Southern Ireland Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

The easiest way to get around Southern Ireland is by car or by joining a group tour.

You can get around Southern Ireland by bike if you have your own bicycle.

A limited train service links Dublin to major towns like Belfast in the north but if you want to make the most of Southern Ireland's charming smaller towns, you're out of luck when it comes to train travel.

The same goes for bus transport with services available between some major towns but limited (or no) buses available between smaller villages, even the popular tourist spots.

The weather in Southern Ireland is similar to Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom with mild summers and winters. 

It is renowned for being changeable so don't be surprised if you experience all four seasons in one day. 

The weather seldom reaches extremes but it tends to be a bit wetter and chillier than Britain when that sharp wind blows in from the Atlantic. Spring and autumn can be cool, wet and windy, but the days are long and it's sometimes surprisingly sunny and warm.

What to pack for your trip to Southern Ireland largely depends on what time of the year you choose to visit and what type of holiday you want to have. If you're going to be doing a lot of hiking or other outdoor activities, it's recommended you pack a sturdy, comfortable pair of boots or shoes, as well as long trousers and a waterproof jacket.

If you travel in winter remember to pack scarves, beanies, gloves, long shirts, and jumpers. When you head out for a walk in Southern Ireland's countryside, always bring a jumper and wet weather gear.

If you are visiting Southern Ireland in summer, you will need to pack clothes suitable for warmer weather such as t-shirts, shorts, dresses, and a light cardigan or jumper for chilly evenings.

Wet weather gear is essential, no matter what time of the year you're visiting as the weather in Southern Ireland can be changeable.

Southern Ireland generally has good internet coverage but you may experience brief periods of time with no signal in remote parts of the countryside.

If you're travelling from overseas, the easiest airport is to fly to Dublin Airport. The ferry is a good option if you travel from Scotland or England and want to take your car. 

You can take the TransLink cross-border train from Belfast Central Station to Dublin if you're coming from Northern Ireland. 

Driving in Southern Ireland is easy provided you don't mind the occasional narrow, winding country road. 

There are plenty of things to do in Southern Ireland in every season but spring is often considered the best time to visit.

We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.