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Ireland Travel Guide: Essential Travel Tips Before You Go

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Ireland is hands down my most memorable trip I've taken EVER!  The food, the people, THE WHISKEY.  Every ounce of my being loves Ireland.  I took a road trip for four days flying over from Bristol England into Cork.  I traveled up the west coast into the Wild Atlantic Way.

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My heart was so full being here.  I can't explain it.  The green, the castles, the PUBS.  I never wanted to leave. 

 

Extend Your England Vacation

England's location to Ireland makes it an excellent starting point for to see this incredible destination.  Flights to London seem to be a tad cheaper (at least when I wentand I was able to break up the long flight times with sights in London for a couple days before heading to Ireland.  

 

Popular Multi-Country Itineraries

Ireland pairs well with several nearby destinations, making it easy to create a memorable multi-country itinerary. Here are some of the best combinations:

• Scotland – A classic pairing with Ireland. Explore Edinburgh's historic streets, the Scottish Highlands, and iconic castles before or after discovering Dublin, Galway, and the Cliffs of Moher.

• England – Combine Ireland with London, Bath, Oxford, or the Cotswolds. This itinerary blends vibrant cities, royal landmarks, and picturesque countryside.

• Wales – A great choice for travelers who enjoy dramatic coastlines, hiking, and medieval castles. Wales complements Ireland's rugged landscapes and Celtic heritage.

• Northern Ireland – If you're already visiting the Republic of Ireland, adding Belfast and the Giant's Causeway is an easy and rewarding extension.

• Iceland – Many flights between North America and Europe make Reykjavík a convenient stopover. Iceland offers glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and geothermal spas that contrast beautifully with Ireland's green countryside.

• France – Pair Ireland with Paris, Normandy, or the Loire Valley for a mix of historic cities, world-class cuisine, and charming villages.

• Portugal – Combine Ireland's cool, lush scenery with Portugal's sunny beaches, colorful cities, and renowned food and wine.

• Spain – Visit Barcelona, Madrid, or Andalusia after Ireland for a vacation that blends Celtic traditions with Mediterranean culture.

• The Netherlands – Amsterdam is well connected by air to Dublin, making it easy to add canals, museums, cycling, and Dutch countryside to your trip.

• Norway – Ideal for nature lovers. Ireland's rolling green landscapes pair well with Norway's spectacular fjords, mountains, and scenic rail journeys.

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Best combinations by trip length

• 7–9 days: Ireland + Northern Ireland

• 10–12 days: Ireland + Scotland or England

• 12–14 days: Ireland + Scotland + England

• 14–16 days: Ireland + Iceland or France

• 2–3 weeks: Ireland + Scotland + England or Ireland + Portugal + Spain

For first-time visitors, Ireland and Scotland is often considered the most rewarding combination because of their shared Celtic heritage, spectacular scenery, historic castles, and relatively short travel times between the two countries. If you're looking for the greatest contrast, Ireland and Iceland provides an unforgettable mix of emerald landscapes, volcanic terrain, waterfalls, and geothermal wonders.

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​Weather Tips

Ireland's weather is famously changeable, but with the right preparation it

can be one of the best places to explore. Here are a few practical tips:

• Pack layers. Temperatures are generally mild year-round, but
  conditions can shift quickly. A lightweight sweater or fleece over
  a T-shirt works well.

• Bring a waterproof jacket. Rain showers are common in every season,
  even on otherwise sunny days. A hooded rain jacket is more useful than
  an umbrella, especially along the coast where it can be windy.

• Wear comfortable, water-resistant shoes. Whether you're strolling through
  Dublin or hiking along the Cliffs of Moher, you'll appreciate dry feet.

• Don't let a little rain alter your plans. Most showers pass quickly, and some
  of Ireland's most beautiful scenery appears after the rain when the skies clear.

• Coastal areas are windier. If you're visiting places like the Ring of Kerry, Dingle
  Peninsula, or the Wild Atlantic Way, pack a windproof outer layer.

When Should You Visit?

Expect "four seasons in a day." It's not unusual to experience sunshine, clouds, wind, and rain within a few hours, so check the forecast each morning but be prepared for changes.

• Summer (June–August) offers the longest daylight hours, with sunset as late as 10:00–10:30 p.m. in some areas, giving you more time for sightseeing.

• Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are excellent times to visit, with fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and colorful landscapes. I WENT IN EARLY MAY AND HAD SUNSHINE ALL FOUR DAYS I WAS THERE. 

• Winter (November–February) is cool and damp rather than extremely cold. Snow is uncommon in most parts of the country, but days are much shorter.