband and I travelled the entire island during our Ireland road trip. After much research, I made a list of
Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary – Ireland’s Most Epic Road Trip
Planning a Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary can be very hard. There is so much to choose from it can be overwhelming to narrow down your
Have a Weekend Away?
CITY BREAKS IN IRELAND
If you are going to only spend a couple of days in a place, why not check out our quick city breaks posts. These will help you to properly plan the perfect 24 or 48 hour visit to any of the cities listed below.
A Weekend in Dublin, Ireland: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary
With a weekend in Dublin, you’ll be able to listen to trad music, explore historical sites, dine on tasty food, and meet friendly people. Read
Weekend in Galway: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary
Ever wondered where to go in Ireland to truly experience the Irish culture? Look no further than Galway, a scenic coastal town that is filled
Weekend in Cork: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary
A weekend in Cork is the perfect amount of time to spend in this glorious city located in Ireland’s southern region! With two days, you
The Perfect Weekend In Belfast
With only a weekend in Belfast you need to make sure you see all the best places the city has to offer. There’s a HUGE
A Perfect Weekend in Derry: Where To Eat, Drink, Stay and Play
Planning a weekend in Derry? Your Irish Adventure writer Sarah McKinley takes us on a journey of delicious food, fun facts, historical walks and shares
A Perfect Weekend in Kilkenny: A Local’s Guide
We’re all busy people. And sometimes, as much as we would like to spend 6 weeks holidaying on the Almafi coast, all we have is
Budget
COST OF TRAVEL IN IRELAND
Ireland definitely isn’t a budget destination, but if you’re careful with your money, staying in hostels and dorm rooms, you can actually get by on quite little. For the more luxurious traveller, the sky is the limit. Michelin Star restaurants, 5-star accommodation and fantastic nightlife, this is a place where it pays to have some extra pounds in your wallet.
Budget €45 / Day
Hostel accommodation, still central in Ireland, should be available for €12 ($14) per person so it is possible to live on €45 ($55) a day including drinks, food and transport.
Mid-Range €130 / Day
You can get a double room in most places in Ireland for around €45 ($53) and then if you have a few drinks in a pub and a dinner, and perhaps a rental car for your trip.
Top-€200 / Day
Stay at beautiful boutique hotels and eat at top restaurants and you will spend up to €300 ($360) for a couple before you even consider wine with dinner, drinks in a popular pub, taxis and drivers.
Transportation
GETTING AROUND IRELAND
There are plenty of great ways to get around Ireland including public transport, private drivers, rental cars, RVs and caravans. Your mode of transport will likely depend most on your budget, and your preferred style of travel.
- Public Buses: There are public buses that connect most major tourist destinations in Ireland. These are easy to book, seldom full and are quite comfortable.
- Taxi: Taxis are a great way to get around each city you visit, or if you have the budget, they're also great for short day trips to different villages.
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Walking: In for a long hike? Why not walk Ireland. You might be surprised at how many people choose to hike around this beautiful country.
Car Rental: If there's one thing that's of great value in Ireland, it's rental cars. You can usually get a car with basic insurance for around €20 per day. - To & From The Airport: Most people will arrive in Ireland at the Dublin International Airport. Depending on the time of day, you'll pay about €20-€30 to get a taxi from the airport to central Dublin.