Tips for Traveling  to Ireland for First-Timers

By: Leah Shoup

Travel in shoulder season to avoid the crowds.

April and May are the best months to plan a first trip to Ireland. They represent the ultimate sweet spot for ideal weather in Ireland with fewer crowds.

Rent a car to see Ireland's most beautiful regions.

Rental cars are much more convenient than using public transport. Otherwise, you're limited to guided day trips from Dublin!

Remember to drive on the left side of the road.

If you decide to take a road trip through the country, prepare yourself to drive on the left side of the road by watching videos.

Don’t overdo it!

When visiting Ireland for the first time, it may be tempting to squeeze everything into one vacation. If you only have a few days, be realistic about how much you can see.

Don't forget Northern Ireland!

Home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, make sure to visit Northern Ireland. Remember that Northern Ireland uses pounds instead of euros.

Book hotels in advance.

It’s a good idea to book your hotels ahead of time to save money. Plenty of properties are available, but they fill up quickly during the busiest times of the year.

Plan your driving route around the Emerald Isle.

One of our best Ireland travel tips is to make a list of the top places you want to visit; for example, Killarney National Park or the Cliffs of Moher.

Include hidden gems in your itinerary.

Check out off-the-beaten-track things to do like driving the Dingle Peninsula or taking a boat tour to Skellig Michael.

Pack clothing that you can layer.

The Irish weather can be unpredictable. So, you need to pack layers that you can take on and off as the temperature changes throughout the day.