Things To Do
in Ireland
Ireland is a compact island nation of lush green landscapes, dramatic coastline, and a deep, layered history visible in castles, stone circles, and vibrant towns. Friendly locals, lively pubs with traditional music, and a strong literary and cultural heritage make it easy to connect with the place. Weather is famously changeable, with frequent showers but often mild temperatures year-round thanks to the Atlantic influence.
Whether you want road-tripping scenic routes, city culture, or rural solitude, Ireland offers a wide range of experiences within short distances.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Welcome to Ireland's vibrant capital! After checking into your hotel, explore the historic Trinity College and see the renowned Book of Kells. Enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast at a local café to kickstart your adventure.
Stroll through the lively streets of Temple Bar, soaking in the local art scene and shops. Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about the brewing process and enjoy a pint with scenic views from the Gravity Bar. Don't forget to capture photos of the iconic Ha'penny Bridge.
Experience a warm Irish welcome at a traditional pub where live music echoes through the air. Savor a hearty Irish stew paired with a craft beer or whiskey. Engage with locals and fellow travelers as the night unfolds in merriment.
Set off to the National Museum of Ireland, where you can marvel at exhibits showcasing Ireland's rich history and culture. Next, visit the beautiful gardens of St. Stephen's Green for a leisurely stroll. Let the morning sun brighten your exploration.
Spend your afternoon at Dublin Castle, where centuries of history are told through architecture and artifacts. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the River Liffey and explore the bustling markets at George's Street Arcade. Grab a light bite from one of the stalls for an authentic taste of Dublin.
Head to the historic district of Dublin for a farewell dinner in an elegant restaurant. Indulge in contemporary Irish cuisine while enjoying stunning views of the city nightlife. Conclude your evening with a scenic walk along the river, illuminated by fairy lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Pint of beer (pub) | $5-8 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Spectacular and varied landscapes within short distances
- Warm, friendly locals and rich cultural traditions
- Compact size makes multi-region itineraries feasible
- Excellent seafood and an emerging modern food scene
- Weather is unpredictable and can affect outdoor plans
- Accommodation and dining can be expensive in peak season
- Public transport is limited in rural areas—car recommended
- Popular sites can be crowded in summer
- "Dia dhuit" - Hello (Irish/Gaelic)
- "Go raibh maith agat" - Thank you
- "Sláinte" - Cheers (to health)
- "Le do thoil" - Please
- "Slán" - Goodbye
- "Tá sé go deas bualadh leat" - Nice to meet you
Places to Visit in Ireland
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic sheer cliffs with panoramic Atlantic views—spectacular at sunrise or sunset but be cautious near edges and high winds.
UNESCO site of basalt columns on the Antrim coast—dramatic geological formations that photograph well at low tide and in moody light.
A scenic driving route with coastal vistas, mountain backdrops, and charming villages—numerous pull-offs for sweeping landscape shots.
A photogenic avenue of beech trees in County Antrim—popular with photographers, best visited early morning to avoid crowds.
Remote rocky island with ancient monastic ruins; photography from boats or the mainland captures dramatic seascapes (landing requires advance booking and calm seas).
Picturesque cityscape scenes of the river Liffey, especially atmospheric at dusk with reflections and lights.
Food in Ireland
Ireland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked lamb or mutton stew with potatoes and root vegetables—widely available in pubs and family restaurants across the country.
Must-Try!
Creamy chowder with local fish and shellfish, popular in coastal towns from Galway to Kinsale; great at harbour-side cafés.
Dense, tangy bread using baking soda rather than yeast; often served with butter and available in bakeries and cafés.
A hearty plate of eggs, sausages, rashers (bacon), black and white pudding, beans and tomatoes—common in B&Bs and hotels.
A traditional potato pancake found in parts of the west and served with savory fillings or smoked salmon in cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic covered market with fresh seafood, deli stalls, artisan producers and ready-to-eat specialties—ideal for tasting local cheeses and smoked fish.
Weekend market with street food stalls and local producers; good for sampling craft foods and seasonal treats.
A vibrant weekend market near the Spanish Arch offering regional produce, baked goods, and street food stalls—excellent for sampling west-of-Ireland flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Irish people are known for friendliness and conversational warmth—polite greetings, a handshake, and light banter are common. First names are often used quickly, especially in informal contexts.
