Ultimate guide to planning a trip to Ireland 2025

Are you in the process of planning the perfect Ireland itinerary? Don’t complicate your life here are all the tips you’ll need to make your Irish dream trip come true. 

Over 7 million tourists are planning a road trip to Ireland for 2025 and that number grows every year. I am an Irish Canadian who has been house sitting in Ireland for the past few years and am lucky enough to now live here. I have been to every corner of Ireland sometimes more than once so I know how difficult it is to create an Ireland trip planner.

I have noticed similar questions on all the travel to Ireland Facebook groups and online forums so I thought it was about time I wrote a piece on everything you need to know about planning your first time trip to Ireland, things to love about visiting Ireland and creating your own itinerary for your Ireland vacation. If this is your first trip to Ireland I have a ton of articles on taking a day trip from Dublin or simply how to travel around Ireland. All of the links are underlined and you can click on them to reach the post.

The perfect Ireland itinerary doesn’t really exist because different folks want to see different things. Having said that everyone needs to visit Ireland at least once in his or her lifetime; unfortunately I think a trip of a week is just not long enough to truly get to know this tiny island. You need to make repeated visits over the years to really get the feel for it. However, I will tell you one thing – after one visit you will become addicted to Ireland and fall in love with this beautiful green island.

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Reasons to visit Ireland

Ireland is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture that invites travelers from around the globe to explore its Wild Atlantic Way Coastline and its hidden pretty villages and Islands. With its lush green hills, dramatic cliffs, and great food, Ireland offers a feast for the senses that captivates visitors at every turn.

With jaw dropping scenery in Killarney National Park, the ponies of Connemara the stunning Wicklow countryside and the historic monastic site of Glendalough there is a range of sites to visit for all personalities. But the reasons to visit this captivating country extend far beyond its picturesque scenery.

Firstly, Ireland’s historical significance is woven into the very fabric of its towns and cities, from ancient castles and archaeological sites to iconic landmarks like the Rock of Cashel, the Giant’s Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher  and the prehistoric Newgrange passage tomb. Each site tells a story, allowing travelers to step back in time and connect with the island’s storied past.

In addition to its historical treasures, Ireland is renowned for its warm hospitality and the friendliness of its people. The locals take pride in sharing their culture, traditions, and folklore, often inviting visitors to partake in lively conversations over a pint of Guinness in a cozy pub.

Moreover, the Irish culinary scene is superb, with farm-to-table restaurants and artisanal food producers showcasing the best of local ingredients. From hearty stews to fresh seafood, the flavors of Ireland are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Check out the seafood festival in Galway just one of many Irish festivals.

How long to spend in Ireland?

Ireland offers a wide range of sights and activities to explore. We suggest spending at least one week in Ireland, although some people opt for just 5 days. However, 2 weeks in Ireland is preferable, and if you have three weeks, you’ll be able to experience most of the country at a comfortable pace. This comprehensive guide to planning a trip to Ireland will allow you to start planning and then enjoy your trip to the Emerald Isle.

Ireland is a small country and planning an Ireland road trip with so many sites to see can get complicated. Some of the great tourist sites in Ireland such as the Blarney Stone, Dingle Peninsula, and The Ring of Kerry, are on a tourist bucket list but many are just tourist traps so make up your list with care.

Want to travel to both Ireland and Scotland? This itinerary could be helpful

How to plan an Ireland trip

One of the best guides to visiting Ireland is, of course, Rick Steve’s Ireland personally I don’t think you can go wrong with his books. However since the world shut down a few years ago many things in books printed prior to Covid have closed or disappeared so keep that in mind. For the sheer beauty of Ireland and having a fabulous coffee table book you may want to pick up one called Luminous Ireland. the photography in this book is simply gorgeous.

There are hundreds of vacation packages to Ireland and some of the best are small guided tours with a more manageable group of people. Make sure you check the reviews of any vacation package to Ireland you may want to book. I’ve seen dozens of people race from site to site on a huge bus and then spoken with those on small coach tours of a maximum of 12 who are loving their experience.

You can decide to rent a car and drive yourself or perhaps you would prefer a driver for your trip? There are tours, drivers and excursions to keep everyone happy.

Don’t want to drive in Ireland? Here is how to use public transport for your trip.

Faqs about visiting Ireland

How many days should you spend in Ireland? How long is a piece of string? The time you need to spend in Ireland can vary from a tightly scheduled 1 week to several months.

