How to Plan a Trip to Ireland: A Step-By-Step Guide

Last updated on January 6th, 2025 at 07:39 am

I could write about Ireland and why it’s such a magical place to visit endlessly. Ireland was my very first solo trip and since then I’ve been back eight times. When I’m not in Ireland, I am usually dreaming of the next time I can plan a trip to Ireland. 

While I’ve put together Ireland travel itineraries on this blog before, I decided to dedicate an entire post to my top Ireland travel tips so that you can plan your dream Ireland vacation. We’ll discuss money, when to visit, how to get around, and most importantly what beautiful places to visit in Ireland. The tips in this post are perfect for first time visitors, but even if you’ve been before, you may discover a new place to add to your Ireland bucket list. 

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking. For more, check out my disclosure. 

Step 1: Decide When to Go to Ireland

Before you do anything else, you need to decide when you’ll be planning your trip to Ireland. One common question that gets asked at this stage of the planning process is: When is the best time of year to visit Ireland?

My answer is: any time is a good time of year to be in Ireland! Each season has something unique to offer!

I’ve been to Ireland in every season except for summer. Was January in Ireland absolutely freezing? Yes. Did it make the pubs that much cozier? Also yes. That being said, if you visit in the off-season, you might find restaurants in smaller towns that are closed or operating at very limited hours.  

I love traveling to Ireland in the shoulder seasons as most attractions are still open, accommodations are easily available, and travel is generally cheaper. Pick a time of year that works for your schedule and budget and Ireland will be ready for you.

Summer in Ireland (June-August)

Traditionally speaking, the summer months are the best time of the year to visit Ireland. While there is always a chance for rain in Ireland, the weather at this time of the year is the most pleasant with temperatures ranging from 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C).

In the summer, all of the popular attractions are open, accommodations are widely available, the weather and you’re able to access even more remote places in Ireland with public transportation.

The summer is a great time of year to visit the Irish islands and get out into the beautiful nature.

However, since the summer is the most popular time of year for people to visit as the weather is the best and it coincides with summer vacations, you’ll experience the most crowds and most expensive accommodation prices.

If this is the only time of year you can visit, no worries though! Just book things in advance and try to get a bit off the beaten track!

Fall in Ireland (September-November)

Fall in Ireland is absolutely magical. The fall, specifically October is my favorite time of year to visit Ireland. The colors were changing in Killarney National Park, the weather was still mild, and just about everything I wanted to see was still open.

In the fall, the temperatures range from 50°F to 59°F (10°C to 15°C) so it’s just slightly cooler than the summer.

There are also fewer tourists at this time of year which means you’ll get to experience a bit more of a local vibe in towns like Doolin. Accommodation prices will also decrease!

Winter in Ireland (December-February)

If you visit in the winter, your Ireland packing list will include large puffy coats and thermal layers. It is very cold, rainy, and windy in the winter in Ireland. The temperatures in the winter range from 37°F to 46°F (3°C to 8°C) so you’ll need to bundle up!

Many outdoor attractions are closed during this time, but it’s a good time of the year to visit the museums in Dublin or cozy up in a pub with a good book.

If you decide to go in winter, December in Dublin is a magical time of year! There are Christmas markets, the pubs are decorated for the holidays and there’s an even more pronounced sense of welcome.

If you manage your weather expectations and dress appropriately you can still have a lovely Irish winter vacation.

Spring in Ireland (March-May)

Spring is a lovely time to visit Ireland. I did my very first trip to Ireland in May and it was absolutely perfect!

While it will still likely be a bit rainy and cold (temperatures ranging from 46°F to 54°F (8°C to 12°C)) tourist attractions are starting to reopen and accommodation costs are budget-friendly.

Except for the week surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re visiting for St. Paddy’s Day, expect accommodation costs to be quite high, especially in Dublin.

Step 2: Decide How Long You’ll Visit Ireland

Ireland is a small country that packs a lot of punch. As I mentioned before I’ve been back to Ireland eight times and I simply can not get enough of it!

That being said, if it’s your first, or even second trip, I’d recommend at least one full week in Ireland.

While you may not be able to see the entire island in one week, this time frame will allow you to see the most popular places in Ireland while also being able to experience a small town or two without feeling super rushed.

