Ireland HOLIDAYS
53.3498, -6.2603
OVERVIEW
"Céad míle fáilte" — "a hundred thousand welcomes" in Irish — sums up the spirit of this country better than almost anything else could. Between the stunning landscapes, the layered history, and a charm that's hard to pin down, Ireland tends to leave a lasting impression.
Known as the Emerald Isle, it's a genuine paradise for anyone who'd rather be outdoors than in. Hiking, cycling, boating — the scenery barely lets up wherever you go. Adventure seekers can kayak across calm waters or stand beneath towering cliffs with views that stop you in your tracks. A drive around Connemara's iconic lakes reveals a landscape unlike anywhere else, and Ireland's beaches, each with its own character, are well worth the detour.
Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of spots across the lakes and coastline, while hikers and trekkers have no shortage of scenic routes to work through. Golf lovers are equally well catered for, with Ireland home to some genuinely world-class courses.
This is a country steeped in legend, and it shows — ancient dolmens, medieval castles, and grand manor houses turn up across the countryside. For a proper dose of Celtic history, head to the Aran Islands, with their dry-stone walls and the ancient fort of Dún Aonghasa. And naturally, no trip is complete without Dublin, where history reveals itself around every corner.
Known as the Emerald Isle, it's a genuine paradise for anyone who'd rather be outdoors than in. Hiking, cycling, boating — the scenery barely lets up wherever you go. Adventure seekers can kayak across calm waters or stand beneath towering cliffs with views that stop you in your tracks. A drive around Connemara's iconic lakes reveals a landscape unlike anywhere else, and Ireland's beaches, each with its own character, are well worth the detour.
Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty of spots across the lakes and coastline, while hikers and trekkers have no shortage of scenic routes to work through. Golf lovers are equally well catered for, with Ireland home to some genuinely world-class courses.
This is a country steeped in legend, and it shows — ancient dolmens, medieval castles, and grand manor houses turn up across the countryside. For a proper dose of Celtic history, head to the Aran Islands, with their dry-stone walls and the ancient fort of Dún Aonghasa. And naturally, no trip is complete without Dublin, where history reveals itself around every corner.
According to our Ireland travel expert:
"Long before we became travel experts, we were travellers ourselves, genuinely moved by the landscapes we'd visited. Ireland's warmth caught us off guard, and we've been keen to share it ever since. Expect to be genuinely struck by just how green — and how expansive — this country really is."
Ireland at a glance
Currency
Euro (EUR); pound sterling (GBP) in Northern Ireland
Language
English, Irish
Capital City
Dublin
Winter Average
5°C
Summer Average
15°C
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+1 in summer)
5 Must-Do things in Ireland
Ireland offers no shortage of things to do and see. Welcome to one of the greenest, most breathtaking islands on Earth.
1
The Cliffs of Moher
Rising about 214 metres above the Atlantic coast in County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most recognisable natural landmarks. Stretching about 14 km along the coastline, they offer views that are hard to overstate — essential for anyone who loves a scenic hike paired with a dramatic coastline.
2
Wicklow Mountains
The Wicklow Mountains, in the county nicknamed 'the Garden of Ireland', are a landscape of uplands, still lakes and hillsides carpeted in purple heather. Glendalough, the 'Valley of Two Lakes', is the highlight, with its sixth-century monastic site. It's just a short trip from Dublin, which makes for an easy, peaceful day spent properly outdoors.
3
Grafton Street in Dublin
Far more than a shopping street, Grafton Street is the beating heart of Dublin's street culture — buskers, flower stalls, and cafés spilling onto the pavement. It's the perfect place to soak up the city's energy, whether you're actually shopping or just watching the world go by.
4
River Shannon Cruise
As Ireland's longest river, the Shannon makes for a genuinely calming escape. A boat trip along its waters is a properly relaxing way to spend a day, and longer cruises link Carrick-on-Shannon with Lough Derg by way of Lough Ree and Athlone. Boats can be hired in towns such as Carrick-on-Shannon, Banagher, Portumna and Athlone, and April to October is the best time to go.
