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19 questions
1Is my Ireland itinerary too much? How many bases for 1–2 weeksMost say plans are too packed: fewer bases, staying 2–3 nights minimum, and 3–5 nights per base on longer trips.Many warn against one-night stops; packing and moving every day or two is tiring and loses half a day each time.Drives take longer than Google suggests on narrow roads; for a week or so, pick north or south rather than both.A few add: skip the hire car while in Dublin, and fly in to Dublin and out of Shannon to avoid backtracking.Asked 28 times · 343 answers
What people said
- My advice is not to stop anywhere for just one night. It takes part of a day to travel to a place and one night puts you in a rush, and you don't get the feel of a place. Decide on 2 or maybe 3 places and do those.
- I would stay at least three if not four nights in each location depending on how much you want to do near the base. Packing and driving every 2 nights will be exhausting. Speaking from experience.
- Belfast to Kerry would be a hard drive. I'd do either the south of the island or the north, not both - choose which one appeals more.
2Touring Ireland without a car: which route works by train and bus?Most say it works if you base in one or two towns (Galway, Killarney) and take day tours out; Rabbie's is often praised.Take the direct express bus (Citylink) from Dublin Airport to Galway; buses cover far more places than the limited rail network.Cross-country trips are slow: Kilkenny to Killarney by train means going back via Dublin, and Dingle is bus-only from Killarney or Tralee.Opinions split: feasible, but many say you spend much of the trip on buses; a few hire a car for part of it.Asked 13 times · 163 answers
What people said
- If coming directly from Dublin airport to Galway then take the CityLink bus. It is direct and far easier.
- Kilkenny to Killarney there is a train, but that is 5.5 hours. You go back to Dublin and change trains. You can take the bus from Killarney to Dingle, a little over an hour.
- We based out of Killarney and loved it. We didn't have a car so we took the train there from Dublin and then took tours out each day.
3Which tour company or travel agent: CIE, Lally, small groups?CIE Tours gets the most recommendations: long-established, with good drivers and guides, including tours based in one place with day trips.For small groups, Vagabond & Driftwood and Rabbie's come up repeatedly; Rabbie's lets you request your own accommodation.For train-based touring, Railtours Ireland is the name most give; many sights still need a coach or driver from the station.Many replies are agents and drivers promoting themselves; a few suggest a private driver for small groups or more control.Asked 13 times · 113 answers
What people said
- CIE was our introduction to Ireland many years ago. We did the southern loop with extended stays in Galway, Killarney and Dublin. Highly recommend as they have great drivers and tour guides.
- Rabbie's does small group tours out of Dublin or Killarney. You can use their accommodation options and enter a special request or choose your own accommodation options at the destination location.
- The only company for package train tours is Rail Tours Ireland. They are operated by CIE that contracts out the buses to take you from the station then on to the touring part of the day.
4Is November to February a good time to visit? What's open in winter?Opinions split: many say go anyway for fewer crowds, lower prices and lovely winter light; a few locals say wait for May to September.Expect short days (dark around 4pm), rain, strong winds and occasional named storms, so plan outings around daylight and forecasts.Small resort towns like Dingle go very quiet, with many restaurants closed; larger towns like Killarney, Cork, Kinsale and Galway stay busy.Winter extras mentioned include Christmas markets, Dublin's TradFest and winter lights, and Galway's midwinter events.Asked 10 times · 113 answers
What people said
- Places like Connemara look even better in winter. The only thing to remember is that the days are much shorter, and rural roads don't have street lighting, so plan your outings accordingly.
- Expect it to be chilly, windy and rainy, and prepare for that, and you'll be fine. The Christmas markets are worth the trip just by themselves!
- The small resort towns will all be very quiet in the off season. Other suggestions are Kilkenny, Ennis, or Cork.
5Best day trips from Dublin, with or without a carGlendalough and the Wicklow Mountains are the most recommended day trip, often as a tour of about five hours.Many suggest easy DART trips: Howth (about 30 minutes) for the cliff walk and seafood, or Malahide, Dalkey and Bray.Newgrange is a popular tour (book ahead), and Kilkenny, Waterford, Belfast and Galway are all reachable by train.Most say the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin is a 12–13 hour day, mostly on a bus; a few say go only if the day is clear.Asked 10 times · 76 answers
What people said
- The tour to the Cliffs of Moher will be quite long. You may want to consider a tour closer to Dublin to maximize your time. Consider either Wicklow/Glendalough or going to Newgrange. You could also take the train to Kilkenny.
- Day 2 is about 13 hours mostly in a bus and some in darkness. Instead get the DART to Howth (30 mins), bus up to the cliff and walk or bus back down, and have fish and chips in the harbour.
