Ireland Tours & Vacations

The best time to visit Ireland is during the shoulder season of spring and fall, primarily between April and May or September and October.

Spring in April and May exemplifies the nickname “Emerald Isle” with intermittent showers encouraging lush green plains. In fall, around September and October, cooler temperatures make it easy to explore the towns, villages, and diverse scenery without the summer crowds.

April to May and September to October are fantastic months to travel, but Ireland is a year-round destination, with scenic charm, cultural beauty, and captivating legends all year long.

Whether traveling on a senior tour in summer or looking for romantic places in winter, our guide on the best time to visit Ireland will help you find the right time of year for your trip.

Whether stepping onto Blarney’s legendary castle grounds or touring the energetic streets of Dublin, Ireland is known for its history, beauty, and culture. Here are a few of the best places to visit in Ireland:

• Dublin: Ireland’s past and present converge in Dublin, where contemporary life takes shape around the exciting cultural heritage along the banks of the River Liffey.
• Cork: The alluring city embodies Irish tradition flourishing between the River Lee’s branching arms, where the English Market, 17th-century alleyways, and Blarney Castle accentuate the enticing highlights.
• Kerry: Rather than condense beauty into a single city or town, County Kerry celebrates Ireland’s natural and historical beauty with stone walls, emerald farmland, dramatic sea cliffs, and crackling mountain peaks.

Whether visiting aristocratic estates or listening to traditional Irish music and folklore, here are some of the top things to do on your tour of Ireland:

• Visit the unique heritage sites giving context to Ireland’s ancient burial grounds and Viking connections
• Enjoy the surprising flavors of traditional Irish dishes
• Tour the more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins scattered throughout the island
• Sample more heritage with whiskey tastings at historic and innovative distilleries
• Hike the winding trails that crisscross the island or weave along the coastline
• Witness the unique diversity of cultural artifacts in the museum galleries
• Take to the famous fairways and golf on the lush courses

From cathedrals to colorful towns, coastal cliffs to mythical burial grounds, here are some top attractions to see on your trip to Ireland:

• Cliffs of Moher, Clare
• Blarney Castle, Cork
• Ring of Kerry, Kerry
• Newgrange, Donore
• Rock of Cashel, Cashel
• Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin
• Slieve League, Mayo

Ireland is famous for its colorful towns, seaside villages, and dramatic coastlines. The energetic city of Dublin hosts many traditional flavors and access to heritage inside celebrated museums, historic churches, and the ancient grounds of Trinity College. Travelers flock from all over to taste Guinness and whiskey, listen to fantastical stories, and visit the incredible castles. You can experience all of this and more on trips to Ireland.

There are an estimated 30,000 castles and castle ruins in Ireland. With many castles built under the Norman occupation in the 12th century, you can visit grand estates, crumbling medieval fortresses, and 19th-century masterpieces. Here are some of the best castles in Ireland to visit on your trip:

• Donegal Castle, Donegal
• Ross Castle, County Kerry
• Blarney Castle, Blarney
• Kylemore Abbey, County Galway
• Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary
• Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

Dublin is an exciting city throughout the year. You can explore the culture on Grafton Street, stroll the grounds of St. Stephens Green, or witness the heritage in the National Gallery.

When planning an Ireland trip, these are a few of the best things to do in Dublin:

• Visit Trinity College and see the 9th-century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells
• Tour the world-famous Guinness Storehouse to see how the beer is made
• Explore the National Museum of Ireland: Archeology to trace history to prehistoric times
• Discover the GPO Witness History Museum to find contemporary history in action
• Take a guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol, the infamous British prison

The best Ireland itinerary demonstrates the entanglement between history and legend, combining the gorgeous countryside with vibrant cities, and dramatic coastline with elegant castles. Below are some of our most popular customizable Ireland itineraries:

• From picturesque villages to the living folklore in Dublin and rugged coastal cliffs, our Best of Ireland Tour in a Week demonstrates the allure of natural and cultural Irish beauty.
• With a heritage steeped in rebellion and natural landscapes draped in legend, our History and Culture Tour: Experience Ireland bridges Celtic history with contemporary culture for an unforgettable exploration of the past.

Aristocratic palaces, exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, and unique excursions during your Luxurious Exploration of the Emerald Isle become an exciting way to experience the natural beauty, cultural charisma, and magnetic ambiance of Ireland.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Ireland and inspiration in our Ireland travel guide.