I’ve put together a sample 7 day Ireland itinerary you can get here to help you plan your trip!

Step 3: Determine Your Budget for Ireland

Let’s discuss the budget for your trip to Ireland. The cost of a trip to Ireland can vary greatly depending on when you visit, how you travel, and what you do when you’re there. However, this section will give you a range of prices you can expect to pay for things like accommodations, guided tours, transportation, etc.

Travel Budgeting Tip

Anytime I’m working on a travel budget I start with my priorities for the trip. Is it total relaxation? If yes, then I’ll prioritize hotel costs over other items. Is it adventure and exploration? If yes, then a cheap hostel bed in the center of town will do wonders. Am I short on time? If yes, maybe a rental car is a better option compared to public transportation.

Before you start your Ireland budget, figure out what you really want from this trip. Prioritize spending on those and find cost-effective alternatives for the other items. 

Ireland Travel Budget: Airfare

Depending on where you’re visiting Ireland from, airfare will likely be a huge portion of your budget. I’ve flown Aer Lingus multiple times to Ireland and absolutely love their service. If you’re visiting from the United States, they’ve brought back direct to Dublin airport routes from San Francisco, Boston, and New York.

I recommend using Skyscanner to track these flights and search for the cheapest time to visit. Sometimes by altering the day of your flight by a day or two can save you hundreds!

In the off season you can expect to see round trip ticket prices from $400-$700 and in the tourist season you can expect to see prices ranging from $800-$1,200+.

An alternative may be to find a cheap flight to mainland Europe and then take a cheaper flight on Ryan Air, or something similar, to Dublin.

Ireland Travel Budget: Accommodation

The range of accommodation costs is quite wide and depends on how you like to travel. As mentioned above, my priority when I travel isn’t staying somewhere super fancy the whole time so I tend to split my time between hostels and cheaper hotels to save money.

In a hostel you can expect to pay €25-€50 for a shared dorm room. You can also look into the cost of a private room in a hostel for around €100-€150.

B&Bs are affordable options as well and they are all over the island! A mid range B&B will cost anywhere from €60-100 per night.

And the cost of hotels in Ireland is very similar to the states ranging from €150 to well over €300.

For many people staying in a castle for a night or two is a bucket list item. If this is on your Irish bucket list, you can expect to pay €500+ per night!

Ireland Travel Budget: Transportation

After your flight and hotel, the next most expensive thing for your trip to Ireland is transportation. After eight trips to Ireland, I have yet to rent a car so I did a deep dive into how to get around Ireland if that interests you!

Renting a Car in Ireland

Renting a car for a bucket list Irish road trip will allow you to see off the beaten path locations and truly go at your own pace during your trip. However, it is also one of the most expensive ways to get around Ireland and can be stressful if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road, the opposite side of the car, and on narrow roads!

After my recent Scotland road trip, I also realized that you need to factor in the cost of fuel, insurance, and your own energy!

Car rentals range from €30-€60 per day. This price increases the bigger the car is and if you need an automatic. This does not include any fuel or insurance. The cost of fuel varies of course but expect to pay €6-€7 per gallon.

Check out rental car prices here.

Public Transportation in Ireland

If you’re not renting a car, public transportation options are more budget-friendly and can get you to most places in Ireland. I’ve been able to take a bus or train all over Ireland and really don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. Plus it allows me a few hours to catch up on sleep or simply stare out the window, enjoying the scenery, while someone else handles the narrow winding roads.

A bus or train ticket costs €10-€20 per trip (much more budget-friendly and less stressful than renting a car)!

For bus routes visit Bus Éireann, Expressway, or CityLink. For train routes visit Irish Rail.

Ireland Travel Budget: Food

I recommend booking accommodation that includes breakfast to save money on at least one meal per day.

A typical lunch will be anywhere from €10-€20. And a nice dinner will be anywhere from €30-€50. This of course also depends on how many pints you order. A pint of Guinness is around €6 (more if you are in Temple Bar in Dublin).

You can save money on food by stopping at a grocery store for snacks and light meals.

If you’re booking guided day tours, check to see if lunch is included in the cost of the tour.