How much is an average trip to Ireland? The average price of a 7-day trip to Ireland is around  $1,200 for a solo traveller and $2,400 for a couple.

What is the best month to go to Ireland? For a reasonably priced holiday choose the off-season or shoulder seasons – March to end of April and October to March avoiding Christmas.

Is it safe to visit Ireland? Yes, Ireland and Northern Ireland are among the safest countries in the world.

Planning a trip to Dublin? From the UK you can actually take a day trip to Dublin from major airports around the country. These are becoming very popular and known as Extreme Day Trips. The cost can be cheaper than a night out in town and flights to Dublin airport cost around £30 return on average.

Ireland trip planner – travel tips for your road trip

• The biggest tip before heading to Ireland is to make sure you have at least 6 months on your passport.
• Ireland is an EU member state, it is not part of the Schengen Zone, but you cannot overstay longer than 3 months unless you have a visa to stay.
• You don’t have to fly into Dublin in fact if you are planning a Wild Atlantic Way tour it is better to fly into Shannon airport.
• Pack lightly but pack layers, good walking shoes, a raincoat and make sure your wardrobe has interchangeable pieces You Won’t need any fancy clothes unless planning a castle stay.
• You don’t need a passport to cross into Northern Ireland but you will need some sterling as the currency is different.

Ireland on a budget

One of the biggest questions is how to plan a trip to Ireland on a budget. This is obviously dependent on what your budget is to start with.

VAT or sales tax is included in everything here in Ireland so what you see on the bill or invoice is what you pay, you may pay a little more in tax on your take-out food.

Apply for your tax-free shopping card before you go, save up to 18% on many of your purchases to bring home. Collect your refund at the airport before you leave.

Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Ireland in advance to ensure availability!

It may sound expensive to rent a car in Ireland but it will save you hours of public transportation time not to mention the hours you save by attempting to figure out how to travel through Ireland on public transport. As many an Irish person will tell you – outside of the major cities public transportation is not very good.

When looking for a way to keep your food budget in check hit the local Spar or grocery store, often their take-out sandwiches and meals are a great value.

Purchase an OPW Heritage site card for entry into over 600 national monuments for only €40 euros per person. Or better yet plan your visit so it coincides with the first Wednesday of every month is free. We managed to see both Cahir Castle and Swiss Cottage free thanks to this promotion. There are some locations that are not included such as: Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Castle, Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre ( New Grange and Knowth) and Clonmacnoise so double-check with Heritage Ireland. 

Visit Ireland during the Shoulder Season or Spring

Fly off season – in other words, don’t try to visit Ireland during high season which is the summer months: mid-June through mid-September. The shoulder season in Ireland is April, May, early June and early October. The shoulder season has the distinct advantage of retaining many summer travel perks: longer days, good weather and extended shopping hours.

The low season is November through March – the winter-weather months in Ireland. If you do come to Ireland in the winter months expect many of the attractions to be closed for the season.Take advantage of lower accommodation rates in the winter months you can expect to save up to 50% on hotel and B&B rates. Call direct and you can probably negotiate a better rate or upgrades so you will get more value for your money.

Planning a trip to Ireland tips

Getting around Ireland – Understanding the geography of Ireland

Depending on the starting point for your trip to Ireland you should know that Ireland is divided into two parts the North, which is the U.K, and the southern part of Ireland is the Republic you need to keep this in mind as both “countries” have different transport systems, monetary requirements and a few other differences. This will affect not only your car rental but also your trip itinerary.

Renting a car in Ireland 

Many of Ireland’s smaller counties, villages, and towns do not have great public transport. Trains across Ireland have been removed over the years and for example, you can’t take a train to Donegal you would be reliant on buses.

When departing from Dublin airport arrange to drop the car off at least 3.5 hours before your flight. The rental car drop off is usually a shuttle bus ride away from the airport but a shuttle is free from the car rental agency. If coming into Shannon or Belfast the journey out of customs and luggage pick up will be much faster as they are smaller airports.

You can usually book your car rental for pick up 30 to 45 minutes after your arrival. If your flight leaves from Shannon you will need 2 to 2.5 hours prior to boarding as most international flights require a 2-hour pre-boarding wait but again the shuttles from the car rental agencies are available and free.

Car rental prices in Ireland can appear to vary greatly so make sure you do your research and get your quotes in writing from each company. Then you can compare the cost of the rentals. Don’t be fooled by what appears to be cheap rentals they hide a lot of hidden costs. 

