Ireland, also known as the Emerald Isle, with its friendly people, rugged coastlines, and fascinating history, has something for everybody.
Pubs on almost every corner, lush green landscapes, wind and rain, rainbows, leprechauns and fairies. These are the things I imagined I would find in Ireland the first time I visited. Well, I found all these things. (Except for the leprechauns and fairies, sadly ;) ).
In this Travel Guide of Ireland, I will try to help you find the Best Places to Stay, the Best Places to Eat, and the Best Things to See and Do, to make your trip unforgettable.
All Information and prices are updated to 2024.
" Dance as if no one were watching, Sing as if no one were listening, and Live every day as if it were your last." - Irish Proverb
Table of Contents
Top Things to know about Ireland
When to visit?: The best time to visit Ireland where the weather is good and fewer crowds is from March to May, and September to November.
June to August are the hottest time of year to visit and the most crowded and expensive.
It can be rainy sometimes, but it doesn't get too cold.
The most peaceful time to visit is in the winter.
Currency: The Euro is used in the Republic of Ireland and the British Pound is used in Northern Ireland.
If you need to change currency or withdraw cash, you’ll find ATM's in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Arrivals in Dublin airport.
Use the Wise Credit Card for the best exchange rates.
Traveling should be about adventure, exploration, and creating lasting memories—not about worrying over hidden fees and unfavorable exchange rates. Wise empowers travelers by providing transparency, affordability, and convenience in managing their finances abroad.
With Wise, you can make the most of your travel budget, simplify your financial transactions, and enjoy the freedom to explore the world with confidence.
Language: English and Irish are the official languages.
How to get around: Rent a car to be more flexible while exploring this wonderful island.
Tip: Rental cars are usually stick shift, so if you need an automatic, book way in advance! And, they drive on the left here! But don't let that stop you from renting a car. It's worth it, and you will get a hang of it very quickly.
You won’t need a car if you stay in the capital cities of Dublin and Belfast. Both cities are small enough to walk around and have excellent public transportation systems.
Safety: The overall crime rate in Ireland is very low. If you take the usual precautions and stay aware of your surroundings, you will be just fine.
Tip: Buy a SIM card. The prepaid SIM card from 3 cost 20€ with unlimited data. You can buy it at the airport, though it is usually cheaper in the city.
How to get from Dublin Airport to the City Center?
The cheapest and easiest option to get to the city center is taking a shuttle bus. You can use the Dublin Express 782 or 784, the Aircoach 700 or the Dublin Bus 41.
It will take about 30–40 minutes.
To save money on transport while in Dublin, including your Dublin airport transfers, you can buy a Leap Visitor Card. It is a pre-paid smart card that allows you to travel on all Dublin buses, DART and commuter trains. It costs €8 for 24 hours and €16 for 72 hours. You can buy the card at WHSmith in Terminal1 Arrivals in Dublin airport.
A return journey ticket with Aircoach from Dublin Airport to the city center will cost you €9.
A taxi from Dublin airport to the city center will cost you €25 to €30. They have a yellow 'TAXI' sign on the roof.
How to spend 6 Days in Ireland?
Day 1 & 2: Explore Dublin:
The Republic of Ireland's capital, Dublin, is a vibrant city where new and old collide. Walk along the streets and through the alleys and enjoy vibrant art, cafés and traditional Irish pubs with live Irish music.
In essence, Dublin is a city of contrasts, where ancient history meets contemporary innovation, and where the old and the new coexist harmoniously. A visit to this enchanting city is not just a journey through time but an exploration of the soul of Ireland itself.
Where to eat?
A wonderful little vegan restaurant with great food and fresh ingredients.
Delicious selection of vegan donuts.
Drinks?
Renting a car at Dublin Airport and driving to Northern Ireland.
We took the shuttle bus from Dublin city to the airport and got our rental car, which we booked with Discovercars.com, from the rental car company. They drove us with a little shuttle van to the car park.
After checking the car and setting the Navigation System that we booked, (which I can not recommend, especially if you have internet on your phone. Use Google Maps. We had a lot of trouble with this GPS.) we made our way toward Northern Ireland.
The road conditions are great and there are many gas stations with restaurants on the highway.
Tip: Stop at the Applegreen petrol stations.
Day 2 & 3: Discover Northern Ireland:
Northern Ireland is truly a remarkable place to visit. With its rugged coastlines, World Heritage sites, rural landscapes and buzzing towns, it has something to offer everyone.
