Ireland Tours & Holidays

Ireland is divided into two parts: in the north, Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom, but the southern part – called the Republic of Ireland – is not.

The capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast, whilst the Republic of Ireland’s capital city is Dublin.

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Ireland is between March and May, when it’s not as crowded as it is in peak summer. September to November is also a good time to visit, before the cold of winter, but with fewer crowds.

Although it does rain quite often in Ireland, the country generally enjoys a mild climate, with temperatures around 4–6°C in winter and 16–20°C in summer making it an ideal year-round destination.

In Northern Ireland, they use the pound sterling (£) as they are part of the United Kingdom. In the Republic of Ireland, however, they use the euro (€). For the latest exchange rates, see www.xe.com.

As a relatively lowly populated island that relies heavily on imports, Ireland has a just reputation as being one of Europe’s most expensive countries: according to a 2019 study, was the fourth-most expensive country in the European Union. That being said, it is still possible to visit Ireland on a tighter budget by booking an escorted tour with included meals and accommodation.

Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle thanks to its rolling green hills and countryside, but it is also famous for its historic cities and castles. Dublin and Belfast boast many sites of interest, including the Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar, Titanic Quarter and Trinity College. Other popular cities in Ireland include Galway, Cork, Londonderry, Waterford and Kilkenny, home of the eponymous famous castle. In terms of Ireland’s numerous natural attractions, highlights include the Giant’s Causeway, a collection of basalt rock columns rising from the sea in Northern Ireland, and Killarney National Park and the King of Kerry in the Republic of Ireland.

Traditional Irish dishes include Irish stew (usually made with beef or lamb), boiled bacon and cabbage, boxty (potato pancakes), and colcannon (mashed potato with kale or cabbage, and butter). Soda bread and smoked salmon are also popular in Ireland. That being said, international cuisine is very popular in Ireland and readily available, especially Chinese, Italian, Thai and Indian.

According to a 2020 scientific study, Guinness tastes better in Ireland than anywhere else. Of all the places in Ireland, the Temple Bar in Dublin has earned a reputation as being the best place in the country for a pint of Guinness, known locally as ‘the black stuff’.