- Using the DART (which is a train) you can take day trips to Bray, Dalkey, Dun Laoghaire, Howth and Malahide.
Glendalough and Wicklow day trip
Check tickets and timesAffiliate link · we may earn a small commission, it never affects the rankingHowth cliff walk
Check tickets and timesAffiliate link · we may earn a small commission, it never affects the ranking6What coat, shoes and clothes to pack for IrelandMost say pack a waterproof rain jacket plus warm layers underneath (fleece, light puffer) rather than one heavy winter coat.Waterproof walking shoes are widely recommended; Dansko Paisley, Vessi, Merrell and On Cloud come up repeatedly.Many advise quick-dry or water-resistant trousers and warn that jeans soak up rain; a few say waterproof trousers are only needed for hiking.Castle hotels and restaurants are mostly smart-casual; a few dining rooms have a dress code, so check with each place.Asked 9 times · 123 answers
What people said
- If it's Ireland you're going to, then worry only about something waterproof and how to layer underneath.
- Both, and a vest and a cardigan and a scarf. Easy interchangeable layers are the key.
- Glad I had weather resistant pants as I was walking around. I also learned the hard way that jeans are the worst! They're like sponges!
7Been to Ireland before: where to go on a second trip?The most common advice is to head north-west: Mayo (Westport, Achill), Sligo and Donegal, often carrying on into Northern Ireland.Many also suggest the North itself: Belfast, the Causeway Coast, Derry, and the Mournes or Ards Peninsula.If you've only seen the west, a few suggest the south and south-east instead: Kenmare, Dingle, West Cork, Kinsale, Wicklow, Waterford or Kilkenny.If you're heading west, several say flying into Shannon (or Knock) is easier and quicker than driving out of Dublin.Asked 8 times · 80 answers
What people said
- From Galway to Mayo: Westport, Achill, Sligo and Donegal, over the North into Belfast.
- Donegal and over into Northern Ireland along the Antrim coast and on down the east coast to Belfast and beyond: Ards Peninsula, Newcastle and the Mournes.
- Fly into Shannon, visit Connemara, Sligo and Donegal. If you have more time, Derry. That entire area is beautiful.
8Car hire: which company, and should you take their insurance?My Irish Cousin and New Way are recommended far more than any other, mainly for all-inclusive cover with no excess and easy returns.Some use credit card cover instead: bring a letter confirming it covers Ireland, and expect a hold of around €5,000 on the card.Many prefer to buy the full cover for peace of mind; a few warn that many US credit cards exclude Ireland, so check yours in writing.Whoever you hire from, photograph and video the car inside and out before driving off.Asked 8 times · 74 answers
What people said
- Newway or My Irish Cousin. Both include total walkaway coverage, cross border charges, roadside service.
- Brought proof of insurance letter from my credit card company and declined their insurance. Be aware that they will put a €5000 hold against your credit card if you choose this option.
- Rented a Budget car in July, had no problems. But the car had damages to it. Video and take pics of everything before you move the car, inside and out, and the odometer.
9Hiring a private driver: is it worth it and who do people use?Most replies are driver and tour firms advertising themselves; independent recommendations are few, so ask for reviews from past clients.Several say a custom tour with a driver can cost less than people expect and gives more flexibility than a group tour.For Dublin itself many say you don't need a driver: public transport, taxis (the Tap a Taxi app) and the hop-on hop-off bus are enough.For long airport transfers, quotes of £300+ came up (e.g. Dublin Airport to Derry); Aircoach does that route far cheaper and comfortably.Asked 8 times · 73 answers
What people said
- We booked our own accommodations. We used the Tap a Taxi app to get us around Dublin (and airport transfer). We hired a private driver (picked us up at our hotel) for sightseeing. Cost was very reasonable.
- Drivers aren't required for Dublin. Good public transport, taxis and HOHO tour bus for sightseeing.
- Aircoach goes directly from Dublin airport to Derry. It's a great service. Has a toilet on board and charging points.
10Where to hear trad music: best towns and pubsDoolin is the most-named town, with sessions at O'Connor's, McDermott's and McGann's; Ennis, Galway and Killarney are also popular picks.In Dublin, Darkey Kelly's and The Cobblestone are recommended most, with The Celt, Whelan's and O'Donohue's also mentioned.Sessions are informal and vary by night, so check schedules locally; a few note music thins out in the off season.For a staged evening, Taylor's Irish Night and the Merry Ploughboys both get mentions.Asked 8 times · 64 answers
What people said
- Ennis was my favourite by far! Multiple sessions every night, and the town is easily walkable.
