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Introducing Ireland

Make the most out of your trip to Ireland.
Ireland's influence on global pop culture is undeniable—it's the land of "40 Shades of Green" and Guinness beer, after all—but this little island off the west coast of Europe also holds centuries of history, creating a curious blend of old and new in one compact destination. The rugged southwest is any traveler's dream—think golden beaches, vertical rock cliff faces, and mountains hugging the coast—while the "Ancient East" is home to ruins dating back thousands of years. See the highlights in a few days, or take your time getting to know the many hues of the Emerald Isle.

When is the best time to visit?
Ireland is best visited between March and October. June, July, and August are the busiest months for international travel, due to the increased chance of dry weather. That said, rain isn't as persistent or frequent here as you might think—the Irish climate is actually quite mild, with average temperatures only changing by a few degrees from March to October. This makes it ideal for active travel, with world-class hiking and cycling throughout the country. Learn more

Where should you go in Ireland?
Southwest Ireland is a must for first-time visitors. Killarney, which sits on the eastern end of the Iveragh Peninsula, is a good jumping off point to explore the world-famous Ring of Kerry. It's also on the outskirts of Killarney National Park, a stunning natural landscape of 26,000 acres.

From here, you can take your pick from locations dotted all along the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,500-mile driving route running from Mizen Head in the southwest to Malin Head in the northwest. The west coast boasts the iconic Cliffs of Moher, charming towns, and traditional Irish music, while further north lies the bohemian city of Galway. Venture west from here and you'll get to boggy and mountainous Connemara, home to Ireland's most unique landscapes. Learn more

How many days do I need?
Ireland may be small, but it's not a country to be rushed. If you only have a week, immersing yourself in one small region is the best way to see what makes the Irish tick—consider spending 2 nights in Dublin and taking a few days to explore the rural west coast. To experience multiple regions, you can easily fill 2 (or even 3!) weeks of well-spent travel. For an active trip, you might take a few days to relax in the countryside before a week of hiking or cycling on the west coast, followed by cultural exploration in one of Ireland's urban areas.

Getting Around Ireland
Self-driving in Ireland is popular, and major roadways connect Dublin to cities including Galway, Cork, and Limerick (and Shannon Airport). Some road trips do rely on rural roads, like the famous Wild Atlantic Way and the Ring of Kerry. Trains serve the bigger cities, and Aer Lingus offers direct flights from Dublin to smaller, regional airports. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days

Ireland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
The Cliffs of Moher on Ireland's wild western coast
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 5 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 5 Days

Hit the road and see the best of the Emerald Isle on this 5-day self-driving jaunt through Ireland. Walk the ancient streets of Dublin, kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, visit the famous heritage town of Killarney, take in breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher, and revel in the energy of bohemian Galway. From windswept Atlantic coastlines to bustling city streets, this itinerary is perfect for independent travelers looking to pack some of Ireland's most iconic sights into a short space of time.

Take a drive through the Irish countryside
Map of South Ireland Scenic Road Trip - 8 Days
South Ireland Scenic Road Trip - 8 Days

A great choice for families or travelers who prefer a little independence, this itinerary will take you on a leisurely road trip through some of Ireland's most scenic cities and natural sites. Experience the allure of Ireland as you drive along the coast and over verdant hills between stop at the medieval Rock of Cashel, Killarney National Park, and the Cliffs of Moher.

A beach on the Ring of Kerry route
Map of Classic Ireland Adventure - 7 Days
Classic Ireland Adventure - 7 Days

This guided road trip is the perfect introduction to Ireland for newbies. Over a week, you'll visit both classic icons and some off-the-beaten-path sites—paired with beautiful landscapes and gentle walks to breathe in the fresh air of Ireland's spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. In the evenings, partake in the local pub experience with a pint of Guinness and traditional Irish music. The tour starts and ends in Dublin, where you can bike and kayak to some of the capital's best sites.

Along the trail in Kerry
Map of Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Hike - 11 Days
Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Hike - 11 Days

Hike the Ring of Kerry at your own pace on this 11-day self-guided itinerary. The iconic Ring route is a loop of the Iveragh Peninsula on Europe's westerly edge. With the Atlantic and mountains ever-present, you'll follow the trail between some of Ireland's most charming towns and beauty spots, like Kenmare Bay, Caherdaniel, and Glencar. The start and end point of Killarney is easy to reach from a host of airports in Ireland.

