Republic of Ireland Holidays

Whether you’re in Dublin, Galway, Dingle or Cork, Ireland has a variety of things to do. Nature lovers, history buffs and culture vultures alike will have plenty of different places to explore.

• Guinness Storehouse – The well-known Irish beer offers an overall great experience at its brewery. You’ll learn all about the beer whilst tasting it too!
• Blarney Castle – This castle in Cork is located within a beautiful setting and is a former medieval stronghold.
• Dingle Peninsula – Those who love the outdoors will love this spot! Set along the southwestern coast of Ireland, the Dingle Peninsula is surrounded by beaches and picturesque cliffs and mountains.
• Dublin Castle – A castle which dates to 1204 has so much more than just a stunning exterior. It also has two museums, lush gardens, a library and cafes.
• Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden – Located along the waterside, this nunnery features beautiful gardens which you are free to roam around on a tour.

Ireland may not be known as a beach holiday destination, but that doesn’t mean that sandy shores and beautiful landscapes are hard to come by. In fact, Ireland has many stunning beaches to visit. They’re perfect for peaceful walks along the sand or some relaxation time admiring the surrounding views.

• Inchydoney Beach, Co. Cork – This beach is quiet, spacious and surrounded by green hills. It is often ranked as one of the best beaches in Ireland and has great conditions for surfers.
• Murlough Beach, Co. Down – Picturesque Murlough Beach enjoys views of dunes, most of which are part of the National Nature Reserve.
• Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay, Connemara – These two crescent bays are identical to one another. Some green headland keeps the two bays apart, but they also feature bright white sands made from seashells.
• Inch Beach, Co. Kerry – Situated along the Dingle peninsula, Inch Beach is great for a wide range of activities. Whether it be surfing, walking or bird watching, you can do it all at Inch Beach.
• Portsalon Beach, Co. Donegal – For bright blue waters and spacious sands, this is the place to be. Portsalon Beach has fantastic views all around, making it one of Ireland’s top beaches.

Family holidays to the Republic of Ireland are great for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it is a convenient destination thanks to its close proximity to England, Wales and Scotland. So, it is perfect for taking the kids as there’s only a short flight to get there. On the other hand, if your little ones love being in the outdoors, Ireland has plenty of space for them to run around and appreciate the lush green grass and rolling hills. The kids will surely feel like they’re in an enchanted fairytale when visiting sights like Blarney Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. There are a range of museums to visit when in the Republic of Ireland with the whole family including Dublin’s National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland.

Couples will love a romantic holiday away in the Republic of Ireland. That’s mainly down to the sheer diversity of the island’s landscapes. From sunset strolls along Ireland’s coastline to discovering the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula. Afterwards, explore some of the stunning architecture that Ireland has to offer. Muckross House in Killarney is a beautiful mansion with mountain scenery. It boasts farms and a lovely little café which is perfect for lunch. Or head to one of the Republic of Ireland’s two cathedrals. The most popular, St Patrick’s Cathedral has a fascinating exterior and lush grounds. To top off your Ireland holiday, why not head to Dublin to experience the popular Irish nightlife? Temple Bar is perfect for a pub or bar to end your night off with a pint of Guinness.

History and culture in the Republic of Ireland has strong roots which are clear to see throughout the island. Ireland has often been praised for its literary and musical prominence. The Trinity College Library remains a significant place within Ireland, where many literary greats have found their place. On the other hand, music has always been an important aspect of Irish culture. Which is also why its nightlife is one of a kind. When roaming around Temple Bar, you’ll come across an abundance of live music venues which showcase Irish folk music among contemporary songs. Aside from that, Republic of Ireland holidays are perfect for those who love a museum or two. Visits to the National Museum of Ireland gives a fascinating insight into Irish history, culture and art.

Ireland holidays offer a range of culinary favourites and unique dishes that’ll be sure to please anyone! Pubs are where all the action happens, with many offering tasty menus which you can pair up with a couple of drinks. Try from a range of options like Irish stew which usually consists of either lamb or beef. Bacon and cabbage with potatoes is another hit along with traditional colcannon which consists of potatoes, cabbage or kale and butter. Once you’ve lined your stomach with hearty Irish foods, head over to the Guinness Storehouse for a beer tasting experience unique to Ireland.

Ireland’s nightlife is enjoyed by many thanks to its variety of venues and lively atmosphere. Whether you choose to pop into a pub, bar or a nightclub, there’s plenty of options for a great night out on the town. Galway and Cork are always popular among students, meaning there is always something going on. On the other hand, Dublin is perhaps the most eventful place for nightlife in Ireland. When Dublin nightlife is mentioned, Temple Bar is the first place that comes to people’s minds. This Dublin street is filled with nightclubs hosted by top DJs, live music venues showcasing Irish folk music and buzzing pubs.

When is the best time to go to Ireland?

Travel between May and September gives you the best chance of good weather in Ireland.

What is the peak tourist season in Ireland?

The peak months for Ireland holidays are the summer months of July and August.

Is it customary to tip in Ireland?

Tipping isn’t expected in Ireland, however there are some services which you can tip for like restaurants. However, some restaurants will already include a service charge on the bill.