Car rental prices have skyrocketed here in Ireland and it is the most expensive country in Europe to hire a car in. Price also depends on when you are visiting as cars will be a little more expensive during the tourist season, these prices include the CDW. The average cost per day is likely around €50 Euros.

Driving in Ireland

Driving in Ireland can seem intimidating at first, especially if you’re used to driving on the right side of the road or unfamiliar with narrow country lanes. However, there’s no need to be afraid! Here’s why:

Left-Side Driving is Easy to Adapt To: While driving on the left might feel strange initially, most people adjust quickly. Just remember the mantra “keep left, look right,” and take your time to get comfortable.

Ireland’s roads are well-marked with clear signage, including directions, speed limits, and warnings. Major routes (like motorways) are easy to navigate, and GPS or maps can help guide you. Ireland’s landscapes are breathtaking, and driving allows you to explore hidden gems like the Wild Atlantic Way, Ring of Kerry, and Causeway Coastal Route at your own pace.

Irish drivers are generally patient and understanding, especially with tourists. If you make a mistake (like stalling at a roundabout), most people will give you a friendly wave rather than honk.Yes, some rural roads are narrow, but traffic is usually light, and drivers are accustomed to sharing the space. Take it slow, use pull-off spots, and you’ll be fine.

Roundabouts are common in Ireland and actually make navigating intersections easier once you get the hang of them. Just yield to traffic from the right and follow your exit.

Public transport can’t take you to all the remote, stunning locations Ireland has to offer. Driving gives you the freedom to discover charming villages, coastal cliffs, and rolling hills.

What cash or card do I bring to Ireland?

In the North, they require you to use sterling or £ pounds. In the South, you will need Euros €. They will not accept the wrong currency in either part of Ireland.

Yes, there are bank machines ATMs here and if you have an arrangement with your bank at home check which ones you can use without having to pay a charge. You won’t need Travellers Checks they are really outdated and virtually every place in Ireland accepts Master Card and Visa but not so much American Express or Discover Cards.

Best time to visit Ireland

Ireland is a beautiful country with some amazing sites, but the weather can be shall we say unpredictable? There is much banter about the weather here and yes you may well experience 4 seasons in one day. However, compared to the snowy regions of N. America the climate here is pretty mild and it may be raining but it will be mild. If you are out on the cliffs or along the coastline depending on the season, it can be quite cold due to the wind. Ireland is known to get snow once in a while but it usually doesn’t last very long.

Keep in mind in Ireland the tourist season really runs from April to late October. October to April is much quieter and you may find many places so tourist-free it’s a blessing – but having said that many tourist spots might be closed for the season. For example, in Glencolmcille Donegal most of the area is closed and shut down for the winter months. The folk park is shut but you will find some great pubs to hang out in and meet the locals.

Another example of the seasonality of trips to Ireland is that in Derry you can’t get a Hop on Hop Off bus from late October to April as they simply are not running.

The high season for visiting Ireland is June, July and August this is when you will find the most amount of tourists. In N. Ireland hordes of tourists descend from cruise ships to visit the Titanic Experience and the Game of Thrones Tours. So plan your trip to Ireland accordingly in the shoulder season which is April, May, September and October there are far fewer tourists and you will probably enjoy your visit to Ireland without having to deal with the crowds.

Visiting the islands of Ireland including Aran Island, Inishmore and others along the coastline is often of the bucket lists of tourists. You will have to ensure that the ferries are running as many can be cancelled particularly if you are hoping to visit Skellig Michael of Star Wars fame.

If you fancy an overnight trip just to get away Ireland is the perfect destination from anywhere in Europe here’s Kathryn’s article on spending a Day in Dublin for some great ideas.

What to pack for a visit to Ireland

There’s a saying in Ireland about the weather “we get 4 seasons in one day” and it is so true. We’ve had snow, rain, sunshine, hail and fierce winds all in a day if you want an idea of what to pack when you visit have a read of Packing for 4 seasons in one day. When planning a trip to Ireland it’s important to keep in mind that we do have a lot of rain so be prepared lol.

What to wear in Ireland

Ireland is a pretty casual place and you may be surprised when you are out and about in Dublin exactly how many people are wearing track pants and sneakers. Wear your heaviest clothing on the plane with a good warm waterproof jacket it will come in handy when visiting the Cliffs or coastal areas. Don’t forget to purchase your travel insurance before you go.