The medieval ruins of Ross Castle, Killarney National Park.
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Dingle & Galway - 7 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Dingle & Galway - 7 Days

Experience the best of Ireland's coastal scenery, historic sites, and vibrant cities on this week-long self-drive adventure. Starting in Dublin, this circular route takes you south to the Rock of Cashel and Ireland's second city of Cork, before heading into the wilds of Killarney National Park and along the spectacularly scenic Ring of Kerry. After a day spent exploring the Slea Peninsula and the seaside village of Dingle, you'll head up the west coast to hike along the Cliffs of Moher and spend a final night in Galway, enjoying the music, arts, and "craic" of the European cultural capital.

Ring of Kerry
Map of Highlights of Ireland Road Trip - 10 Days
Highlights of Ireland Road Trip - 10 Days

Explore the magic of Ireland independently with this self-drive itinerary. You'll go from the ancient streets of Dublin to the rebel city of Cork, the quaint village of Killarney, and the breathtaking Ring of Kerry. Keep going to the spectacular views of the Cliffs of Moher and the buzzing cultural scene of Galway before you ultimately return to Dublin.

Make the Most of Your Time in Ireland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
A rainbow hovers above Ashford Castle, a luxury resort near Galway
How Many Days to Spend 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...

Ireland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Ultimate Guide to Multi-Day Walks in Ireland
Ultimate Guide to Multi-Day Walks in Ireland

One of the best ways to experience Ireland's remote corners is with a multi-day walk through the heather-covered hills, stretches of unspoiled coast, and sheer cliffs that the...

Girl taking surfing lessons in Co. Donegal
Family Travel 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...

A loving couple look out at sunset over the Cliffs of Moher
Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Ireland

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...

Our Latest Ireland Content

Begin and end your Irish adventure in Dublin
Map of Ireland Self-Drive Cultural Tour - 9 Days
Ireland Self-Drive Cultural Tour - 9 Days

Go off the beaten track on this self-drive history and cultural tour of Ireland that takes you to some of the country's most beautiful regions and noteworthy landmarks. From Dublin, you'll visit ancient burial mounds, travel the Wild Atlantic Way, hike through national parks, and tour historic castles. For a bit of fun, you'll enjoy nights out at local pubs and walking tours of vibrant cities like Galway and Dublin.

Sunset over the Claddagh in Galway
Map of Adventure in Southern Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 11 Days
Adventure in Southern Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 11 Days

On this 11-day journey through southern Ireland, you'll eat, drink, and travel like a local. In Dublin, you'll see highlight landmarks on walking tours plus imbibe at the famous Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse. Then hit the road and enjoy the stunning scenery of counties Cork, Kerry, and Galway as you take boat trips, visit the Cliffs of Moher, embark on nature hikes, tour historic villages, and much more.

Kick off the trip in Northern Ireland as you drive along the scenic Antrim Coast
Map of Irish Self-Drive Adventure: Belfast to Dublin - 11 Days
Irish Self-Drive Adventure: Belfast to Dublin - 11 Days

Explore the cities, coast, villages, and countryside of Ireland's north on this active 11-day adventure. It begins in Belfast with city tours, followed by a road trip to highlights like the Antrim Coast, Giant's Causeway, and Glenveigh National Park. After sampling fine Irish whiskeys at the Bushmills Distillery, you'll visit castles and hill forts on your way to colorful Galway, eventually finishing the trip on the wild streets of Dublin.

Ireland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Ireland map: Top Regions in Ireland
Top Regions in Ireland
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Ireland map: 5 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Ireland map: 10 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Ireland
Travel specialist Dean Garrison
active 7 hours ago

Dean Garrison

My role as a Sales executive is to help my clients achieve what they are looking for in a holiday to Ireland. Whether that would be offering places to stay, providing a detail Itinerary outlining...

read more...
Travel specialist Stephen Molloy
active 13 hours ago

Stephen Molloy

Urbanist by training, he spent most of his twenties traveling and living overseas. Bitten by the bug, he lived in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, California, Australia, DRC, Kenya, Pakistan...and...

read more...
Travel specialist Clément Thonneau
active 13 hours ago

Clément Thonneau

Bonjour, mes amis! I'm Clement, a Frenchman through and through. You can usually find me pedaling my bike or cruising in my van, exploring all the beautiful nooks and crannies of my beloved...