Ireland Travel Budget: Day Tours and Attractions

One great thing about Ireland is that there are many free things to do! Many of the museums in Dublin are free and access to the beautiful outdoors is free.

This is an area where I recommend splurging a bit so you can do what you came to do and see in Ireland.

Most organized day tours cost around €50 but they included all your transportation, any entrance fees, a knowledgeable tour guide, and they take care of all of the planning for you!

I love using Get Your Guide to find these tours.

I’ve also heard of people booking private drivers for the duration of their trip, or even for just a day. This will be the most expensive option costing €150+ per day.

No matter what attraction your doing whether it’s visiting the Cliffs of Moher or the Guinness Storehouse, I recommend booking in advance online as it will save you a few euro.

Also don’t be afraid to get creative. There are often less expensive ways to see places, like hiking to the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin for just the cost of some sweat!

Your Ireland Travel Budget

So, how much should you budget for a one week trip to Ireland? I recommend around €1000-1500, not including airfare.

I also recommend having a little extra saved just in case of an emergency or an exciting experience you didn’t plan for.

Unfortunately, on my most recent trip to Ireland post-pandemic, I ended up getting sick with COVID for the FIRST TIME! I was in a small town for St. Paddy’s Day and had to isolate myself in a hotel for an extra week.

Silly me didn’t buy travel insurance for the trip, so I was stuck footing that unplanned bill.

Side note: Seriously get travel insurance just in case you get sick while traveling to Ireland. The low cost of the insurance could ultimately save you thousands!

A Few other things about Money in Ireland

The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro (€) and Northern Ireland is on the Pound (£). If you’re visiting both on your trip, you will need each currency.

You can easily get cash out of any ATM associated with an Irish bank. However, most banks charge a fee when you get cash from an unassociated bank, except for Charles Schwabb. I recommend opening up a Charles Schwab Investor Checking account and using their debit card. They reimburse you for any ATM fees! I’ve also had my debit card information stolen before and their customer service was amazing as they quickly replaced my funds and mailed me a new debit card.

There are a few stand-alone ATMs throughout Ireland, such as Euronet, but I don’t recommend using them as the fees are ridiculously high!

I’ve been to several small towns in Ireland and the majority do have an ATM. That being said, it’s always a good idea to have a bit of cash on you before you go.

As an alternative to using your debit card, you could exchange for Euros at your home bank before departing. My only concern is carrying that much cash with you. If it gets lost or stolen, you’re out of Irish luck! If anything, exchange a few hundred euros, just so you have it when you land, and then use ATMs for more while in Ireland.

That being said, credit cards are also widely accepted in Ireland. And, usually preferred. I recommend using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, such as Chase Sapphire or Capital One Venture. I’ve used both and loved their rewards just as much as the no fees!

Tipping in Ireland

Coming from the tipping culture in the US, it’s very uncomfortable to leave a restaurant and not leave a tip. However, a tip is not expected in Ireland. I’ve asked multiple Irish people when traveling there and they say they only tip if it’s an exceptionally nice restaurant or experience. And even then it’s only 10-12%, not the 20+% we’ve become accustomed to in the US.

Step 4: Plan Your Itinerary

How to Get to Ireland

Your journey in Ireland begins first, by getting there!

Two major airports serve as the gateway to Ireland, the Dublin airport and the Shannon airport. Most trips to Ireland start at the Dublin airport, especially post-pandemic, as the majority of International air carriers fly there. If you’re not visiting Dublin city, you can pick up your rental car or take a bus from the airport to your first destination.

The Shannon airport is located on the west coast of Ireland and is a great jumping-off point for exploring County Clare and the rest of the western region of Ireland. During the pandemic, all transatlantic flights to and from Shannon were canceled and it’s been a slow rebuild. The cost of flights to Shannon is a bit more expensive and not as convenient (at this time) as flying to the Dublin airport.

Update: I recently flew back to the states from Shannon and it was one of the best airport experiences I’ve had! It took me about 15 minutes total from check-in, to clearing customs to get to the gate. Whereas the Dublin airport it usually takes 2+ hours for the entire process! If you can, I’d recommend flying out of the Shannon airport!

Best Places to Visit in Ireland

Now that you know the basics of how to plan a trip to Ireland like when to visit, your budget, and whether or not you’ll rent a car. The next step is to start building your perfect Ireland itinerary by adding a few of these popular destinations in Ireland to your itinerary, mixed in with a couple of small coastal towns.

