Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?

If you are traveling to Ireland and you are not a citizen of the UK, Switzerland, or a country in the European Economic Area (the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein), you may need to apply for a visa. EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa to enter Ireland, but will need a valid passport or identity card. US citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. If you're unsure, check the Citizens' Information website to see if you need a visa to enter Ireland.

When is the best time to travel to Ireland?

While the peak summer season promises the best weather and longer days, the best time to visit Ireland is between March and May, and September to November, when the weather is mild and the country is far less crowded – in September, Ireland begins to explode with autumn colors. While March is a lively time to visit Ireland with St. Patrick's Day, be aware it will be much more expensive and very busy.

What is the weather like in Ireland?

Weather in Ireland is generally changeable, but mild, with warm summers and winters that rarely dip below freezing. In the summer you can enjoy highs of around 26ºC (80°F), while the average winter temperature hovers around 6ºC (42ºF) – but Ireland does see a healthy amount of rainfall throughout the year!

What currency does Ireland use?

The Republic of Ireland uses the official currency of Europe, the Euro (€). Ireland only began using the Euro in 2002, before which it used the Irish pound (£).

Is tipping customary in Ireland?

It's not compulsory, but when traveling in Ireland it is customary for tourists to leave a small tip of around 10-20% in restaurants, while most cafes will have a tip jar where a few coins can be added (usually around €1). On a Trafalgar tour, we have pre-paid certain tips and gratuities for you such as baggage handling at hotels, service charges and tips for hotel wait staff (for included meals).

What is ATM access like in Ireland?

Ireland has an excellent ATM network, and you'll easily find them at grocery stores, outside banks, in bars and at transit centers – just look out for any fees you might incur when taking cash out abroad.

Is tap water safe to drink in Ireland?

Tap water in Ireland is perfectly safe to drink.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for a Trafalgar tour to Ireland?

We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip. Please ensure you add the details of your insurance to the My Trafalgar portal. Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events. Book your travel insurance with Trafalgar's Travel Protection Plan, which includes the Cancel For Any Reason Credit Certificate Feature and the Travel Insurance Benefits that may help to protect your vacation payment against the unexpected.

What are some traditions in Ireland that I need to know?

While many European countries greet with a kiss on both cheeks, in Ireland you're better off with a firm handshake – though that doesn't mean the Irish aren't very friendly. Talking to strangers is commonplace, but it's best to avoid the subject of politics, Irish stereotypes (no leprechauns, please), and clichés (people don't really greet each other with "top of the morning"). "Slagging" is also a popular Irish pasttime, so don't be offended if locals start making fun of you.

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Ireland tours & vacations

Name: Best of Ireland
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 2903 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7

Travel guide

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It won’t take long to see how the poetically named Emerald Isle got its nickname. As we tour through Ireland, you will be charmed by the dramatic natural beauty and good-natured locals peppered across the country. Together, we will explore the iconic and the unexpected, Guinness and Grafton Street to Viking legacies. Discovering layer after layer of intriguing Irish history and culture, this small island with a vast and striking countryside is a gem you need to experience. Dramatic coastlines, moving folk music, joyful encounters with strangers. Ireland will stir your soul in ways you could never imagine.

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Ireland's Icons

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Irish Wonder

Days

Stops

Dublin → Dublin, via Blarney Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Tarbert and 8 more stops

From

$1,823

Was

$2,025 pp

View Trip

4.7

Irish Highlights

Days

Stops

Dublin → Dublin, via Galway, Bunratty, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher and 5 more stops

From

$1,850

View Trip

Focus on Ireland

Days

Stops

Dublin → Dublin, via Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Killarney and 5 more stops

From

$2,633

Was

$2,925 pp

View Trip

Ireland's Icons

Days

Stops

Dublin → Dublin, via Kildare, Cork, Blarney, Killarney and 7 more stops

From

$3,956

Was

$4,395 pp

View Trip

Popular

Tours

Region Collection

4.6

Amazing Ireland

Days

Stops

Dublin → Dublin, via Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Londonderry, County Donegal and 11 more stops