Melissa has a great article on What to pack for a trip to Ireland in June. Her capsule wardrobe choices are just perfect with lots of layers and some waterproof gear you can’t go wrong with this advice.

Yes you can stay at a Castle in Ireland

Where to stay and what to see is entirely up to you, be it glamping, B&B’s, wild camping or hotels every choice under the sun is here. Ireland has some pretty cool places to stay. Be aware though there are still many B&Bs that have shared bathrooms so keep that in mind. There are caravan rentals, camping rentals, castle stays and hostels. You will have a wide range of accommodations to hang out at.

If you are a paranormal fan there are many haunted castles in Ireland and around 8 you can actually stay in. Or choose a romantic Castle Hotel for a night or two – this could be a budget buster but what the hell we all deserve a little luxury once in a while.

Dublin is a very expensive city but you may be surprised at just how little it costs to stay at a 5-star in the North of Ireland. Just keep in mind the exchange rate. You can always negotiate rates as well if you contact the hotel directly. There are haunted castles you can stay in and all types of castles from towers to the ultimate in luxury. 

Irish Accommodations

North Americans are accustomed to hotel rooms that have either one king-size bed or queen-size many hotels and B&B’s here in Ireland are much smaller and can’t accommodate those sizes. So most accommodation will be a double bed unless stated otherwise. Hotel rooms can also be charged at a rate of per person per night. So that bargain hotel at €50 Euros a night will actually be €100 Euros for two of you.

In Ireland we use duvets so you often won’t find a top sheet on the beds. Another thing Americans seem to miss is washcloths – but here nobody wants to use an old washcloth so if you want bring your own.

When you are in the hotel make sure that if you use your card key to turn on the electricity that you are aware when the card is taken out the electricity is shut off so try to charge your phones or tablets when the card is in place. You can also ask for a second key if you need to keep charging your devices while you are out for the day.

In Canada and the US we call the ground floor the first floor here in Ireland the first floor is up one flight so keep that in mind when booking a place or you will have to drag your suitcases up a flight of stairs – a great reason for travelling light.

ATMs and banks in Ireland 

Double-check with your bank what ATM fees your debit cards or credit cards may be subjected to. In some cases, banks have an exchange of sorts so that your bank may allow you to use your debit card at an Irish or British bank without incurring any fees. It’s also good to notify your bank and your credit card companies that you will be travelling so that they don’t think your cards have been stolen.

What SIM card do I use in Ireland? 

Wifi and roaming charges can add up rapidly and expensively. If you have an unlocked dual SIM card, I recommend picking up a local SIM card. In Ireland, 3IE has a great SIM for €20 a month with enough data allowed to keep you going the whole trip and use your phone as a GPS. You will find similar deals in Northern Ireland, for example, the Tesco Pay as you Go SIM card costs £20 for 12 gigs of data enough easily for 2 weeks.

If you don’t have an unlocked, phone and can’t add a SIM card check with your carrier as to what is your best option for travelling in Ireland.

Can I use an ESIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. It’s built into your device and can be programmed with multiple profiles, making it convenient for switching between carriers or plans, especially when traveling.   

Major Irish carriers like Vodafone Ireland, Three Ireland, and eir offer eSIM plans. You can visit their websites or stores to purchase an eSIM plan.

If you’re visiting Ireland, a travel eSIM might be the most convenient option. For long-term use, consider getting an eSIM from a local Irish carrier.

Wifi and internet access in Ireland

Wifi is pretty good here in Ireland but keep in mind that there are many remote places where wifi is simply nonexistent. Download any maps you may require when you have access to wifi at your hotel or B&B and save yourself the grief of not being able to access Google maps. Mind you, one of the very joys of Ireland is getting lost and finding things you never thought you would see.

Ireland doesn’t operate 24/7

Belfast on Sunday night is a ghost town a few restaurants stay open till 9 pm and then the whole city closes up. Most shops and retailers will close on both Sunday and Monday so keep an eye on closing times. Additionally, many historic sites won’t open on a Monday because they are open on a Sunday. In smaller communities, you may only find a gas station open, however, luckily here in Ireland most gas stations have attached a store that contains everything from fresh bread to smokes.

Ireland IS Heaven for Foodies 

Yes, you can have a bad meal here and we have had a couple. Sometimes not even Trip Advisor or Google Guides gets it right as food is such a subjective thing. One of the things I highly recommend is doing a food tour then you can be assured you will have experienced the best and can go back for more.