Dublin

If it’s your first trip to Ireland, I recommend spending two days in Dublin. In Ireland’s largest city, you can visit the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, and see the Book of Kells at Trinity College.

If museums are your thing there are a number of them to choose from in Dublin such as EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the National Museum of Ireland, The Little Museum of Dublin, and the Irish Whiskey Museum!

You could also spend a day outside of Dublin city center by taking a day trip to Howth or Bray to do a stunning cliff walk.

Now, if it’s not your first trip to Ireland and you’ve been to Dublin before, I’d recommend skipping it and heading to a new destination.

Cork

Cork is the second biggest city in the Republic of Ireland. There are so many things to do in Cork! If it’s not your first trip to Ireland, I’d recommend checking out this city instead of Dublin!

From Cork, you can kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, take a day trip to the small town of Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic, or shop at the English Market.

In full transparency, I haven’t spent too much time in the city itself, but I loved Cobh and Kinsale in County Cork!

Galway

Galway is my personal favorite city in Ireland. The smallest of the three major cities in Ireland, Galway is my home away from home. There are so many fun and budget-friendly things to do in Galway. You can walk the cobbled streets of the city center, listening to buskers as you pop in and out of Galway’s best pubs. Or you can take a day trip to the Aran Islands to get a taste of traditional Irish culture. 

I recommend basing yourself in Galway and taking day tours from Galway to see more of the west coast, especially if you don’t have a car. 

Doolin

Doolin is a charming and colorful town located in County Clare and is surrounded by a beautiful Irish landscape. In Doolin pubs you can hear traditional Irish music nightly and eat freshly caught seafood!

Doolin is a great place to base yourself in County Clare to visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher or explore the caves of Burren National Park.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a small and incredibly colorful fishing village in County Cork. There are amazing seafood restaurants in Kinsale, a gorgeous coastal walk to an ancient fort, and cute shops. I recommend staying in Kinsale and visiting Cork as a day trip because you’ll get the quiet charm of the fishing village mixed with the lively city.

Clifden

Clifden is a very small fishing village surrounded by Connemara National Park and filled with historical sites. For a small town, there is so much to do in Clifden! You could bike or drive the stunning Sky Road, see the bog landscape of Connemara, or take a hike in one of Ireland’s best national parks. You can also visit Kylemore Abbey from Clifden!

Killarney

Killarney is a super cute city located near Killarney National Park. Killarney National Park itself offers a gorgeous bike ride by lakes and to waterfalls. This is a great place to stay before starting your Ireland road trip on the Ring of Kerry where you will see the rugged Skellig Michael island (where Star Wars was filmed). If you don’t have a car, there are bus tours for the Ring of Kerry as well.

Kilkenny

I was pleasantly surprised by Kilkenny. I truly didn’t know what to expect. But it’s a great medieval city with an ancient castle you can tour and distilleries to visit. If you’ve been to Ireland before, I recommend checking it out. But if it’s your first time, you can skip it for other destinations listed here.

Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula is an Ireland highlight for many people. Slea Head drive rivals the Ring of Kerry as one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. There are several white sand beaches to visit and Dingle town is known for its amazing restaurants and pubs. Each year there is a Dingle Food Festival which should be on every foodie’s bucket list!

Northern Ireland

I know, I haven’t mentioned Northern Ireland yet, so let’s talk about it! Northern Ireland is still part of the United Kingdom after a very tumultuous history. I’ve only visited Northern Ireland once and it was for a short time so I decided to make the most of it by taking a guided tour.

The first day was spent exploring Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city, on my own. Although, in hindsight, I wish I’d taken a black cab tour to learn a bit more about Belfast’s history. You can also visit the Titanic museum in Belfast city.

On the second day, I took a Game of Thrones bus tour where I walked across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, saw the gorgeous Giants Causeway, and saw some filming locations for GOT.

If you don’t have much time and want to add Northern Ireland to your itinerary, I suggest utilizing tours to help you see the highlights!