From

$4,076

Was

$4,795 pp

View Trip

See More Tours

Unedited Ireland tour reviews

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"I was NEVER bored"

“It was wonderful! Rhi, our Travel Director, was very friendly, and packed our days full of amazing views, along with fun and entertaining evenings. My favourite things were the drive around the Ring of Kerry & the Giants Causeway. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

- Sherri, Best of Ireland and Scotland

"Two Kiwis doing a lap of Ireland"

“Our Travel Director Michael who gave us a great commentary and quite a few good jokes as we travelled around a great range of sites. Enjoyed the experiences and had enough leisure time to do some private exploring. For me this mainly included searching out music venues and good pubs.”

- Ronald, Irish Experience

"Making the most of each destination"

“This tour was packed with a great itinerary. Optional experiences complemented the included activities. We had plenty of sightseeing and photo opportunities, and were encouraged to try foods and drink from each local area as well as partake in local activities. I would highly recommend Britain and Ireland Grandeur with Trafalgar.”

- Sheree, Britain and Ireland Grandeur

Read All Reviews

Do you need a visa to go to Ireland?

Planning a trip to Ireland? Find out if you need a visa.

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Ireland experiences with Trafalgar

With Trafalgar, you’ll journey into the heart of each destination. Be My Guest invites you to connect with locals, while MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences let you positively impact communities. Plus, on many tours, you’ll overnight at Stays with Stories accommodations with tales as rich as the places you explore. Here are just a few of these unforgettable experiences on a Trafalgar Ireland tour.

Be My Guest

Meet Catherine and Jim at Glen Keen Farm, County Mayo, Ireland

Uncover centuries of Irish heritage as you explore Catherine and Jim Power’s Glen Keen Farm, the largest sheep farm in Ireland. Marvel at collies herding sheep, and enjoy a traditional tea of scones, freshly whipped cream and jam. Experience on Highlights of Ireland and Scotland.

Be My Guest

Meet the Cole family at Broughgammon Farm, Ballycastle, Ireland

Join your hosts, the Cole family, at their home, Broughgammon Farm just outside the charming town of Ballycastle. You’ll get the chance to explore the farm, see how things are done, hear the family’s stories and meet some of the animals. Afterwards, sit down for a tasty meal made with fresh ingredients and local favorites. Experience on Irish Experience.

Iconic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Discover sustainability at the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Join your Local Specialist, either Oonagh or Marie, to gain a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding you as they show you current conservation initiatives at the Cliffs of Moher. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Experience on Irish Highlights.

Meet Catherine at Glenealy House, County Wickow, Ireland

Catherine Fulvio, your Be My Guest Host – and celebrity chef – welcomes you to her family’s Glenealy House in Ireland. Enjoy a tour of the farm while hearing the family stories before Catherine treats you to traditional Irish fare with an Italian twist. Experience on Amazing Ireland, and Irish Highlights.

Sheep standing on a grassy hill nearby village, river and mountains in Ireland

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As seen on

Ireland at a glance

Ireland is a soul-stirring experience, from rugged green hills, dramatic coastline and good-natured locals, to moving folk music, flowing Guinness and Viking legacies. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover why the Emerald Isle got its nickname.

Currency

Euro

Capital City

Dublin

Winter avg temp

41 °F

Language

Irish, English

Summer avg temp

61 °F

Good morning

Maindin mhaith

Time Zone

GMT

Good evening

Tráthnóna maith

From exploring the rolling hills, to enjoying a pint of Guinness and listening to traditional folk music and Viking tales with the locals, Ireland welcomes you with open arms.

Weather in Ireland

Discover the weather, temperatures, and seasonal trends across Ireland to plan your trip.

Our top 5 things to do in Ireland

Walk through the country’s oldest city and stand on the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. These are just some of the pinch me moments we’ll share with you on our trips to Ireland.

Enjoy Irish folk fun

Soak up Irish folk fun in a Dublin pub, where pints swing and locals sing along, and through a Galway street performance that will have you emptying your pockets into the busker's bucket. When planning a trip to Ireland, we always plan for some spontaneous craic-filled experiences.

