A land of myth and raw beauty, Ireland captivates with its oceanic temperament, shifting light and warm hospitality. From Dublin — a literary, buzzing capital — to the colourful villages of the west, you’ll move between lively pubs and wind-battered cliffs, historic libraries and panoramic coastal roads. Unmissables include the Wild Atlantic Way’s endless viewpoints, the Cliffs of Moher, lake-strewn Connemara, the lunar Burren, the Giant’s Causeway (in Northern Ireland), the Kerry and Dingle peninsulas, Kinsale in the south, plus the Aran and Achill islands. Hikers, photographers, surfers and wanderers all find their sweet spot here — from postcard scenes to hidden gems.
Beyond the landscapes lies a way of life: traditional music sessions (fiddle, bodhrán), festivals, peat fires, farmers’ markets and local produce (salmon, oysters, artisan cheeses). Irish dining has become more creative — terroir bistros, specialty coffee shops, microbreweries — while whiskey and gin distilleries are easy to visit. Distances are manageable; self-drive combines well with public transport (Dublin–Galway/Cork/Belfast rail), and trips flow between heritage-rich towns (Kilkenny, Galway, Cork, Limerick) and wide-open spaces. Whatever the season, weather changes fast: layer up, carry a waterproof, and enjoy those sudden sunbursts after a shower.
🗺️ Practical information about Ireland
📍 Capital: Dublin
👥 Population: Around 5.3 million (Republic of Ireland)
💶 Currency: Euro (€)
🗣️ Languages: English and Irish (Gaelic)
⏰ Time zone: UTC 0 (winter) / UTC +1 (summer)
🌡️ Climate: Mild oceanic and changeable; frequent showers, temperate summers
🚗 Driving: Left-hand side; good roads, narrower rural lanes in the west
🚆 Getting there & around: Airports in Dublin, Cork, Shannon; efficient intercity trains and buses; ferries from Great Britain/France
🏞️ Highlights: Dublin (Trinity College & Book of Kells), Galway & Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Wicklow Mountains, Kilkenny, Aran Islands, Wild Atlantic Way
🏨 Find a good hotel in Ireland
Whether you’re focusing on historic cities, the Atlantic coast, the southwest peninsulas or the country’s heartlands, you’ll find castle hotels, welcoming B&Bs, characterful guesthouses and nature retreats. 🌟 See the best hotels in Ireland to compare offers, reviews and prices for your travel dates.
🗺️ Articles about Ireland
Below, you’ll find our selection of articles about Ireland, followed by the latest posts, to help you plan your trip and explore the country’s most beautiful places.