- Darkey Kelly's, The Celt, The Cobblestone - all very good.
- Sometimes an early session in McDermotts on Sunday. Well worth a try.
11Worth stopping on the drive across Ireland: where to break the journey?Most suggest one or two well-chosen stops rather than many, especially with short winter daylight; check opening hours first.Killarney or Cork to Dublin: the Rock of Cashel is the most recommended stop, with Cahir Castle 10 minutes away and Kilkenny for a longer break.Dublin to Galway: Clonmacnoise, Athlone and Athenry come up. Near Dublin Airport, many suggest Malahide for its castle and coast.For an overnight between Dublin and Kerry, Adare, Cashel and Limerick are the usual picks, depending on which part of Kerry you're heading to.Asked 8 times · 64 answers
What people said
- Definitely hit up the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle and Kilkenny Castle. If you have time, try to spend a full day in Kilkenny. It's a medieval town with plenty to see, including St. Canice's Cathedral.
- Head for Malahide, which is very close to Dublin airport. Lovely coastal town with castle and grounds, great pubs, restaurants and shops.
- We were at the Rock of Cashel with a disappointed child because she wasn't able to climb around things. Cahir ended up being her absolute favourite castle. Lots of climbing around and hidden rooms to explore.
12Best month to visit: April, May, June or September?Most pick May or September: milder weather and fewer crowds than July and August. A few say September is a little cheaper.April has fans for spring flowers, lambs and quieter roads, but it's cooler. Those who've done both say September usually has the better weather.Some prefer June for the long evenings and quieter roads before schools break up; July and August are peak season, so book early.The weather is unpredictable in any month, so pack layers and a waterproof. St Patrick's week and Easter are busy.Asked 7 times · 85 answers
What people said
- On average, September has a reputation for being the 'better' month, mostly because you are coming out of summer, not out of winter! The weather is (on average!) warmer and less blustery.
- May, the spring wild flowers will be in full splendour. If you're planning to explore the countryside, May will be more colourful.
- June! Longer days. Primary schools not out yet so quieter.
13Killarney, Kenmare or Dingle: where to base for the Ring of Kerry and Dingle?Most recommend Killarney as the base: it's central, has more and often cheaper places to stay, and works for day trips to the Ring and Dingle.With a car, many split it, with 2 nights in Killarney and 2 in Dingle. A few prefer Dingle alone for its atmosphere and smaller-town feel.Kenmare is a well-liked alternative: quieter, sits on both the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, and is 20 minutes from the National Park.Without a car, Killarney is easiest: day tours (Dero's) and buses to Dingle leave from there, and buses run to Dublin Airport. Dingle is harder by public transport.Asked 7 times · 74 answers
What people said
- I stayed in Killarney. One day I did a day tour of the Ring of Kerry (Deros) and then on another day took a local bus (TFI 276) to Dingle for the day. It worked really well for me.
- Kenmare is a great shout to be honest. Lovely wee town with easy access to both the Ring of Kerry and the Beara peninsula.
- Killarney is better because it has a bus that goes directly to the airport. Dingle back to Dublin is a challenge because it's a 5 hour drive by car and a full day by public transportation.
See the routes visitors took, by trip lengthRing of Kerry day tour
Check tickets and timesAffiliate link · we may earn a small commission, it never affects the ranking14Airport to your hotel: Aircoach, bus, taxi or Uber?Most say take a taxi from the rank outside Dublin Airport (around €35–40 to the city centre) rather than pre-booking an Uber.Aircoach and Dublin Express coaches leave from outside the terminals and are cheaper; public buses are cheapest but awkward with luggage.Many recommend the Tap a Taxi app; several say taxis don't have to provide child seats, so book a transfer with boosters if you need one.For onward travel, Citylink runs direct from Dublin Airport to Galway; at Belfast, the airport bus is cheap and taxis pricey.Asked 7 times · 70 answers
What people said
- Walk out to the taxi rank, don't pre-book. €35 roughly.
- With luggage it would probably be easier to get a taxi at the marshalled rank outside the terminal.
- Yes, you can take a coach directly to Galway from outside the airport, no need to go to Heuston Station.
15Where to stay in Dublin: hotels people likedLocation matters most: people liked central hotels near Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green, where you can walk everywhere.The Brooks gets the most praise, for staff, breakfast and location; the Grafton, the Morgan, the Marlin and Stauntons on the Green also come up often.The Marlin is well placed but rooms are small, so pay for a bigger room if you have lots of luggage.Near the 3Arena, most suggest the Gibson, with the Premier Inn and Hilton Garden Inn as alternatives; airport buses stop close by.Asked 7 times · 64 answers
What people said
- I can't speak for Grafton but I loved the Brooks! The staff was great and signature king room was lovely. Can't beat the location.