Explore Waterford's History

Step into Ireland’s oldest city that has seen everything from Vikings to Victorians. We will discover the legacy of invaders turned settlers, tree-forged swords, towers that still stand tall and the ancient city walls that tried to keep them out.

Journey to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are a natural masterpiece reserved for the best tours of Ireland. Beaten by the Atlantic for 350 million years, these unmanicured cliffs stretch as far as the eye can see. Take in the dramatic scene as wild salt wind whips around you.

Take in Connemara's 'savage beauty'

This romantic and desolate region certainly lives up to the title bestowed upon it by Oscar Wilde. Experience nature unlike anywhere else in the world when you explore the National Park, climb Ireland’s Holy Mountain or stand on the banks of Killary, the country’s largest fjord.

Walk down Grafton Street in Dublin

The energy on Dublin’s Main Street is electric. Meander freely down the road, exploring bustling cafes and shops, stopping occasionally to be wowed by street artist performance or a musician belting out a tune.

Best museums in Ireland

Ancient settlers, celebrated authors, iconic brewers. In Dublin, Trafalgar delves into Ireland’s layers of history and becomes acquainted with the people who have called it home through visits to its many museums.

Books of Kells

See the Book of Kells on display at the Trinity College Library in Dublin. The book is a 9th century Latin manuscript that contains the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. It's the world's most famous medieval manuscript and and you'll also get to explore one of the world's most beautiful libraries.

The James Joyce Center

The Georgian townhouse of the James Joyce Center will deepen your understanding of one of Ireland's most celebrated writers and the Dublin that inspired him. Peruse art exhibitions, watch documentaries, see a recreation of his living quarters and let Joyce and his works come to life right in front of your eyes.

National Museum of Ireland

A museum with so much to inspire you, it spills into three separate buildings around Dublin. Stroll through their halls and admire the hoards of gold buried in Bronze Age Ireland and skeletons of the native giant elk, now extinct.

Best food in Ireland

Ireland knows comfort. Whether it’s in a pot, on a plate or filling a pint, we'll share their national culinary treasures that will warm your heart and fill your stomach.

Dublin coddle

Discover all the favorite ingredients of Irish cooking in one pot with tender potatoes, sausage and onions, cooked slowly in broth. As you mop up this rich and filling stew with rustic bread, you can’t help but feel content.

Boxty

It’s no secret the Irish have a special place in their hearts for potatoes. This breakfast potato pancake dish is no exception. Soft, creaminess on the inside. Crisp and buttery on the outside. One plate and you'll fall in love too.

Guinness

As the old saying goes, Guinness tastes better in Ireland. The beautiful dark brew is not known to travel well, making trips to Ireland incomplete without tasting it from a local tap. Better yet, head to the source and have a pint at the Dublin Storehouse.

What to pack for Ireland

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

A man standing and packing suitcase next to a woman sitting on a bed

Clothing

Whatever time of year you visit Ireland, always be prepared for rain – in the winter, pack an insulated waterproof coat and lots of layers, while in the summer you’re better off with a light raincoat to protect from occasional showers. A scarf is always useful if the Atlantic winds pick up.

Footwear

To prepare for the rain, waterproof shoes are a must. If you’re headed out into the rural countryside then bring a good pair of walking boots (just remember to break them in before you wear them), while rain boots might be more appropriate for exploring cities. Don’t worry about packing heels – a nice pair of trainers will be more than appropriate for dinners out.

Accessories

Bring a small day bag for your essentials each day, and pack an umbrella for city exploring. Don’t be fooled by the milder weather – in the summer you’ll still need sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses. Whenever you’re visiting, go single-use-plastic-free and bring a reusable water bottle.

Other packing essentials

Ireland uses a type G plug at 230 V, which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern, so pack a travel adapter if you need one. If you’re planning on doing lots of rural hikes, it could be worth investing in a waterproof phone case to protect your phone if you get caught in the rain.