Skip to content

Northern Europe

IrelandTravel guide

Explore Ireland visa rulesCommon scams in Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is known for its scenery, stories, poetry and music. English is widely spoken, and Irish remains an important part of the culture.

Why go

  1. Hear traditional music at a pub session.

  2. Explore dramatic Atlantic coast scenery.

  3. Visit prehistoric sites, ruined monasteries and castles.

  4. Discover the Aran Islands and their prehistoric sites.

  5. Walk through colourful towns and Dublin's leafy Georgian squares.

Getting there

By air

  • Dublin is the largest and best-connected airport. Shannon and Cork are the other major international airports.
  • Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West Knock have fewer flights. Airports in Derry and Belfast are also close to the Republic's border.
  • Aer Lingus and Ryanair are the main Irish airlines. Check baggage charges and other extras before buying a ticket.

By land

  • The Enterprise train connects Belfast Grand Central and Dublin Connolly every hour. The journey takes just over two hours, and booking is essential.
  • Buses run hourly between Belfast, Dublin Airport and Dublin's main bus station, Busáras. The journey takes about three hours.
  • Other cross-border buses connect Dublin with Derry, and Belfast with Monaghan and Enniskillen.

By sea

  • Ferries connect Ireland with Great Britain, France and Spain. They carry vehicles and offer cabins.
  • Dublin has ferry links with Holyhead and the Liverpool area. There is also a summer service from Douglas on the Isle of Man.

Customs

  • Ireland has its own immigration rules, separate from those of the United Kingdom and the Schengen Area.
  • There are no customs or immigration checks at the road border with Northern Ireland. You must still meet Ireland's entry requirements.
  • Check the rules before travelling with a pet. Some diseases found on mainland Europe are absent from Ireland.

Getting around

  • Car

    A car is useful in the countryside, where public transport is limited. Avoid driving in Dublin if possible. Airports have the best choice of rental cars. Book ahead and check licence requirements, age conditions and one-way rental costs. Many roads are narrow and winding, with potholes. Take extra care in Donegal, where speeding and narrow roads contribute to crashes.

  • Train

    Trains are comfortable and inexpensive, but the network is limited. Many routes run from Dublin. Most journeys take no more than two or three hours. There are no night trains. Booking ahead can save a few euro and secure a seat. It is especially important around major events.

  • Bus

    Buses are the main form of public transport across Ireland. Many long-distance services run through Dublin Airport. Bus Éireann runs intercity services under the Expressway name. Other companies include Aircoach, Citylink, GoBus and Dublin Coach. Transport for Ireland provides timetables and journey planning. It directs you to operators to buy tickets. Local Link buses serve smaller places. Main towns also have local buses, and Dublin has some night services.

  • Taxi

    Taxis must use the meter and give a receipt. Make sure both are provided. Ask your accommodation to book a taxi, especially outside cities. Use a clearly marked taxi. Avoid an unmarked car that stops for you on the street.

What to see and do

  • Atlantic coast

    Dramatic coastal scenery includes the Cliffs of Moher, Mizen Head, the Ring of Kerry, Loop Head and Connemara.

  • Prehistoric sites

    Brú na Bóinne dates from around 3000 BC, but visitor places are very limited. Other sites include Loughcrew Cairns, Ballymote, Ahenny and the Burren.

  • National Museum – Archaeology, Dublin

    Its discoveries include ornate gold jewellery and bodies preserved in bogs.

  • Monastery ruins and round towers

    Clonmacnoise, Glendalough and the Rock of Cashel have notable religious ruins. Round towers once served mainly as monastery bell towers.

  • Castles

    Limerick has a fine castle, while Dublin Castle reflects several periods of history. Blarney Castle near Cork is an example of a fortified tower house.

  • Historic houses and gardens

    Malahide, Powerscourt at Enniskerry and Russborough House at Blessington are within an easy day trip of Dublin.

Food and drink

  • Pub carvery lunch

    Roast meat with vegetables and potatoes is usually a good-value meal.

  • Fast food

    This is one of the cheapest options for eating out.

  • Kinsale

    This town near Cork is known for its restaurants, especially fish restaurants.

  • Donegal Town

    The town is becoming known for seafood.

  • Vegetarian food

    Choice is limited outside the main cities.

Money

Euro (€)

  • Cash machines are widely available in cities and towns. Most shops and other businesses accept credit cards.
  • Irish cash machines generally do not charge a fee, but your own bank may charge one.
  • Some businesses near the Northern Ireland border accept British pounds. Change is usually given in euro.
  • People may say 'quid' when talking about euro prices. 'Three quid' means €3.

Tipping: In restaurants, a tip of 10–15% is standard when you are happy with the service. Tips are not expected in pubs; for short city taxi trips, rounding up to the next euro is optional.

Typical costs

  • Food is expensive. Fast food and pubs are among the cheapest places to eat out.
  • Pub carvery lunches are usually good value. They commonly include roast meat, vegetables and potatoes.
  • A walk-up single train ticket from Dublin to Kilkenny cost €15 in 2021; this is a dated example.
  • In 2024, flights from Dublin started at €24 each way to Donegal and €20 each way to Kerry.

