Notable Places
Explore Ireland
Use the map to explore our favorite places in Ireland, and hit the button below for our suggested Ireland road trip itinerary!
Ireland Quick Guide
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Irish (Gaelic) and English
- Time Zone: GMT (UTC +0) / IST in summer (UTC +1)
- Fun Fact #1: Ireland is known as the “Emerald Isle” due to its lush, green landscapes
Fun Fact #2: It’s home to the world’s oldest licensed pub, Sean’s Bar in Athlone (~900 AD) - Fun Fact #3: Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, was not Irish by birth
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants if not already included; not expected in pubs or cafes
- Emergency Number: 112 or 999
Where to Stay in Ireland
From charming Dublin inns to coastal B&Bs on the Wild Atlantic Way and castles converted into boutique hotels, Ireland’s accommodation blends rich heritage with cozy hospitality, ensuring a memorable stay whether you’re city-hopping or road-tripping through the countryside.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. Cities are well connected with public transport so you are unlikely to get stuck in a remote place, unless that is what you want to do! In Europe, we use Booking.com for all our hotel stays as many hotels have pay-later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get further savings.
Plan Where to Visit in Ireland
Thinking of visiting Ireland? Browse our Ireland guides to find adventures, accommodations, restaurants, and must-visit spots for your next trip.
How to Get Around Ireland
Ireland offers efficient public transport for urban and popular routes. Intercity trains and buses connect major cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Belfast. In Dublin, local buses and the LUAS tram system are convenient and affordable. Coastal towns along the Wild Atlantic Way are served by regional bus routes.
However, a rental car unlocks Ireland’s hidden rural charms. Narrow roads wind their way through the Ring of Kerry, Connemara’s rugged landscape, and the Burren – areas where public transit is limited or infrequent. With a car, you can uncover secluded beaches, stop at traditional pubs, and drive scenic loops in comfort and on your own schedule.
As a heads up, the rural roads can get quite narrow and you drive on the left side of the road. It can be quite the adventure but definitely the best way to see the country.
For the best deals on car rentals, rent a manual transmission car if you know how to drive one and try out the many car rental coupon codes out there. In addition, we always recommend that you search on Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com to get a good lay of the land in terms of what the best rates are across multiple companies.
Plan the Ultimate Ireland Road Trip
A road trip is the perfect way to explore Ireland’s rugged coastlines, charming villages, and ancient landmarks at your own pace.
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Must-Visit Places in Ireland
- Cliffs of Moher – County Clare: Dramatic sea cliffs and stunning coastal views along the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Ring of Kerry & Skellig Michael -County Kerry: Panoramic mountain drives and a UNESCO monastic island trek.
- Rock of Cashel – County Tipperary: Medieval cathedral complex steeped in Irish legend.
- Dublin & Surrounds: Explore Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, and easy day trips from the capital.
- Northern Ireland – Giant’s Causeway, Belfast Titanic Quarter: Otherworldly basalt formations and rich Titanic history.
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Discover Dublin
Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, blending rich literary heritage, lively pubs, and historic charm along the banks of the River Liffey.
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Irish Food to Sample
Irish cuisine offers hearty, comforting fare shaped by local ingredients and traditions. Regional specialties reflect Ireland’s rich farming and coastal heritage in every bite.
Boxty – Connemara & Ulster: Potato pancake often served with sour cream or smoked salmon.
Irish Stew – All over Ireland: Lamb or mutton cooked with potatoes, onions, and carrots.
Seafood Chowder – West Coast & Galway: Creamy soup brimming with fresh shellfish and fish.
Colcannon – All over Ireland: Mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale.
Dublin Coddle – Dublin: Sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions slow-cooked in broth.
Blarney Woollen Mill Soda Bread – Cork: Crusty soda bread, often made with buttermilk.
Black & White Pudding – Nationwide: Savory blood and pork sausages typically served at breakfast.
Champ – Northern Ireland: Mashed potatoes mixed with scallions (spring onions) and butter.
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover Ireland
- Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City: Base yourself in Dublin and take this day tour to explore along the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit the iconic Cliffs of Moher, the lunar landscape of the Burren, and vibrant Galway City all in one scenic and comfortable day.
- Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher: Sail from Galway to the largest Aran Island, Inis Mór, to explore its ancient forts and coastal charm, then return via a scenic cruise beneath the towering Cliffs of Moher. Capture dramatic Wild Atlantic Way views and local folklore along the way.
- Guinness Storehouse: Take a self-guided tour through seven immersive floors to learn all about world-famous Guinness Stout. Finish the tour with a complimentary pint at the panoramic Gravity Bar. Perfect for beer lovers and cultural explorers.
- Book of Kells, Dublin Castle and Christ Church: Explore Dublin on a walking tour, visit Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, and the Book of Kells in Trinity College. Your guide offers skip-the-line access, historical anecdotes, and insights into the city’s cultural and literary legacy.
- Jameson Whiskey Distillery: Discover another famous tipple from Ireland! Tour the historic Jameson Distillery in Dublin and learn the secrets of Irish whiskey production, and enjoy a comparative whiskey tasting (including a signature cocktail).
- Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast: Explore Northern Ireland’s coastal gems if you base yourself in Dublin. Visit the dark beauty of the Dark Hedges, the haunting ruins of Dunluce Castle, and legends at the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway. Finish the day with time for sightseeing time in vibrant Belfast.
Travel Resources For Your Next Trip
If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.
Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.
Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.
Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.
Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.
Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.
eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.
- AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
- Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
- KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
- AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
- Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
- Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.
Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).
Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.
- HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 15% discount (from June 19-29)!
- RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
- SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
- Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
- InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.
If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.
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