Ireland holidays

Holidays to Ireland promise beautiful natural scenery, magnificent architecture and buzzing towns. Also known as the Emerald Isle due to its lush green landscapes, Ireland is a real gem of a holiday location. 

As a country steeped in myth and legend, Ireland boasts a variety of fascinating places to explore. Take a trip to the Giant’s Causeway and learn about Finn McCool, an important figure in Irish mythology. Game of Thrones fans can also visit the locations where much of the series was filmed, such as the Cushendun Caves and Ballycastle.  

Or explore some of Ireland’s vibrant cities where you can relax with a pint of Guinness and witness some incredible historic monuments. Whether you’re visiting as a couple or a group of friends, Ireland holidays promise something for everyone.  

Irish Cities and Towns  

Ireland is home to many charming, charismatic cities and towns. From Dublin’s vibrant atmosphere to Cork’s unrivalled natural landscapes, each city offers something unique to enhance your holiday experience.  

Dublin is located in the eastern-central part of Ireland. This iconic hotspot is defined by idyllic cobblestone streets, interesting museums and a buzzing music scene. Home to the famous Temple Bar and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, it boasts great culture and history.  

'Shopping fans can enjoy a spot of retail therapy at Brown Thomas and George's Street Arcade. A tour around the Guinness Storehouse is also a must. Discover more about the history of the famed Irish ‘Black Stuff’ and learn how to pour your own pint.  

Situated in the southwest of Ireland, Cork is one of the best places to enjoy Ireland’s beautiful natural scenery. Enjoy a picnic in Fitzgerald Park, perfect for a chilled-out afternoon in the sun. Or take a trip to Spike Island, a place with a fascinating and diverse history.  

Landscape and Nature  

Ireland is a total haven for nature lovers. This picturesque country offers endless photo opportunities, from its rolling hills to its staggering cliff walls that rise out of the ocean. Ireland also has some spectacular mountain ranges that will simply take your breath away, such as the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and the Wicklow Mountains.  

One of the country’s most photo-worthy spots is the Glendalough Valley, otherwise known as ‘the valley of two lakes’. Located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, it’s home to a fascinating Monastic City and a variety of wildlife, including deer and wild goats.  

And of course, holidays in Ireland wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast. These are magnificent areas of geological importance and have inspired legends of giants walking over the sea. Marvel at the 40, 000 enormous columns of basalt that form a pavement here – a dramatic sight not to be missed.  

Irish Food and Drink  

Traditional Irish cuisine is made up of family recipes passed down through the generations. The food is hearty and delicious, and there are plenty of different dishes to try.  

Right at the top of your list should be Irish stew, a warming one-pot concoction of mutton and vegetables (including potatoes, which Ireland is famous for). Colcannon is another popular dish consisting of a mashed combination of potatoes, butter and cabbage. Or sample a delicious Boxty, a popular pancake-like potato creation.  

When it comes to drinks, Ireland is well-known for its whiskey and beer. You can enjoy a pint of Jameson Irish Whiskey or Smithwick’s Irish Ale in just about any pub. Irish coffee is another popular beverage, made up of Irish whiskey, hot coffee, sugar and whipped cream.  

Map of Ireland

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5°C - 20°C

Ireland experiences mild summers and reasonably mild winters too! Although it can be unpredictable at times with glorious sunshine one minute and a downpour the next. But the best weather is in June, July and August. 

 

 

 

1.5 hour

The main international airport in Ireland is Dublin Airport, approximately 10km north of Dublin City Centre.

Ireland is best for...

Nature lovers: Ireland is a paradise for nature lovers, featuring lush green landscapes, tranquil lakes and rolling hills. Hike up one of Ireland’s mountains, such as Carrauntoohil or Mount Brandon, and enjoy dramatic landscape views. Or visit Glendalough Valley, home to a variety of wildlife and a Monastic Site. 

Adventurers: Ireland is home to some wonderful cities and towns that are well worth exploring. Head to Dublin, the capital city, and enjoy live music at the famous Temple Bar. Here, you can also tour around the Guinness Storehouse and learn about the history of the famous ‘Black Stuff’ and how to pour your own pint.   

Foodies: Ireland is a fantastic destination for foodies, offering hearty and delicious dishes such as Irish stew and colcannon. It’s also renowned for its whiskey and beer, and you can sample tasty drinks such as Smithwick’s Irish Ale or Jameson Irish Whiskey.  

Fast facts for Ireland

Language: English and Irish are Ireland’s official languages.  

Currency: The currency used in Ireland is the Euro (EUR).   

Local time: The local time in Ireland is the same as GMT/UK time.     

Fly to: The main international airport in Ireland is Dublin Airport, approximately 10km north of Dublin City Centre.  

Flight time from UK: 1.5 hours.  

Tourist information: Further tourist information for Ireland can be found at https://www.ireland.com/en-gb/.  

Visa / health: Before you travel, check the latest health advice at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ireland.  

Getting around Ireland

By rental car: Ireland is a relatively small country, so hiring a rental car is an excellent way to explore as much of it as possible. There are plenty of hire car companies to choose from, including big names like Avis and Hertz.  

By bus: If you don’t fancy driving in Ireland, consider hopping on a bus instead. This is a cost-effective way to travel across the country while enjoying some magnificent views of Ireland. Bus Éireann and Translink provide detailed information about Ireland’s bus services and routes.  

By bicycle: Ireland boasts some spectacular scenery, making it a great cycle destination. Travelling by bicycle provides an element of flexibility and allows you to explore at your own pace. Across the country, you’ll find a number of Greenways that offer a pleasant, traffic-free cycle experience.  

Events in Ireland

St Patrick’s Day: St Patrick’s Day takes place on the 17th of March every year and marks the anniversary of the death of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. This event has been an official religious holiday for over 1,000 years and has since developed into a huge celebration of Irish culture. St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Ireland involve festivals, parades, music and dancing.   

TradFest Temple Bar: Tradfest is Ireland’s biggest Folk music festival and takes place every January in Dublin’s famous Temple Bar. This incredible celebration began in 2006 and is a brilliant opportunity to enjoy traditional Irish music. 

Cork Jazz Festival: This is Ireland’s biggest jazz festival and has taken place every year in October since 1978. Held in Cork City, the festival attracts thousands of musicians and music fans across the country.  

Ireland weather

Temperature: Ireland has a mild but changeable climate. July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 15°C. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 5°C.  

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Ireland is during the peak season in summer when you can enjoy warmer days. If you plan on exploring the great outdoors and the best of Ireland’s landscape, the months are a good time to plan a trip. Low season is between November and February, where you can expect smaller crowds due to the colder weather.  

Best hotels in Ireland