Language

  • English
  • Irish
That's deadly
That's wonderful or impressive.
Youse
A word for addressing more than one person as 'you'.
Craic
Lively, friendly teasing or fun.
Níl a bhuíochas ort
A reply to thanks, meaning 'not at all' or 'it was nothing'.

Staying safe

  • Crime is relatively low by European standards, but late-night streets in larger towns and cities can be dangerous.
  • Avoid walking alone after sunset in deserted parts of Dublin or Cork. Plan your journey back, preferably by taxi.
  • Avoid people who are visibly drunk. Much violent crime is linked to drink or drugs.
  • If a thief threatens you, hand over the valuables they demand and do not resist.
3 common scams in Ireland, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Say hello when passing people in small towns, villages or on country roads. A brief comment about the weather is also common.
  • Arrive on time for visits to someone's home or for business invitations.
  • Call the language 'Irish' or 'the Irish language'. Some people take offence at calling it 'Gaelic'.
  • Expect friendly teasing and frequent swearing. Tone and context matter, and the teasing often shows affection.
  • Ask locals for advice or directions. People are generally welcoming and approachable.

Don't

  • Do not criticise or joke about someone's family.
  • Avoid starting conversations about religion or politics in polite company.
  • Avoid discussing the Troubles, a sensitive period of conflict, or making careless comments about British rule and the famine.
  • Avoid insensitive comments about abuse connected with Catholic Church institutions. This remains painful for many people.
  • Do not assume Irish ancestry alone makes you Irish in local eyes, especially when expressing views about the Troubles.

Where to stay

  • Hotels range from basic options to very luxurious stays.
  • Bed-and-breakfast accommodation is widespread, often family-run and good value.
  • Independent Holiday Hostels of Ireland offers tourist-board-approved hostels. An Óige, the youth hostel association, also has hostels, often in remote scenic places.
  • Official campsites exist, but there are fewer than in many countries. Some motorhome sites close from October to March.

Trips to Ireland

Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.

5 nights
Dublin and Atlantic DaysDublinGalwayCliffs of MoherFrom, per person~US$2,080
 7 nights
Relaxed Meals and Harbour DaysDublinCorkKinsaleFrom, per person~US$3,030
 8 nights
Ireland at Your PaceDublinGalwayCliffs of MoherKillarneyFrom, per person~US$3,350

Outdoor adventures in Ireland

Ireland has mountain hikes, lakeside walks, boat trips and scenic coastal routes. Killarney has several outdoor options close together, while the west coast has islands and rugged scenery. Rain is likely even in summer, so bring a waterproof coat and check the weather forecast.

  • Carrauntoohil via Devil's Ladder

    HikeMacgillycuddy's Reeks, County Kerrynear Killarney

    Hard 5–6 hours return

    Follow the Devil's Ladder trail to Ireland's highest mountain, at 1,038 m.

    • The ascent is strenuous.
    • Poor weather makes the hike hazardous.

  • Ring of Kerry

    More to doCounty Kerrynear Killarney

    Follow the scenic peninsula circuit, usually starting from Killarney. Cork City Tours also runs excursions from Cork between May and September.

    • Many country roads are narrow and winding.
    • Watch for potholes when driving.

  • Gap of Dunloe

    More to doCounty Kerrynear Killarney

    Join a tour group that transfers to pony carts for the ride through the mountain gorge. The lane is also a public road.

    • The road is very narrow.
    • Cars share the lane with bikes and pony carts.

  • Muckross Lake circuit

    HikeKillarney National Park, County Kerrynear Killarney

    Walk the route around Muckross Lake, also called Middle Lake. It crosses old stone bridges.

    • Bring a waterproof coat, even in summer.

  • Torc Waterfall trails

    HikeKillarney National Park, County Kerrynear Killarney

    Explore the walking trails around Torc Waterfall, including the Cardiac Steps.

    • Check the weather forecast and bring a waterproof coat.

  • Killarney lakes and Inisfallen boat trips

    More to doCounty Kerrynear Killarney

    Summer

    Take a boat trip from the jetty beside Ross Castle. Operators include Lily of Killarney, Killarney Lake Tours and Gap of Dunloe Tours. Boat trips also visit Inisfallen in Lough Leane.

    • Check the weather forecast and bring a waterproof coat.

  • Wild Atlantic Way

    More to doAtlantic coast

    Drive the motoring route that follows the coast.

    • Many country roads are narrow and winding.
    • Watch for potholes.

  • Aran Islands

    More to doWest Ireland

    Reach the three Aran Islands by ferry or plane.

    • Expect rain even in summer and bring a waterproof coat.

  • Mizen Head excursion

    More to doCounty Corknear Cork

    May–September for Cork City Tours excursions

    Join a Cork City Tours excursion from Cork to Mizen Head.

    • Check the weather forecast and bring a waterproof coat.

  • Ross Island trails

    HikeKillarney National Park, County Kerrynear Killarney

    Explore the firm trails through mixed forest on the peninsula west of Ross Castle.

