TravPa

Ireland

See the Book of Kells and Dublin's Georgian squares, walk the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren from Galway, and drive Killarney's lakes and the Ring of Kerry.

Best timeMay to Jun, SepMoneyEuro (EUR)PlugsType G, 230 VMain airportDublin (DUB)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 3, 2026
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Overview

Most first trips start with two or three days in Dublin, then take the train west to Galway, about 2.5 hours from Dublin Heuston, for the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. Heading south, Killarney is the base for the national park and the 179 km Ring of Kerry, and trains from Killarney reach Dublin through Mallow in about 3.5 hours.

The Atlantic keeps winters mild and summers cool, and rain can come in any month. February to June are usually the driest months, July and August are the busiest, and December and January bring strong winds and heavy rain.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janRainyfebColdmarMildaprMildmayBestjunBestjulBusyaugBusysepBestoctMildnovRainydecRainy

St. Patrick's Festival fills Dublin with parades and events from 13 to 17 March 2027, ending on St. Patrick's Day, the national holiday.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

[Photo: Dublin]
Dublin in 3 daysBook of Kells, George's Street Arcade, National Gallery, Guinness Storehouse, St Patrick's Cathedral, EPIC, Kilmainham Gaol, Howth Cliff PathBalanced pace
[Photo: Ireland]
Ireland in 7 daysBook of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, Galway's Latin Quarter, Poulnabrone Dolmen, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, Muckross House, Ring of KerryBalanced pace

Where to stay

DublinAround Temple Bar and St Stephen's Green for first-timers who want to walk everywhere; Portobello for a quieter food scene by the canal; the Docklands near EPIC; Capel Street for the north side.Best areas to stay in DublinHotels in Dublin
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GalwayEyre Square and the Latin Quarter for first-timers near the station; the West End for traditional music; Salthill for sea views.Best areas to stay in GalwayHotels in Galway
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KillarneyThe town center for first-timers near the station and restaurants; the Muckross Road side for quick access to the national park.Best areas to stay in KillarneyHotels in Killarney
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Getting around

  • Trains: Irish Rail InterCity trains run from Dublin Heuston to Galway in about 2.5 hours and to Killarney, changing at Mallow, in about 3.5 hours.
  • In Dublin: The center is walkable, Luas trams link Heuston Station with the center, and DART trains reach Howth in about 25 minutes.
  • Driving: Cars keep left; bring a full national driving license or an international driving permit for the Burren and Ring of Kerry days.
  • Day tours: Without a car, coach day tours from Killarney cover the Ring of Kerry in four to six hours and leave before noon.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates. If you rent a car, check what your policy and the rental cover in Ireland.
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Phone dataMobile data keeps train times, timed tickets and maps at hand on the coast roads of Clare and Kerry.How a travel eSIM works
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