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How to Plan a Trip to Ireland: The Complete Guide

There are several things to know when it comes to visiting Ireland. You can check out our guide here to learn more about how to plan a trip to Ireland.

In 2019, Ireland was named the best travel destination in all of Europe. One glance at a picture of its rolling green landscapes is all it takes to understand why.

Of course, the scenery is just one of the many wonderful things about visiting the Emerald Isle.

So, how do you ensure that you make the most of your trip and see all that this country has to offer? Look no further than this guide.

We’ll walk you through how to plan a trip to Ireland and all the most important things to consider during the planning process. By the end, you’ll be itching to pack your bags and set off on a new adventure. And, you’ll know just how to do it!

Let’s get started.

The Best Time To Go

Ireland is truly beautiful year-round. However, depending on what you want to do during your trip, some seasons are better for visiting than others.

The spring and fall are both considered ideal times for visiting. Because they’re not peak times, there are often fewer crowds and prices are often lower as well.

And, while the weather is moderate year-round, spring and fall tend to have lower amounts of rainfall than other times of the year.

Summer is the most popular time to visit, thanks to the warmer temperatures and the peak time to see the luscious green landscapes for which Ireland is known. However, it’s also more crowded and more expensive and accommodations book up quickly.

Winter is the least popular time to visit, meaning you can get great deals on flights and hotels. But, this is when the weather is the least appealing, and it’s also when many smaller cities close up for the year.

Keeping all of this in mind when planning your trip will help you weigh the factors most important to you when deciding when to go.

Getting Around

Once you arrive in Ireland, how do you plan to get around? If your idea of a dream trip includes wandering around big cities like Dublin or Belfast, there’s not much you need to plan in terms of transportation.

Both cities are ideal for walking so you can enjoy the major sites while exploring some of the cities’ hidden gems. There are also public transportation options that are easy to use and reliable.

However, there is so much beauty outside of Ireland’s major cities as well. If you’d like to go exploring off the beaten path, consider booking a rental car so you can hit the open road.

Just keep in mind that most rentals are manuals and that you’ll have to drive on the left side of the road.

Of course, getting around is about more than just transportation. You’ll also need to know how to interact with locals. Ireland’s two official languages are Irish and English and most signs are written in both languages.

You should be able to communicate in English in most cities, but it doesn’t hurt to brush up on a few Irish phrases before you go.

Sites to See

So, what will you do once you arrive in Ireland? From bustling cities to quiet spots of nature, there’s something that’s sure to appeal to every traveler.

Cities

No trip to Ireland is complete without a jaunt around the cobblestone streets of Dublin. The Trinity College Library is not to be missed, and there are plenty of pubs to visit for you to put away a pint.

However, don’t overlook other cities like Belfast, in Northern Ireland, or Waterford, which is the country’s oldest city.

Nature

One of Ireland’s most iconic tourist destinations is undoubtedly the Cliffs of Moher, which run along the western coast of the country. However, there are also some stunning national parks that you don’t want to overlook.

Killarney National Park is perfect for spending an afternoon hiking, while Connemara is home to a herd of ponies that seem straight out of a storybook.

Or, have a little fun soaking up nature while hitting a golf course. Click here for more about the perfect Northern Ireland golf trip.

Must-See Attractions

Of course, there are certain sites that no trip to Ireland is complete without seeing. Make time to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the infamous limestone Blarney Stone for a little good luck.

If you love a good pint of beer as much as the Irish do, then take a tour of the Guinness Brewery, which includes a food and beer tasting.

And, muggles around the world will enjoy taking a Harry Potter tour by visiting some of the famous locations from the franchise’s films.

Tasty Treats

No vacation is complete without sampling local food and drinks. Of course, enjoying a pint of beer in a pub should be on your Irish to-do list, but the fun doesn’t stop there.

Start your day with a full Irish breakfast, which includes eggs, beans, roasted tomatoes, black pudding, sausage, bacon, and toast.

Of course, don’t skip out on Ireland’s famous offering of potatoes served various ways. You also might enjoy a warm bowl of Guinness stew after a long, cool day spent outside.

And, don’t forget to enjoy a nice cup of tea to round out your stay. You can typically get it throughout the day, usually with milk on the side.

Now You Know How to Plan a Trip to Ireland

After reading through this guide, now you know all the best tips on how to plan a trip to Ireland. So, why wait any longer? Using the information covered above, start planning out your itinerary, booking a flight, and finding the perfect accommodations for your stay.

You’ll never regret taking a trip to the Emerald Isle!

For more helpful travel advice like this, check out our other articles today.

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