    • Bring a waterproof coat.

  • Hag's Glen

    HikeCounty Kerrynear Killarney

    Easy

    Park at Cronin's Yard and walk up Hag's Glen.

    • Check the weather forecast before setting out.

  • Macgillycuddy's Reeks ridge walk

    HikeCounty Kerrynear Killarney

    Hard

    Walk the full ridge, taking in Carrauntoohil and roughly six other peaks around 900 m high.

    • The Carrauntoohil ascent is hazardous in poor weather.
    • Check the weather forecast before setting out.

  • Lough Gill boat trips

    More to doSligo areanear Sligo

    Take a trip with an operator such as Rose of Innisfree, which may offer pickup from Sligo.

    • Bring a waterproof coat.

  • River Nore riverside walks

    HikeCounty Kilkennynear Kilkenny

    Follow the west bank of the Nore upstream for 6 km to the weir, or downstream for 11 km to Maddockstown.

    • Bring a waterproof coat.

  • River Swilly footpath

    HikeCounty Donegalnear Letterkenny

    Follow the north bank of the Swilly. Loop onto Ramelton Road or return along the same path.

    • Bring a waterproof coat.

  • Gartan Adventure Centre

    More to doChurchill, County Donegalnear Letterkenny

    Arrange training or organised outdoor activities through the centre. Its base is on Lough Gartan, off R251, 20 km west of Letterkenny.

  • Kilkenny skydiving

    More to doCounty Kilkennynear Kilkenny

    Arrange skydiving with Irish Skydiving Club at Kilkenny Airport, on Airfield Road, Holdensrath, 3 km west of the town centre.

  • Muckross Horse Riding

    More to doCounty Kerrynear Killarney

    Arrange horse or pony riding with Muckross Horse Riding on N71, 200 m south of Muckross Park Hotel near Muckross Abbey.

  • Killarney Riding Stables

    More to doCounty Kerrynear Killarney

    Arrange horse or pony riding at the stables, 1 km west of Killarney on N72 towards Aghadoe.

  • Ross Golf Club

    More to doCounty Kerrynear Killarney

    Play at Ross Golf Club, within the racetrack on Ross Road, 1 km southwest of Killarney town centre.

  • Castlerosse Golf Club

    More to doCounty Kerrynear Killarney

    Find the course 1 km west of Killarney on N72.

  • Killarney Golf & Fishing Club

    More to doCounty Kerrynear Killarney

    Find the golf club on the lake shore, another kilometre west of Castlerosse Golf Club.

  • Beaufort Golf Club

    More to doCounty Kerrynear Killarney

    Find the course 14 km west of Killarney, off N72.

  • Kilkenny Golf Club

    More to doCounty Kilkennynear Kilkenny

    Find the parkland course on Glendine Road, 1 km north of Kilkenny town centre.

  • Pococke Golf Centre

    More to doCounty Kilkennynear Kilkenny

    Easy

    Find the beginner's course on Johnswell Road, 1.5 km northeast of Kilkenny town centre, beyond the N77 bypass.

Airports, metros and trains in Ireland

Airports with scheduled flights

  • ORKCork International AirportCorkMain international airport
  • DUBDublin AirportDublinMain international airport
  • NOCIreland West Airport KnockCharlestownMain international airport
  • SNNShannon AirportShannonMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
2,400 km
Electrified
53 km

People and safety in Ireland

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian76%
  • No religion15%
  • Muslim2%
  • Hindu<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #13 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

68% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 75 of 198 countries can visit Ireland easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required65
  • Freedom of movement10
  • eVisa2
  • Visa required121

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe36 of 45 countries
  • Oceania8 of 14 countries
  • Americas19 of 35 countries
  • Asia11 of 50 countries
  • Africa1 of 54 countries

Questions

Can I get by with English?

Yes. Almost everyone speaks English, although accents vary and some people speak quickly.

What should I pack for the weather?

Bring a waterproof coat if you plan to be outdoors. Rain is likely even in summer, and the weather can change several times in a day.

Do I need to hire a car?

Probably not if you mainly visit cities, and driving in Dublin is best avoided. A car is useful in the countryside because public transport is limited.

Can I pay by card?

Most businesses accept credit cards. Cash machines are also widely available in cities and towns.

How much should I tip?

A restaurant tip of 10–15% is standard when you are satisfied with the service. Tips are not expected in pubs.

Where can I find a cheaper meal?

Fast food and pubs are among the cheapest options for eating out. A pub carvery lunch is usually good value.

What is a bed-and-breakfast stay like?

These stays are widely available, often family-run, friendly and good value.

How do I call for emergency help?

Dial 999 or 112 for police, ambulance, fire service, coast guard or mountain rescue. Both numbers work from mobile phones and landlines.

How can I experience traditional Irish culture?

Visit a pub with a traditional music session. Music, storytelling and poetry are important parts of Irish culture.

How do I dial an Irish phone number?

From an Irish landline, replace the international prefix and country code +353 with a single 0. Most landlines and mobile phones also accept numbers beginning with +353 or 00353.

Reviewed by