REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is the perfect place to mix scenic countryside with bustling, friendly cities. Visit the Emerald Isle today for a super fun time!

What you need to know about the Republic of Ireland

Language: English is the national language.

Currency: Euro

Banking: ATMs are found all over the country and all major cards are accepted.

Weather: Warm summers are common with high twenty degrees often shining down. In the autumn and winter months you can expect much colder weather and a whole heck of a lot of rain.

Ireland in a nutshell

Ireland is called The Emerald Isle because it’s so lush and green. This charming country is filled with magnificent countryside, an equally enthralling history, warmth and charm. The capital, Dublin, is the perfect blend of magnetism and history, excellent shopping, lots of entertainment, delicious cuisine – and pubs, of course.

In the countryside you’ll find rolling hills and picture-perfect landscapes, stunning stately buildings and castles and quaint stone villages, each with its own personality.

The iconic Temple Bar in Dublin is the perfect place to stop for a cheeky pint.

With centuries of ancient history, you’ll find remnants of Ireland’s past throughout the country – but that’s not the only reason to visit. Come for the Guinness, the famous stout brewed here, to see so many spectacular destinations that were used as locations for the iconic Game of Thrones TV series and stay to explore some of the most breathtaking natural sights, including Giant’s Causeway, the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry.

Spend some time here in summer on Ireland’s beautiful beaches, where surfing opportunities are some of the best in the world. And make sure to visit at least one prehistoric attraction, like Céide Fields, the biggest Neolithic site in the world.

One of the joys of visiting Ireland is spending time in its pubs, sipping a beer or some Guinness and listening to the local storyteller weave a tale. You’ll find out about leprechauns, 4-leaf clovers and other legends, laugh a lot – Irish humor is legendary – and experience a slice of life that is as magical and unique as the country you’re visiting. 

Dublin is the place to party and sample good craic for sure. There are plenty of excellent towns and cities in Ireland to visit but the main place to see the Irish in full swing is in Dublin. There are bars galore, breweries to tour and enough pints of the black stuff to make even a rugby team say "wow".

Best time to visit: In the shoulder seasons – spring (April and May) and fall (September and October). Peak season is the summer months (June to August).

Best Area for Sightseeing: Ireland offers so many delightful sightseeing options. See Things to do in Ireland, below, for some ideas of where to go and what to see.

Shopping in Ireland: Pick up some great souvenirs here – linen, pottery, Aran knits, sheepskin goods, baskets and more. And don’t forget the Irish Whisky. In Dublin, shop in Henry Street for fashion and handicrafts. There are also great shopping opportunities in Galway and Cork.

Food & Restaurants in Ireland: Order a hearty traditional meal washed down with a beer in a local pub – that’s the authentic Irish experience. If you ask for a ‘pint’, you’ll always be served Guinness. Remember that!

Nightlife: A lively nightlife is part and parcel of life in Ireland, so enjoy! Most towns have pubs, bars and clubs to visit come nightfall and it’s also common to find live traditional Irish music being played.

Things to do in Ireland:

• Visit Dublin’s historic Trinity College and see the Book of Kells in the Old Library.
• Learn all about Ireland’s famous Guinness stout on a tour of the Guinness Storehouse.
• See author William Butler Yeats’ Memorial Museum and burial site at Ardagh.
• Discover the incredible rock formations at Giant’s Causeway, where many Game of Thrones scenes were filmed.
• Travel past the spectacular Cliffs of Moher to see Bunratty Castle.
• Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle in Cork.
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Boyne Valley.
• Take a road trip along the inspirational Ring of Kerry.
• Spend time in the most haunted castle in the world, Leap Castle.
• Visit the picturesque island of Connemara, with its charming thatched cottages.

Best way to get around: Hire a car to explore this magnificent little country.