National Tourist Information Ireland

Traveladvisor in Ireland: Are you going on a vacation you can get lots of free and professional help, traveladvice and information from the National Tourism Organisation.

Discover the country and the cities getting the most out of your vacation with the professional help from the people who knows their country and their culture the best.

Ireland Tourism Authority

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Vacation in Ireland

For an invigorating vacation filled with gorgeous scenery, fascinating history, and the fun of pub culture and festivals, head to Ireland. With its mix of buzzing urban hubs and idyllic rural landscapes, an Ireland vacation will give you the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. Explore the museums, parks, and historic sites in the capital, Dublin, and the largest city on the west coast, Galway. Take in the stunning views of the Ring of Kerry, explore the natural wonders of the Burren National Park, and chill out on the beaches of the Dingle Peninsula.

Ireland is famous for its hospitality, and wherever you choose to stay, you’re sure to have a warm welcome. For a city vacation, Dublin, Cork, and Galway are walkable places with endless choices when it comes to attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. The highlight of your Ireland vacation is getting out into the countryside. The Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, and Killarney National Park in southwest Ireland all have opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, or just enjoying the Irish countryside at your leisure. Stay by the southeast seaside in Wexford or Waterford, and experience the rugged landscape of the Burren in the County Clare.

Celebrated for its lush green landscape, friendly, witty locals and fascinating history, Ireland is a perennial top vacation destination. Top sites in Dublin include Trinity College- built in the 16th century and home to exquisite Old Library and Book of Kells- and the National Museum of Ireland, filled with amazing Bronze Age trinkets and bog bodies.

Be sure to take tours of the Old Jameson Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin to imbibe local whiskey and stout, and make time to shop on Grafton Street, the main thoroughfare that runs between Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green.

Take in the energy of Galway—it’s a university town and a favorite getaway city for the Irish—by strolling along the cobblestone streets of its compact center. Not-to-miss-areas outside of the center include Claddagh, the home of the famous heart and hands ring, and Salthill, with its promenade and sandy beach.

The Ring of Kerry is the most popular tourist route in all of Ireland. If you’re not up to braving the sometimes-challenging drive on this coastal road, there are plenty of tour companies that operate in the area. Most vacationers start their journey around the ring in Killarney, and continue on to Killorglin and Kenmare. In addition to the spectacular views of mountains and the sea along the drive, take the time to visit Killarney National Park and admire its lakes, islands, and Ireland’s highest mountains, the Macgillycuddy Reeks.

Make your Ring of Kerry journey even more enjoyable by taking the time to stay at towns along the way. In Killarney, walk the charming city center and visit the stunning Muckross House, which is now the home of the Kerry Folklife Centre. In Kenmare, try some local cheese at the Kenmare market, and marvel at the nearby Stone Circle, a druid remnant from the Bronze Age.

The Dingle Peninsula is known for music and scenic beauty. Visitors to this Irish-speaking area rave about the spontaneous concerts in the pubs and the dramatic coastal landscape—a top activity is horseback riding on the beach. Be sure to look for the area mascot, Fungie the dolphin, who can be spotted in the gulf stream-warmed waters.

Surfing or swimming ?

Ireland has beautiful beaches, and Galway County on Galway Bay is a great place to enjoy some of the surf. Since Ireland is an island, there are a lot of sandy shores to see, but remember that the summer season is only from June to August. The waves, sun and the sand are enticing though, and the kids will just love to just go and have fun! So be certain to make at least one of your days in Ireland a beach day!

Then at the end of the day, what could be better than a fresh seafood dinner prepared specially for you, in any one of the many oceanside restaurants that line the coastal towns. You could drive from Dublin to Galway City in a matter of a couple of hours, and with the Atlantic ocean on the west side of Ireland, and the Irish Sea bordering the east side, you had better believe that the best in North Atlantic seafood is available for you!

The variety and charm of Ireland makes it the best get-a-way for your whole family, or just for two. Come and enjoy!