Ireland

Tips, Guides, and What to Expect

Fun Fact

Ireland has the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and it isn’t the Cliffs of Moher. Located in County Donegal, Slieve League (Sliabh Liag in Irish) soar to heights of around 600 metres (1,972 feet), making them 3 times taller than the iconic cliffs of Moher.

Slieve League
Mizen Head Ireland Bridge

What to Expect

There is a common phrase in Ireland, “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes”. The weather here is unpredictable and can change quickly, so be prepared. Always bring layers and rain gear. Whether you are an avid hiker or city enthusiast, Ireland has everything from the breathtaking landscapes of the lush green countryside, dramatic coastlines, rich history and cultural heritage, charming towns, traditional cuisine, and cozy pubs. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

Best & Worst Time to Visit
  • The best months to visit are May and June. The weather is beautiful and the days are long. Summer holidays start in June, so it might be more expensive and crowded in the summer months (June – August). If you enjoy fall weather, I would travel in September or October. It’s not too cold and rainy yet, and the leaves start changing colors.
  • I would recommend avoiding visiting in January and February. They are the coldest and gloomiest months of the year.

What You Should Bring

These are general must-have items when travelling to Ireland

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes (preferably waterproof)
  • Travel adapter type G
  • Sturdy umbrella (it is VERY windy in Ireland)
  • Some cash, just in case
Languages

English is widely spoken in Ireland, however, Irish is also an official language and will be on all road signs and documents. 

Currency

The currency used in Ireland is the Euro. Credit cards are widely used, but I would carry a few notes just in case. Please note that if you are traveling to Northern Ireland (which is a different country part of the United Kingdom), they use the pound sterling.

Travel Guides

Guide to the 9 Best Souvenirs from Ireland

Guide to the 9 Best Souvenirs from Ireland

Although I enjoy the occasional stop at a tourist gift shop filled with kitschy trinkets, I always find myself drawn to local shops with handmade items. There is just something more meaningful about bringing home a souvenir that was made in the country you visit. It...

read more
Best Dublin City Tour: Vintage Tea Trips

Best Dublin City Tour: Vintage Tea Trips

Since moving to Dublin, I’ve always admired these adorable yellow and blue vintage buses rolling through the city. As someone who loves all things vintage, this Dublin city tour has been on my bucket list forever. When my brother and a friend came to visit, I finally...

read more
Best Burren Walks: Lough Avalla Farm Loop

Best Burren Walks: Lough Avalla Farm Loop

Last summer, I had the most incredible week exploring Burren National Park and diving into all the amazing Burren walks it has to offer. I managed to go on every single hiking trail, and let me tell you, they are all stunning in their own unique way. But if I had to...

read more
Things to Know Before Hiking in Burren National Park

Things to Know Before Hiking in Burren National Park

Nestled in the heart of County Clare, Burren National Park offers a mesmerizing landscape unlike anywhere else in Ireland. The park’s striking karst terrain, formed of limestone pavements etched with fissures, creates an otherworldly beauty that captivates every...

read more
Top 9 Things to do Near Cliffs of Moher in County Clare

Top 9 Things to do Near Cliffs of Moher in County Clare

The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top tourist attraction, truly deserve their fame – they are absolutely breathtaking. However, many visitors make the mistake of simply stopping at the cliffs and rushing off to their next destination, missing out on the surrounding...

read more
11 Unique Things to do in Dublin in Winter

11 Unique Things to do in Dublin in Winter

While Dublin might not be the first place that comes to mind for a winter getaway, don’t be quick to count it out! (Check out my recent blog post about 8 things to know before visiting Dublin in winter) Even though the weather can be chilly and damp, there are plenty...

read more
The Best Christmas Market in Ireland: Gifted Fair 2025

The Best Christmas Market in Ireland: Gifted Fair 2025

When most people imagine Christmas in Europe, their minds go straight to those classic Bavarian-style markets; several brightly lit stalls, cozy crowds, handmade crafts, and mulled wine steaming in every other hand. While Dublin has its own festive charm, you won’t...

read more
8 Things to Know Before Visiting Dublin in Winter

8 Things to Know Before Visiting Dublin in Winter

Is it worth visiting Dublin in winter? The answer to that question is a little complicated. If you're planning your first trip to Ireland, winter might not be the best time to experience the iconic scenery you've seen in photos. Unlike the lush green landscapes of...

read more
8 Best Things To Do In Cobh

8 Best Things To Do In Cobh

I have lived in Ireland a few years now and I am ashamed to say it took me this long to visit Cobh. The city is only a short train ride from Cork and is just as stunning as the photos. Although it is a small city, there are several things to do in Cobh, which makes it...

read more
How to Get From Dublin Airport to City Centre

How to Get From Dublin Airport to City Centre

Unfortunately, unlike most other major European cities, Dublin does not have a direct link from the airport into the city centre. There is no subway, tram or train connecting Dublin airport to the city centre. While there have been discussions about extending the tram...

read more
17 Best Vintage Shops in Dublin You Can’t Miss

17 Best Vintage Shops in Dublin You Can’t Miss

Despite not being the first city that comes to mind for vintage shopping, Dublin definitely has a vibrant vintage scene. Dublin’s vintage community has flourished in recent years, offering numerous places to find that perfect, one of a kind, pre-loved piece to add to...

read more
Best Castle hotels in Ireland for Every Budget

Best Castle hotels in Ireland for Every Budget

One of the most frequent questions I get from people wanting to visit Ireland is, “Can I stay in a castle?” And the answer is, yes! Personally, I would highly recommend staying in a castle hotel for at least 1 night during your Ireland adventure, because the...

read more
7 Best day trips from Dublin by train

7 Best day trips from Dublin by train

Navigating public transportation in a new city can initially feel overwhelming. As someone who has never owned a car in Dublin, Ireland since moving here in 2019, I can say that it is very feasible to explore Ireland without a car. I have curated a list of seven best...

read more

Top Experiences

Hiking inspiration

Best Burren Walks: Lough Avalla Farm Loop

Best Burren Walks: Lough Avalla Farm Loop

Last summer, I had the most incredible week exploring Burren National Park and diving into all the amazing Burren walks it has to offer. I managed to go on every single hiking trail, and let me tell you, they are all stunning in their own unique way. But if I had to...

read more
Things to Know Before Hiking in Burren National Park

Things to Know Before Hiking in Burren National Park

Nestled in the heart of County Clare, Burren National Park offers a mesmerizing landscape unlike anywhere else in Ireland. The park’s striking karst terrain, formed of limestone pavements etched with fissures, creates an otherworldly beauty that captivates every...

read more
Top 9 Things to do Near Cliffs of Moher in County Clare

Top 9 Things to do Near Cliffs of Moher in County Clare

The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top tourist attraction, truly deserve their fame – they are absolutely breathtaking. However, many visitors make the mistake of simply stopping at the cliffs and rushing off to their next destination, missing out on the surrounding...

read more

Ireland Travel Art

Illustration of Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, featuring hexagonal basalt columns in the foreground and a green mountain under a partly cloudy sky in the background.