Ireland Travel Guide

Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

Ireland Travel Guide

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Did you know that Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe to travel to? This Atlantic country is known worldwide for Guinness beer, pubs, Celtic music and Riverdance. Ireland gave to the world singer Sinead O’Connor, as well as rock bands U2 and Thin Lizzy. It is known all over the world for St. Patrick, novels and the best whiskey.

At the mention of Ireland, many will also think of the beautiful greenery, high cliffs and old castles. This country is on the bucket list of many travelers for a reason. Stunning nature and amazing landscapes will surely make you love the Emerald Isle at first sight.

Take a few days to explore amazing landscapes such as Connemara and Killarney national parks, Glendalough valley, Carrauntoohil and the Wicklow Mountains. You can also admire beautiful nature if you visit the Aran Islands and the Dingle Peninsula. Leave the most impressive for the end – Cliffs of Moher and Slieve League.

Ireland is a land of legends, with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone or explore Kilkenny castle and the medieval buildings at the Rock of Cashel. Rent a car and take a fantastic drive through the Wild Atlantic Way and the Ring of Kerry.

Many interesting places to travel to in Ireland in the districts of Clare, Donegal, Tipperary and Sligo can be visited as part of day trips from the capital city of Dublin. Northern Ireland, just two hours from Dublin,  will draw visitors to  Newgrange, Giant’s Causeway and the exciting cities of Belfast and Derry, officially Londonderry.

When in Dublin, sample some of its excellent nightlife. Famous Temple Bar is one of the top tourist attractions. The Irish do like to drink, and they are friendly, fun and ready to help. If you start talking to the locals, they will probably offer useful information about what to visit. However, expect to be teased. Have fun, and don’t take things too seriously. 

Taste some local foods like  Irish stew or visit the library of Trinity College, which houses the Book of Kells. Don’t miss a Gaelic football game at Croke Park Stadium. You can also visit museums to get to know Irish culture better.

Where is Ireland?

Ireland is in Western Europe. It lies surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish and Celtic seas. Northern Ireland is still a part of the United Kingdom.

 

Getting Around Ireland

The main airports with international flights to Ireland are at Dublin, Cork and Belfast. The cheapest way to tour Ireland is by public transportation. Bus lines connect larger cities like Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford, but if you want to visit small towns, you may have a problem. If you want to have complete freedom during your stay, it is best to rent a car for a few days. In Ireland, driving is on the left side of the road. Be careful if you are driving on the left for the first time, as it can be confusing.

Language

English is spoken in Ireland, and it is the official language. However, another official language of the Republic of Ireland is the Irish language or Irish Gaelic, although it’s not widely used in all parts of the country. In addition, in Northern Ireland, you can hear Ullans, the dialect of the Scots language.

Currency

Since the island is divided into two states, there are also two currencies. In the Republic of Ireland, the main currency is the euro, while in Northern Ireland it is the pound sterling, because it is a part of the United Kingdom. You can also pay with credit cards.

When is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?

We recommend visiting Ireland in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). March is also an excellent time to visit Ireland because of St. Patrick’s Day. July and August feature more tourist crowds and higher prices. From November to February, the weather is colder, and rain is more frequent

What to Pack When Visiting Ireland?

If you are planning to explore the natural beauty of Ireland and do some sightseeing, you will need functional hiking boots. You will also need hiking socks, T-shirts and a rain jacket. It is essential to dress in layers. If you plan to visit the cities,  ordinary walking shoes will be enough to get around. Of course, if you come to Ireland in winter, bring a sweater and a jacket, while for the rest of the year, a shirt or a blouse with long sleeves will suffice. Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license if you plan to rent a car during your road trip in Ireland.

Top 10 Things to Do in Ireland