The Best Ireland Itinerary

As mentioned multiple times in this post – the best way to see Ireland will be different for everyone. If you’re a hiker there are plenty of national parks to “get lost” in. But if you’re a city person, those hikes are going to be low priority compared to exploring Ireland’s best cities.

Take what you’ve learned from this post, and create YOUR best Ireland itinerary. You can also use this 7 day Ireland itinerary I created to help you have a great experience on the Emerald Isle. 

Here are a few sample itineraries to get you started:

• Classic Highlights: Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, and Doolin
• Northern Ireland: Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, and the Antrim Coast
• The Wild Atlantic Way: Galway, the Aran Islands, Doolin, Sligo, Donegal
• Southern Ireland: Cork, Kinsale, Cobh, Killarney, Ring of Kerry

Step 5: Make Your Bookings

Now that you’ve decided when you’re going to Ireland, where you’re going when you arrive, and what you’d like to do while there, it’s time to make some bookings!!

A few months out from the trip secure your flight. When it comes to booking flights, I recommend using Skyscanner or Google Flights to check for the best price and then book directly with the airline. I do not recommend booking flights through a third party. If anything happens to the flight, it’s much easier to deal with it when you’ve book directly.

Then your accommodations. If you’re visiting during a holiday or during peak season you may want to check different booking sites to ensure you get the best deal. I like using booking.com or Hostelworld to reserve my stays. Check directly with the hotel as well to see if they have any discounts for booking directly.

If you’re renting a car make sure you have that booked as well!

As your trip gets closer, you can fine tune your itinerary by booking any tours and making dinner reservations if needed.

Step 6: Pack for Your Trip to Ireland

Your trip to Ireland is almost here! Now is the time to pack for your trip. I’ve put together this Ireland packing list that details what to pack for each season in Ireland. But here is a general overview of what you’ll need to pack. Once you have the basics down, you can add anything you might need for the specific season of your visit and the activities on your itinerary.

• Comfortable Shoes: You will likely be doing a lot of walking during your trip! Make sure you have a pair of comfortable sneakers (bonus points if they’re waterproof). A pair of waterproof boots like Blundstones or these Sorels are a great idea as well.
• Thermal Leggings: I absolutely love these thermal leggings from CRZ Yoga! They’re perfect for hikes or walks through the city on a cold day. Any pair of black leggings would work though!
• Pair of Jeans: One pair of jeans is sufficient. I’d recommend a pair of skinny or wide leg jeans that you can dress up for a nice meal and wear with a pair of sneakers for walks!
• Sweater (1-2): Bring a sweater that can be worn for outdoor activities, like a fleece, and one that is nice to wear out at night, like this one!
• Shirts: Bring 2 long-sleeved shirts, 1-2 tanks, and 1-2 t-shirts. Also bring 1-2 workout tops if you’re planning on a lot of outdoor activities. The number of each type of shirt will vary depending on the time of year!
• Jackets: You will need a rain jacket. Bring a packable one that will fit easily into your day bag when you don’t need it. In the winter you may want to add a down jacket to this list and in the summer you may want to add something lightweight like a jean or leather jacket!
• Undergarments: Don’t skimp on your undergarments, you can never have too many pairs of underwear.
• Toiletries & Medications: Make sure to bring any medication you take on a daily basis. Also bring travel sized toiletries and know that you can get just about anything you need in Ireland.
• Portable Power Bank: You will be out all day long. You’ll be using your phone for directions, photos, videos, etc. Make sure you stay charged with a portable power bank. I use this one and one full charge of it allows me to full recharge my phone and camera at least 3 times. I love it! Buy it here!
• Travel Adapter: I use this universal travel adapter everywhere I go. It has two USB ports on the side as well for extra charging abilities. Get your travel adapter here.
• Day Bag: Whether it’s a crossbody bag (I love the Uniqlo ones) or a backpack (I like this one, but it’s not waterproof). You’ll need something to take you with for the day that keeps your essentials and an extra layer or two. 

Remember to leave space in your bag for any Irish souvenirs you bring home like an Aran sweater!

And with that, you’re ready for your trip to Ireland! I know planning an international trip can be super overwhelming, but hopefully by breaking it down into simple steps helps! I hope that you have a blast exploring Ireland and fall in love with it the way I have. The people, the landscape, and the energy of this small Island are something that everyone should experience.

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