- At Marlin my suitcase was always in somebody's way. The room was that small! But once we dropped our bags, we could walk out for food and spend hours around Dublin without bothering with taxis.
- Second the Gibson, I stayed there earlier this year and couldn't fault it. The bus from the airport drops you off right by it.
16Which castle hotel is worth a night (and is Ashford Castle worth it)?Ashford Castle: most say it's beautiful but very pricey. It's worth it as a splurge if you stay two nights and use the grounds.Cheaper ways to see Ashford: stay at the Lodge at Ashford in the grounds, or just go for afternoon tea or a meal.Most often recommended: Ballyseede (Kerry), Abbeyglen (Clifden), Kilkea (about an hour from Dublin) and Cabra Castle; also Dromoland, Kilronan and Ballynahinch.Castles book up early, so a few suggest calling the castle directly if it shows as full online.Asked 6 times · 77 answers
What people said
- Stayed there in May. It was FABULOUS. Definitely a hefty price tag but well worth it for a splurge. If you can afford it, do 2 nights. We only did 1.
- Stay at the lodge, it's in the grounds and it's a fraction of the price. It's gorgeous and has a really cosy feel, and you still have access to the castle!
- Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Clifden, Co Galway: amazing place. Great rooms, brilliant staff and a lot of fun! Music every night.
17eSIM, local SIM or your phone plan's travel pass?Most recommend an eSIM. Airalo is named most often, with Saily, Nomad, Holafly and 48.ie also mentioned.A few prefer a local SIM bought on arrival (Lyra, Tesco, EE, Vodafone). Your phone must be unlocked.Many Canadians found their carrier's travel pack (Rogers, Telus, Bell, Koodo) simplest. Opinions on T-Mobile's plan are split, with complaints about poor coverage outside cities.Coverage can be patchy in remote or hilly areas whatever you use. Data-only eSIMs mean calling on WhatsApp; get one with voice if you need texts.Asked 6 times · 53 answers
What people said
- I used Saily for an e-sim, they have specific countries or a Europe/United Kingdom option. Easy to purchase upfront the amount of data and time frame.
- If your phone is unlocked get a Tesco sim card for 15 Euro. Every American tourist should come with an unlocked phone if they can, the charges are outrageous.
- It's way easier than eSIMs. I've tried them and the text doesn't always work, which was a problem if my bank texted me a code to use the app.
18Ireland over Christmas and New Year: what's open and worth doing?Almost everyone warns that Ireland shuts down from Christmas Eve evening: no public transport on Christmas Day, and pubs, restaurants and most attractions are closed.Book a hotel that serves Christmas dinner, and check that the meal is actually included; many need it pre-booked even for guests.Many attractions and colleges (e.g. the Long Room) close for the whole week; things start reopening from St Stephen's Day, so check every opening time.Expect dark by 4–4:30pm and possible storms. Most suggest Dublin, Galway or Kilkenny, plus pubs, gigs, theatre and Christmas events.Asked 5 times · 92 answers
What people said
- From the early evening of Dec 24 Ireland shuts down countrywide, including all public transport, for Christmas Day. Some hotels that open will serve food to guests booked on a 2-3 day package.
- A lot of hotels require you to pre-book your dinner on Christmas Day even if you are staying there. Just because you are staying there doesn't mean you will get dinner.
- Be prepared to change plans due to weather and travel disruption. Things like the Cliffs of Moher may be 'closed' for weather warnings. It's best not to have high expectations.
19A storm is forecast: should you change plans or ferries?Most locals say a yellow warning means wind and rain, not a reason to change plans: bring a proper raincoat and carry on. Take orange or red warnings seriously.Check Met Éireann or a detailed local forecast and plan around the worst few hours; storms usually blow through within a day.A few add: keep well back from the sea in big waves, and pack a torch in case of power cuts.Ferries get cancelled in storms but usually sail again within days. Opinions split on the Irish Sea in November: many would fly, regular users say the big ferries are fine.Asked 5 times · 62 answers
What people said
- As long as you're prepared with a decent raincoat you should be fine. Yellow warnings are relatively tame but keep an eye if it changes to orange or even red, they are more serious warnings.
- Look at a detailed weather site for the area you're going to. Looking at the detail allows you to make the most of the earlier part of the day.
- Yes, there is a storm right now but these ferries are generally very good. In poor weather they have huge stabilisers that they can use to steady the ship.
Answers come from travellers' replies in public trip-planning groups, summarised and checked by hand. Prices and rules change, so check before you go.