The most popular time to visit Ireland is during the peak season, from June to September. However, we suggest experiencing the country from March to May, when the average rainfall is at its lowest, temperatures begin to rise, and crowds haven’t hit their peak-season highs. Check out our season-by-season guide to traveling the country for specific recommendations, like watching Killarney National Park come to life in April.

Most travelers spend 8-10 days on an Ireland tour. That accounts for travel to and from the country; sightseeing in Dublin, the capital, with your group and on your own; and visits to iconic landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher. To see more off-the-beaten-path destinations, like the towns along the Wild Atlantic Way, set aside at least 11 days.

Ireland is more expensive relative to other European countries, but prices can vary by location and seasonality. For example: Cities like Dublin and Galway are more expensive than countryside towns and villages. Also, traveling off-peak costs less than traveling during the summer—and in Ireland, that means smaller crowds and a more intimate understanding of the places you visit.

Yes! Ireland’s relatively small size, friendly people, and familiar language make it a great place for first-time travelers to visit. And if you go on a guided tour, you’ll venture to hidden-gem towns like Kinsale as well as major cities.

You don’t need a car to travel around Ireland. Major cities like Dublin and Galway are linked by rail, and buses can take you to smaller towns. More rural destinations, like the Wild Atlantic Way, are harder to get to—if you aren’t traveling on a guided group tour. With us, you’ll have a private deluxe motor coach for your entire trip.

It’s best to book an Ireland tour 6-9 months in advance. That gives you a better chance of finding your ideal departure date—especially if you’re planning to visit in the summer, when the weather warms up and the trips fill fast.

When packing for a trip to Ireland, these essentials are a must:

• Light layers for extra warmth during cool days and chilly evenings
• Rain gear to stay dry during the inevitable shower
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes for walking along grassy and rocky landscapes

You’ll find more must-see destinations in our Ireland Travel Guide, but no trip to the country is complete without seeing:

• Dublin, the lively Irish capital
• The 500-foot-tall Cliffs of Moher
• Galway, home of Ireland’s trad music scene
• The Ring of Kerry, 111 miles of mesmerizing terrain

Some of our Ireland tours do, but remember: Northern Ireland is a separate country, part of the United Kingdom. These two nations have a complicated past, but you can travel between the two with little issue. (Be sure to have your passport on hand in case of a spot check.)

You can rent a car, travel by train, or base in a single city and take day trips—but the easiest way to explore the Irish countryside is on a group tour. With a Tour Director leading the way and a private motor coach driving you from town to town, you can focus on enjoying all the country has to offer.

Some of the most popular foods to try in Ireland include:

• Soda bread, a dense brown bread best enjoyed with a pat of local butter
• Fish and chips, a world-famous combination of battered fish and fries
• Spice bags, a takeout favorite born from a combination of Irish and Chinese cooking

Visiting Ireland on a guided tour takes the guesswork out of navigating rural roads and visiting multiple cities and villages. You’ll have transportation, sightseeing, and activities accounted for, while still enjoying the flexibility to explore on your own. You’ll even have select meals included, as well as a dedicated Tour Director who’ll add expert insight to every stop.

Yes! You’ll have time to explore on your own—maybe popping into the shops that line Grafton Street in Dublin—in addition to sightseeing with your group. You can always ask your Tour Director for recommendations, and if you decide to add some more structure, you can sign up for optional excursions. Add them a la carte to make your trip your own.

Solo travelers are welcome on all of our guided tours—whether visiting Ireland or another destination. We also have dedicated Solo Tours: These departures combine the benefits of guided group travel with solo-friendly additions, like private rooms and ample free time.

You don’t have to be very active to travel to Ireland with us, and we’re happy to discuss accommodations for mobility-limited travelers. Furthermore, we assign each of our tours an activity level:

• Low: About one mile of walking per day
• Moderate: About two miles of walking per day, with some easy inclines
• High: About three miles of walking per day over varying terrain
• Very high: About five miles of walking per day over challenging terrain

Guided tours simplify travel: An expert team handles all the logistics (like booking hotels, planning activities, and more) while a dedicated Tour Director guides you every step of the way. Your Tour Director is key—especially as you wind across narrow country roads in search of a tour-defining sight. They’ll also offer cultural insights and ensure a smooth trip. (Wondering what to do during your free time in Galway? They’re the person to ask.)

Each of our Ireland tours—and all of our trips around the world—includes everything you need to experience the essence of your destination. You can expect:

• A dedicated Tour Director
• Handpicked accommodations
• Daily breakfast, as well as select lunches and dinners
• Sightseeing tours led by local experts
• Pre-booked on-tour transportation
• Tickets to popular landmarks and attractions
• Free time to explore how you want

You don’t need a visa to travel to Ireland if you have an American or Canadian passport. U.S. citizens don’t have a validity requirement, while Canadian citizens only need their documentation to be valid for the duration of their time in Ireland. However, if you decide to see more of the country on your own after your tour, you must cap your total stay at 90 days. Additionally, Northern Ireland has different requirements: Since it’s part of the United Kingdom, both American and Canadian travelers must purchase an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to their stay.

Ireland uses the euro (€), while Northern Ireland uses the pound (£). You can exchange dollars for either currency at your bank, a local exchange office, or an airport ATM. (Try to avoid the standalone kiosks at airports and hotels—they won’t offer you great exchange rates.)

English is the primary language spoken in Ireland—95% of the population uses it. However, Irish is the first official language in the nation’s constitution, and you might see and hear it throughout your travels.

• “Dia dhuit!” (JEE-ah HWITCH): Hello!
• “Go raibh maith agat.” (GUH RUH MAH A-gut): Thank you.
• “Slan!” (SLON): Goodbye!
• “Slainte!” (SLON-chuh): Cheers!