read more...
Travel specialist Shauna Brazil
active 13 hours ago

Shauna Brazil

As I am a huge fan of travelling, I quite enjoy luxury travel experiences although I also like to budget travel. My role and approach to travel consists of all types of travel options from luxury...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

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Authentic travel experiences

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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Trip Reviews for Ireland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Dean organised an awesome 10 day Ireland adventure
Ireland | Apr 18 - Apr 28, 2023

Tanya
Tanya D.
Australia | Reviewed on May 28, 2023

Dean organised an awesome 10 day adventure through Ireland for us. Communication and payment in lead up to the trip was easy, and support during travel over whats app or online was speedy. Any little hiccups were resolved instantly and we had an absolute blast. Highlight of our trip was a day bike riding around Aran Islands and buying locally hand made woolen sweaters. The weather was freezing and we had a windy ferry ride (rug up!) but that didn't stop us having a fantastic time. Had the... read more

Dean organised an awesome 10 day adventure through Ireland for us. Communication and payment in lead up to the trip was easy, and support during travel over whats app or online was speedy. Any little hiccups were resolved instantly and we had an absolute blast. Highlight of our trip was a day bike riding around Aran Islands and buying locally hand made woolen sweaters. The weather was freezing and we had a windy ferry ride (rug up!) but that didn't stop us having a fantastic time. Had the best fish and chips of my life in Ireland. Would recommend organizing your travel through Dean and his team.

Local specialist: Dean Garrison
Dean
Dean Garrison
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on May 31, 2023

Hi Tanya

Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for your kind word.

We are glad to hear you had a great time in Ireland and you enjoyed every aspect of your trip.

I am personally happy you had the best fish and chips of your life as I am a big fish and chips fan myself .

We hope to welcome you back to Ireland in the near future.

Kind Regards

Dean

Fantastic trip to Ireland
Ireland | Apr 23 - May 2, 2023

J
Jennifer W.
Jollyville, TX | Reviewed on May 03, 2023

Owen planned an amazing trip for us. Every little detail was taken care of. We will definitely use a kimkim again!

Local specialist: Owen Davies

Ireland, Amazing.
Ireland | Apr 24 - Apr 28, 2023

A
Allyson F.
Parkchester, NY | Reviewed on May 01, 2023

Austin created the trip that we had no idea we wanted. We basically said to him "we want to visit Ireland" and he delivered the BEST of the country. I cannot stress how easy and pleasant it was to work with Austin. And once we landed in Ireland, it was like he was with us. We followed his guide and had the most amazing trip. read more

Austin created the trip that we had no idea we wanted. We basically said to him "we want to visit Ireland" and he delivered the BEST of the country. I cannot stress how easy and pleasant it was to work with Austin. And once we landed in Ireland, it was like he was with us. We followed his guide and had the most amazing trip.

Hotel Reviews
Flannery's Hotel Galway
Galway

The staff at this hotel is amazing. Paul, Daniel and Pablo solved all of our problems, provided priceless guidance and help us navigate the city. The breakfast was delightful and the staff was so welcoming.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
So kind and welcoming and helped with our every need.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Belfast

Beautiful hotel. Perfect location, near the train station and city attractions. Everything was within walking distance. Excellent breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to all attractions
Staff
Everyone was very nice and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and a very nice hotel room with everything you could need.
McGettigan's Townhouse
Dublin

BEAUTIFUL. The room we had was beautifully designed and I wish it was my bedroom. Perfect location for walking to all city sights.

Authenticity & Character
Simply beautiful
Location
Staff
VERY helpful!!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maldron Hotel Shandon
Co. Cork

This hotel was equally as nice as the one in Belfast, but not as new. It was in a great location, near both the train station and the city center. The breakfast was also excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Shauna Brazil
Austin
Austin Rock
Local specialist in Dublin | Replied on May 01, 2023

Hi Allyson, I am humbled by your remarks, to be honest I was in fear of what could go wrong with your trip given the public transport system in Ireland, I am so happy it turned out the way it did. Rail travel is a superb way to get around and the bus can help make good connections. So I am really happy for you that you got a trip you are completely happy with. I will pass on the messages to Galway Hotel as hospitality can be a tough job at times. Do take care Allyson and so happy you have such great memories. Austin