Ireland tours & holidays
Invigorating, enchanting and endlessly charming
A small island with a heart of gold (no leprechauns needed). Where fairytales paint pictures of the landscapes and a pint downed marks the end of another day. Here, you’re never far from a fiddle and a tune, nor a castle, a dramatic cliff or a history-laden locale. Ireland’s allure should be experienced firsthand.
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Explore tailor-made tripsIreland at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Dublin (population 1.3 million)
POPULATION
4.7 million
CURRENCY
EUR
LANGUAGE
English, Gaelic
TIME ZONE
(GMT) Greenwich Mean Time : Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
CALLING CODE
+353
ELECTRICITY
Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin) Type M (see D)
Learn more about Ireland
Best time to visit Ireland
Don’t forget your umbrella! Although the wettest time of year is from October to April, rain is pretty much a guarantee year-round. Summer, June to August, promises better weather, and the long days are welcome even if the sun isn’t shining.
May, June and September are great months to holiday in Ireland, as there are fewer tourists, more daylight and it’s usually relatively warm by Irish standards).
July and August are the country’s busier months, but the festivals, events and good craic that take over the country more than make up for the increase in tourists.
History and culture
Ireland’s history dates back to 8000 BC and progressed from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural one. The island saw Christianity arrive in the 5th century, replacing the old tribal and Druid societies, followed by the Vikings in the 800s and then the Normans.
One of Ireland's most well-known moments in history was between 1845 and 1852 when Ireland suffered the Great Famine, which saw over a million people die from starvation and disease, and a million or more emigrate.
Ireland has seen several wars, including the Irish Rebellion of 1798, led by the Republican United Irishmen and the Irish War of Independence. In 1922, after many years of fighting, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed, and Ireland was divided into Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland.
Today, Ireland retains a strong Catholic, but its early mythology and folklore are still celebrated.
Geography and environment
The nation of Ireland is located on the island of Ireland and is known for its endless green fields and rocky coastline. Much of the land inland is flat, interspersed with rivers, lakes and bogs, while hills and mountains rise closer to the coast.
Top places to visit in Ireland
1. Cliffs of Moher
Both vertical and abrupt in stature, these cliff faces provide monumental views over Galway Bay and out to the Aran Islands.
2. Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are known for their staggering cliffs, Celtic churches, and World Heritage Listed sites. Follow your local leader as you explore, not only the rugged coastline but also the ruins and remains of both the Bronze and Iron Ages for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
3. Ring of Kerry
From the tranquil sound of Torc Waterfall to the imposing monument of Staigue Fort, the Ring of Kerry only adds to Ireland’s collection of unspoiled natural wonders. Notable stops include picturesque villages such as Killarney, Beaufort, and Kenmare.
4. Dublin
Wandering through the cobbled streets of this electric city, hearing the tunes of live music pour out of the pubs. To get the full Irish experience, you could always try a pint of Guinness.
5. The Wicklow Way
Known as the oldest long-distance trail in Ireland, the Wicklow Way offers a range of scenic experiences, from passing through open moorland and forested heaths to exploring Glendalough Valley’s monastic settlements.
6. Ballysaggartmore Towers
Created in a gothic style, these towers are both imposing and idyllic, situated in a fairytale-like wooded area that’s perfect for picnics. Join your tour on a walk of the grounds and imagine what it would have been like to roam the ornate stone halls.
7. Killarney National Park
Featuring the highest peak in Ireland, McGillycuddy’s Reeks, and some of the world’s most recognisable lakes and waterfalls, this national park is well worth exploring.
Eating and drinking
Irish food is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why this breathtaking country is so popular among travellers.
From hearty stews full of vegetables to salty bread you'll get addicted to, traditional Irish food has a focus on fresh produce served up farm-to-table style.
Money matters
The official currency of Ireland is the Euro (EUR).
Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores and hotels in Ireland. Smaller cafes and shops may not accept credit cards, so ensure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases.
ATMs are very common in Ireland, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.
Ireland travel FAQs
Travellers from several nationalities need a visa to enter Ireland.
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.
You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our visa and entry requirements page.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. It's important to understand that each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements, and some destinations mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality.
We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number, and these details will be recorded on the first day of your trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.
For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form, recognising personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.
Tipping of 10-15% in restaurants is common. Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill, so check for this.
It’s common to round up fares in taxis or leave around 10% if they’ve been particularly helpful.
As Ireland is known to be quite rainy all year round, packing wet weather clothing is important.
Items like a waterproof jacket or raincoat, quick-dry clothing such as pants and tops, beanies, scarves, thick socks, and gloves will all come in handy.
You should also consider packing a collapsible, travel-sized umbrella to minimize the likelihood of getting wet when it's raining.
Remember to pack a camera, a backpack, a reusable drink bottle, and a portable charger as well.
Tap water is considered safe to drink unless otherwise marked.
Internet access is good in Ireland, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots easily found in most cities and major towns.
Mobile phone coverage is generally very good in most parts of Ireland. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive.
Modern, flushable toilets are the standard in Ireland.
While homosexuality was only decriminalised in Ireland in 1993, it has since become a welcoming and accepting country for LGBTQIA+ travellers within Ireland, and for travellers coming from elsewhere, with a range of gay friendly venues, bars, and events located in all major cities.
We take the health and safety of our travellers seriously and take every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and inclusive for everyone. When you travel with us, you have access to our global support network and local on‑ground leadership, and you can rest easy knowing we have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.
We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure. The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Travelling from Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
Find out more or make a donation
We believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Although some destinations and itineraries may be more accessible than others, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs, make reasonable adjustments where possible or guide you toward the most suitable trips. Get in touch with our friendly adventure consultants to chat about your options.
Our Tailor-Made team can also help you plan a customised trip just for you.
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Northern & Southern Ireland
Northern & Southern Ireland
Northern & Southern Ireland
Northern & Southern Ireland
Northern & Southern Ireland