Ireland's unique collection of places to stay aptly reflects the charming idiosyncrasies of the country. Stay the night in a lighthouse, reenact medieval life in a ring fort, get cozy in a Hobbit home, or rent out the "pub with no beer"—find the perfect spot for your trip to Ireland with this list.
Besides the stunning green hills, seaside cliffs, and wild Atlantic coast, Ireland is most known for its culture. Music, literature, history—all of these conspired to create a truly unique and attractive legacy. For travelers who'd like to get to the heart of this country, here are some of the most authentic cultural experiences in Ireland.
For a solid itinerary that covers Dublin or Belfast, plus outdoor activities in a few different counties, a 10-day trip is a great choice. With less time, you can still cover a lot of ground with a well-planned road trip. And lucky travelers with two weeks or more can hit several highlights around the entire island at a more relaxed pace. Check out some possible itineraries from 5 to 14 days below.
Ireland makes the ideal choice for a holiday with your true love: beautiful, mystery-steeped, constantly surprising and delighting, and one of the most warmly welcoming places on the planet. The enchanting Emerald Isle is country singer Johnny Cash's '40 Shades of Green', after all. Yes, you risk trading sunshine for far-wilder weather, but with some of the most dazzling coastline around, several millennia of poignant history and world-famous traditional music at its best when starting impromptu in a cosy traditional pub, this is a land highly charged with romance. Here are the best destinations for a honeymoon in Ireland.
Ireland is full of kid-friendly outdoor adventures, fun ways to interact with ancient history, and cultural activities from falconry to farming. Chase the leprechaun legend in Carlingford, hang out with Ireland's favorite dolphin off the Dingle coast, or learn to surf on beginner-friendly beaches. The best part? Driving distances are short, with plenty of ways to keep little ones engaged along the way.
Many rate April as one of the best months to visit Ireland, period. Everything is open after the winter closures of many hotels, restaurants, and attractions, and the weather is vastly improved: in fact, depending on where you are, it could just be sunnier and more settled than at almost any other time of year. The year's crowds are not yet here, though, making your explorations more enjoyable and stress-free.
August is the height of the summer season, with sunny, largely dry weather and the year's warmest sea temperatures. Clement conditions make the setting for some great outdoor festivals around Ireland, alongside a spate of outdoor activities that showcase the country at its absolute best, whether that is hiking the Wicklow Way in the east, diving off the coast of Connemara, or sea kayaking along Northern Ireland's stunning seaboard.
The coldest, windiest, and wettest weather of the year makes January in Ireland a month best spent in its bigger towns and cities, where cultural attractions from Dublin's beautiful Trinity College to Killarney's mystery-swathed ruins await. Great dining in Dublin, Belfast, Galway, and Cork further help pass time in the wild weather, while dramatic sea vistas greet those who brave the elements to visit coastal stretches like the Wild Atlantic Way.
Continued rainy, windy weather this month means that by now the Irish are likely heartily sick of winter. Perhaps this is why February is full of brilliant festivals everywhere from Dublin to Kerry. Indoor attractions will still be what occupy your time on a visit to Ireland this month, with a deep, varied, and colorful legacy of historic sights to explore. But in the slowly increasing spells of sunshine, perhaps consider a wild walk along Ireland's iconic coastline, with its cliffs, sandy bays, and delightful fishing villages.
Ireland is a wild corner of Europe, with many ways to explore. Long-distance trails make the country perfect for village-to-village walks, with terrain for every fitness level. The quiet roads are great for cycling, and a rugged Atlantic coastline lends itself particularly well to kayaking. Ireland's magical scenery will appeal to adrenaline junkies everywhere—here are some ideas for your active trip.