Our Ireland tours run throughout the year because each season offers something special. The best time to visit Ireland comes down to your personal travel preferences.

Comfortable average temperatures can be found throughout the year in Ireland and vary depending on which areas of the country you're in. Summer is a popular time to take a trip to Ireland, when temperatures average in the 60s F. Spring and fall are wonderful times for a trip to Ireland if you're hoping for fewer crowds at popular landmarks and sites throughout the country. A bonus of traveling in the fall is a chance to spot the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. If you're looking to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Dublin then you should head to Ireland in March and join the annual parade.

Wondering how the landscapes you'll see on our Ireland tour packages stay so green? The truth is, no matter in which season you visit Ireland, you will likely encounter some wet weather. Some clouds and rain are all part of the true Irish experience!

Planning a trip to Ireland is an exciting task. There are several factors to consider when thinking about going to the Emerald Isle. Aside from deciding which season you'd like to travel during, think about how long you'd like to be traveling for.

For an introduction to the country, you can take a shorter trip, such as A Week in Ireland: Galway, Cork & Dublin. At 11 days long, our Ireland: Traditions of the Emerald Isle tour gives you a more in-depth look at several destinations, from Dublin to Country Cork, Country Kerry, and Galway. If you have two weeks to spare, one of our trips to Ireland, the Grand Tour of Ireland, takes you to all of these spots plus Sligo and even Belfast, in Northern Ireland.

You may also want to think about which specific sites you'd like to see on your trip. Here are some of our favorite places to visit in Ireland:

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin
• The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary
• Blarney Castle in County Cork
• The Ring of Kerry in Country Kerry
• Killarney National Park in County Kerry
• The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare
• The Slieve League cliffs in County Donegal

Eating new dishes is one of our favorite parts of traveling the world. During one of our Ireland escorted tours, you'll get a taste of authentic local specialties during included meals. Ask your Tour Director for their recommendations, too, since you'll also enjoy some free time to explore your destination's culinary scene on your own.

Irish cuisine is comforting and hearty. In addition to staples like potatoes, try a traditional meat and vegetable stew. Soda bread is a delicious side, served with many meals. Scones (pronounced "scons" locally) are often paired with homemade jam, clotted cream, or high-quality butter. One bit of advice? Pop into a pub for some conversation with locals and to enjoy fish and chips paired with the worldwide favorite: Guinness.

When preparing for one of our Ireland tours, remember that the weather can be quite unpredictable! Bring lots of layers, a good pair of sneakers or boots, and have an umbrella handy in case of a spot shower.

Check out your itinerary in advance so you know the cities you'll be visiting, and think about how much walking you may be doing in each one. Keep in mind that currency is different in Ireland than in North America, too. Order some euros from your bank before you go, or use your debit card at an ATM once you arrive in Ireland to stock up on some of the local currency. And don't forget to download the Go Ahead Tour Companion app before you go, so you’ll have all the info you need about your trip right in your pocket.