The food here in Ireland has improved massively in the last ten years. The movement towards local produce and sustainability has dramatically increased the offerings available. Why it’s even possible to learn what field the animal was grazing in before it hits your plate.

How difficult is it to find Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free in Ireland?

For Vegans and vegetarians, the offerings are getting better and better and many places specialize in offering great vegan dishes. Don’t be afraid if you are gluten intolerant or have food allergies it seems to be commonplace to ensure that information is on every menu and there is a huge selection of “free-from” products in every grocery store.

Cheap eats and street food in Ireland

There is so much to choose from in Ireland from street and farmer’s markets to simple gas station delis. It constantly surprises me just how good a fresh deli sandwich purchased at the gas station can be. Most grocery chains here also have a huge selection of takeout meals from sandwiches to awesome noodles and salad bowls. I was very surprised at just how inexpensive food is here in many of the grocery stores, much cheaper than where we are from in Canada.

Although Ireland doesn’t have the selection, of foods you can find in the UK, you will find loads of Indian restaurants, fish and chip shops and of course, the ubiquitous fast-food chains that you get in the US. Don’t forget to indulge in the great Full Irish breakfast when you are here.

Drinks and Alcohol in Ireland

Drinks throughout Ireland are typically served without ice or a mere one cube and at a warmer temperature than North Americans tend to prefer. If you ask for lemon or lime in your soda water – be specific otherwise, you will be served soda with lemon or lime cordial, which is thick sweet syrup.

There is no such thing as a free refill here either for coffee or for soft drinks, and very often, if you ask for water you will get served a bottle and charged for it. So ask for tap water and you won’t be charged for it.

Tipping in Ireland

Because dining out is a pleasurable experience here you are never rushed to clear out but it does mean you have to ask for the cheque. As for tipping that is done in some of the better restaurants and occasionally you will see the service charge on the cheque itself. For the most part, however, tipping is not done here although you can offer to buy the bartender a drink if you are enjoying the mighty craic in the pub.

Odds and Ends about travelling in Ireland

Taxes are usually built into the price so when you are out shopping never fear the price is all on the tag and you can fill out some forms before you return home to N. America and get those taxes back. These are called VAT or Value Added Taxes.

It’s true everything is smaller here from cars to parking spaces to the washrooms and beds. It is a smaller country and doesn’t operate on the same premise, as the USA or Canada bigger is not better.

Oh and when you see the date written down here it is in Day/month/year format rather than the month/day/year we use in N. America.

Speed signs on the road in the North it’s in miles and in the South it’s in kilometres. You will note many a sign has been adjusted to reflect the Irish sense of humour.

Sometimes it feels like everybody swears here…lol…and it’s probably true so don’t be surprised to hear that granny on the bus saying the f word, and yes it’s also “feckin” which is used a lot here in the South

Don’t be an ugly American. Don’t wear that Irish Rugby sweater you got for Xmas with the Irish flag on it when you are in Northern Ireland and don’t go around sporting a Union Jack in the republic that’s just ignorant. Oh and the Irish hate things that scream I’m an Irish American.

Jill from Reading the Book travel blog has written a great article on what to expect when you cross the Irish border which has some great tips for you-you can read it here.

Places in Ireland you may want to explore

Ireland is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture and yes there are some tourist traps. Start your journey in Dublin, the lively capital, home to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and Temple Bar.

Head west to Galway, a charming city known for its artsy vibe, traditional music, and proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way, a breathtaking coastal route offering dramatic cliffs, quaint villages, and endless ocean views. In Kinsale, a picturesque seaside town in County Cork, enjoy colorful streets, gourmet food, and historic forts. Don’t miss Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the “gift of the gab.”

In Limerick, explore King John’s Castle and the vibrant riverside area, don’t forget to make a trip to the Limerick Milk Market. Venture north to Northern Ireland, where the Causeway Coast boasts the otherworldly Giant’s Causeway and the thrilling Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Nearby, the Antrim Coast and Glens offer stunning scenery, while Mussenden Temple, perched on a cliff edge, provides panoramic views of the Atlantic. Whether you’re chasing history, nature, or culture, Ireland’s diverse destinations promise an unforgettable experience.

So what are your favourite memories of Ireland – do you have some places that you consider quintessentially Irish? So when is your trip to Ireland planned for and what do you hope to see? I hope these tips help you when planning your Ireland itinerary.

53 Ultimate Ireland travel tips

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