Published on November 5, 2024 · Written by Vanessa White
Ireland is one of those rare countries that lives up to every expectation, and then exceeds them. The rolling green countryside, the warm and witty people, the traditional pubs with live music, the extraordinary coastlines, and the deep sense of history woven into every town and village make it genuinely special. Whether you’re tracing your roots or simply looking for a great trip, Ireland rewards the traveller who takes the time to explore it properly.
Top Travel Resources for Ireland
| # | Service | Best for | Why we recommend it | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Go City | City passes | Bundles top city attractions into one pass at up to 50% off individual tickets. | Visit site |
| 2 | QEEQ | Car rental | Compares major car rental desks and offers price-drop protection on bookings. | Visit site |
| 3 | EKTA | Travel insurance | Travel insurance with online claims, including adventure sport options. | Visit site |
| 4 | Drimsim | eSIM & data | Pay-as-you-go travel eSIM: you pay only for the data you use. | Visit site |
| 5 | AirHelp | Flight compensation | Claims compensation for delayed or cancelled flights on your behalf, for a success fee. | Visit site |
| 6 | Radical Storage | Luggage storage | Flat-rate luggage storage near stations and attractions. | Visit site |
| 7 | WeGoTrip | Self-guided tours | Self-guided audio tours for cities and museums, at your own pace. | Visit site |
| 8 | AutoEurope | Car rental | Long-established car rental broker for Europe and the UK. | Visit site |
Cities We’ve Covered
- Dublin, Ireland’s capital: Guinness, Georgian architecture, incredible live music, and centuries of history.
- Galway, The west coast’s crown jewel, with a buzzing arts scene, traditional music, and the Wild Atlantic Way on its doorstep.
Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Ireland
Visa Requirements
Citizens of the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit Ireland visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website for the most current requirements for your passport.
Currency
Ireland uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, though some rural pubs and smaller businesses are cash-only. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Rounding up or leaving a small amount at restaurants and for taxis is common practice.
Getting Around
Dublin has a solid public transit network including the DART commuter rail, Luas tram lines, and Dublin Bus. For exploring outside the cities, particularly the west and southwest, renting a car is highly recommended. Note that driving is on the left side of the road. Check our transportation guide for tips on booking travel online.
Weather
Ireland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. Rain is possible in any month, and temperatures are mild year-round, rarely very hot or very cold. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of when you go. Summer (June-August) offers the longest days and the most outdoor events.
Safety
Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Standard precautions apply in busy city areas. Emergency services can be reached by calling 999 or 112. Make sure to arrange travel insurance before your trip. Use Skyscanner to find the best flights to Ireland, and book your accommodation in advance for the best rates.