Explore the real world filming locations of the Game of Thrones and the beautiful scenery that inspired Narnia.
Tip: Northern Ireland’s currency is the British Pound. Use the Wise Credit Card.
In essence, Northern Ireland is a tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, natural beauty, and hospitality. A visit to this captivating land promises not only a journey through time but also an immersion into the heart and soul of a resilient and welcoming community.
Day 3: Visit County Donegal:
Drive to Ireland's legendary North West, where you will find the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ride around Lough Eske Lake, passing by the Blue Stack Mountains. It takes about 2.5 hours.
A luxurious 5-star hotel in a renovated castle. Explore the beautiful grounds with the complimentary bikes provided and have some drinks at the castle bar or take a dip in their indoor pool.
Day 4: Visit Galway:
The City of Galway has a Bohemian flair, exceptional food and music.
It is truly a jewel of West Ireland with long sandy beaches, colorful shops and offbeat cafés.
And it is also the halfway point of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Galway is a city that captures the essence of Irish spirit and hospitality. Its blend of rich history, artistic flair, culinary delights, and natural beauty makes it a destination that lingers in the hearts of those who visit.
So, if you're seeking an authentic Irish experience, Galway is the place to be, where tradition meets vibrancy in a harmonious dance that leaves a lasting impression on all who wander its charming streets.
Where to eat?
About a 20min walk along the coast to the city center and right next to the Galway Atlantaquaria.
The Residence Hotel is located next to the 1520 Bar, which offers a homemade menu daily. Live music can also be enjoyed.
Offers free parking, just an 8-minute walk from the center of Galway, and serves a freshly prepared Irish breakfast.
Day 5: Best way to see the Cliffs of Moher:
Located on the west coast of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are truly a magnificent site to see.
They are part of the UNESCO Geopark with cliffs rising up over 200 meters from the Atlantic Ocean.
Best time to visit?: Between April and September is the best time to visit the cliff due to less rain and a better chance of a sunny, clear day.
It does not cost anything to see the Cliffs, but if you are arriving with a car at the Visitor Center, you will have to pay around €10 for a parking spot.
To avoid the crowds, arrive before 11a.m. or take the Cliffs of Moher Liscannor Walk trail, which I find is the best way to enjoy the Cliffs without the crowds at any time of day or season.
The Trail starts at a small private car park in Kilconnel, Liscannor. Parking here costs €3 and there are toilets here for visitors.
From here it is about a 15-min walk to Hag's Head at the Cliffs of Moher where the trail starts towards the Viewpoint South.
Take your time to enjoy this magnificent place!
It took us about 5 hours from the parking lot to Viewpoint south.
We had a lovely picknick and a short nap on the side of the path. We were lucky with the weather the day we visited.
Day 5 & 6: Best way to experience the Ring of Kerry:
Nestled in the heart of Ireland's scenic southwest, the Ring of Kerry is a captivating and picturesque route that winds its way through some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes.
This 179-kilometer circular route in County Kerry offers travelers an enchanting journey through lush green valleys, rugged coastline, charming villages, and historic sites, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland.
Beyond its natural splendor and historical marvels, the Ring of Kerry offers visitors the chance to experience the renowned Irish hospitality. Local pubs and restaurants serve up delicious traditional cuisine, and the friendly locals are always eager to share stories and recommendations, ensuring a warm welcome for travelers from near and far.
How much did this trip cost?
The flight from Zurich, Switzerland to Dublin Airport cost us about €600 for two.
The rental car with Discovercars.com cost us around €300 for 6 days.
The gas price all in all for the 6 days was around €180.
One night at the Staycity Aparthotels- Mark street in Dublin cost us €225.
Food, drinks and tours in Dublin cost us around €150.
One night at the Further Space at Thornfield Luxury Glamping Pods, The Dark Hedges, Ballycastle cost us €136.
Food, drinks and tours in Northern Ireland cost us about 60 British pounds.
One night at the Lough Eske Castle cost us around €300, food and drinks included.
One night in Galway including food, drinks and tours cost us about €300.
Two nights at the Castle View House B&B cost us about €120.
Food, drinks and tours for the last two days of our trip, including the Ring of Kerry, cost us around €80 for two people.
So, all in all, our Trip to Ireland cost us about €2450.
* We paid for this Ireland vacation out of our own pocket. All tips given are our own. Some links are advertising links. This means that, if you book something through these links, we receive a small commission. Every month we donate 20% of our earnings to an animal shelter, animal sanctuary or animal welfare organization around the world.
Thank you for your support!
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