Avoid making assumptions about political or sectarian issues, particularly in Northern Ireland—be respectful and listen if locals bring topics up.
Queueing is expected in shops and at attractions—be patient and courteous. Small talk is common while waiting.
Pubs are social hubs—observe local norms (e.g., not loudly interrupting musicians). In residential areas, keep noise down late at night.
Safety
Tipping in Ireland
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. In restaurants a 10–15% tip for table service is common if service is good; many places add a service charge—check the bill. In pubs where you order at the bar tipping is rare, but you can round up or buy a round for friends. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up; hotel porters €1–€2 per bag is customary.
Contactless card payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted in cities and towns; carry some cash in rural areas or for small vendors. ATMs (cash machines) are common in towns, and credit/debit cards are broadly usable for accommodation and dining.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June–August brings the mildest temperatures (12–20°C / 54–68°F) and long daylight hours—best for outdoor activities and festivals, but expect crowds at major sights and occasional rain.
September–November offers quieter travel, beautiful autumnal colours, and still-mild weather early on; rain increases and daylight shortens, but it’s a good season for scenic drives.
December–February is cool and wet with temperatures usually above freezing in most lowland areas; shorter days limit hiking times, but winter storms can create dramatic coastal photography opportunities.
March–May brings blooming landscapes, fewer tourists and improving weather—ideal for countryside walks, though mornings can be chilly and rain remains likely.
Ireland at Night
Hiking in Ireland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A long-distance trail south of Dublin through the Wicklow Mountains offering boglands, forests and mountain vistas—suitable for multi-day hikes or short sections.
Circular coastal route around the Dingle Peninsula with dramatic cliffs, beaches and rural villages—excellent for multi-day trekking and cultural experiences.
One of Ireland’s longest looped walks around the Iveragh Peninsula with mountain and coastal scenery, including views of the Ring of Kerry.
A popular short coastal walk near Dublin with panoramic views of the Irish Sea and Dublin Bay—accessible by DART rail services.
Spectacular cliff walks in County Donegal with dramatic drop-offs and quieter trails than the Cliffs of Moher; best in calmer weather for safety and views.
Airports
How to reach Ireland by plane.
Ireland's largest international gateway, well connected to the city by bus, airport shuttle, taxi and private transfer—about 20–40 minutes to Dublin city centre depending on traffic.
Convenient for southern Ireland and County Cork; regular flights to UK and Europe and bus or taxi services to Cork city (20–30 minutes).
Gateway to the west (Clare, Limerick, Kerry); good for access to the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way—car hire and shuttle buses available.
Airports serving Northern Ireland; Belfast City is close to the city centre, while Belfast International handles more routes—useful if visiting Northern Ireland's attractions such as the Giant's Causeway.
Regional airport serving the west of Ireland with seasonal and domestic connections; useful for reaching County Mayo, Galway and nearby regions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Concentrated in Dublin, Cork and Galway—diverse, often employed in tech, arts, or services, contributing to vibrant city cultures.
Smaller towns and villages with older age profiles in some regions, strong local traditions, farming communities and close-knit social life.
Irish-speaking regions mostly along western coasts where Gaelic language and cultural traditions are actively maintained.
Increasingly diverse populations in major cities with communities from Europe, Asia and beyond contributing to a varied social and culinary scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
One of Ireland’s most popular native sports, played at club and county level with passionate local support and major inter-county matches drawing large crowds.
Ancient and fast-paced Irish stick-and-ball sport with deep local loyalties—matches at All-Ireland level are major cultural events.
Rugby union is widely followed, with international matches drawing large attendances and strong domestic clubs in Dublin, Munster and Leinster.
Popular nationwide with a growing domestic league and strong support for international clubs and the national team.
Ireland is renowned for its links courses and is a popular destination for golf tourism year-round.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Cities and many towns now offer strong vegetarian menus; pubs may have limited options, so check menus online or ask staff for adaptations.
Vegan options are increasing, especially in Dublin, Cork and Galway—look for vegan cafés and many restaurants that can adapt dishes; always confirm cross-contamination if needed.
Gluten-free options are common in urban restaurants and bakeries; traditional items like soda bread contain gluten unless specifically made GF—notify staff when ordering.
Most restaurants are accustomed to dietary requests but carry a translation card for serious allergies if you travel to rural areas where English may be the only language used by staff.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ireland.