5
Skellig Michael (County Kerry)
Skellig Michael ranks among Ireland's most extraordinary spots, with a strange, otherworldly beauty all its own. Climb to the ancient monastery, perched about 180 metres above sea level and founded between the sixth and eighth centuries, and take in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Boat trips run from May to October, weather permitting, and numbers are limited, so plan ahead — unmissable for anyone in County Kerry.
Must-See places in Ireland
For such a small country, Ireland packs in an enormous amount of natural beauty and historic charm. From Dublin to Sligo, Galway, and the Giant's Causeway in Antrim, there's rarely a dull stretch of road.
The city of Cork
The Republic of Ireland's second-largest city has a character all its own — lively, a little scrappy, genuinely charming. Wander the historic streets, duck into quirky cafés and independent shops, and make time for the city's strong dining scene. A firm must in the south of the country.
Galway City
Galway blends old and new about as well as any Irish city manages — the Spanish Arch, a surviving piece of the old town wall, sits close to busy shops and pubs, while a seafront promenade leads out to Salthill, with views over Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. One of the country's genuinely liveliest spots.
Dublin
The capital is a proper mix of traditional Irish identity and modern, international energy — there's something here for most tastes. Make time for the Guinness Storehouse, and settle in for a pint somewhere that feels lived-in. If Ireland only allows for one stop, make it this one.
McDermott's Castle in Roscommon
Set on Lough Key in County Roscommon, McDermott's Castle sits on its own small islet, ringed by the lake's cool waters. Long the stronghold of the McDermott clan, it's best seen from the water — the island itself is closed to visitors, but boats can be hired nearby. Worth the detour.
Slieve League - Donegal
For genuinely dramatic scenery away from the crowds, the Slieve League cliffs in Donegal are hard to beat. Standing nearly three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, they offer some of the most striking coastal views anywhere in Europe.
Colcannon is Irish comfort food at its simplest and best — mashed potato worked through with cabbage or kale and spring onions. A knob of butter gives it richness, and it's often served alongside boiled ham or bacon.
Colcannon
Must-Try food in Ireland
Ireland is a genuinely good place to eat — fresh seafood, Connemara lamb at its best, and stews built to warm you up. The Emerald Isle earns its reputation as a proper food destination, whatever time of year you visit.
Colcannon
Colcannon is Irish comfort food at its simplest and best — mashed potato worked through with cabbage or kale and spring onions. A knob of butter gives it richness, and it's often served alongside boiled ham or bacon.
Irish lamb
Irish lamb has a well-earned reputation, and Connemara Hill Lamb even carries EU protected status. It's the heart of a traditional Irish stew, slow-cooked with potatoes, onions and carrots. For something simpler, a lamb pie topped with crisp potato and rich gravy works just as well.
Shellfish
Ireland's coastal waters yield a genuinely good variety of shellfish, from oysters and mussels to the well-known Dublin Bay prawns, which have their own festival in Howth. Treat yourself to a seafood platter with a crisp glass of white wine. Irish seafood tends to be handled with real care, whether as a starter or the main event.
Colcannon is Irish comfort food at its simplest and best — mashed potato worked through with cabbage or kale and spring onions. A knob of butter gives it richness, and it's often served alongside boiled ham or bacon.
Colcannon
Must-Pack for Ireland
A handful of essentials worth packing for your trip to Ireland, depending on what you've got planned.
Wind-Proof Umbrella
Rain falls on around 150 days a year in the south-east and up to about 225 in the west, so a shower or two is close to certain. A sturdy, wind-proof umbrella will earn its keep.
Raincoat
If outdoor walks or hikes are on the agenda, a reliable raincoat will keep you dry and considerably more comfortable.
Waterproof shoes or boots
Especially useful for hiking near the cliffs or exploring the countryside, waterproof shoes or boots keep your feet dry — genuinely worth packing, particularly outside the drier months.
Sunglasses
Even Ireland gets its fair share of sun between the showers. A good pair of sunglasses comes in handy whenever it finally breaks through the clouds for the afternoon.
Backpack
A small backpack is ideal for the daily essentials as you explore Ireland's scenery and its smaller towns.
Adaptor plug
Ireland uses type G sockets, the three-pin British-style plug, at 230 V. Pack a type G adapter to keep your devices charged.
Colcannon is Irish comfort food at its simplest and best — mashed potato worked through with cabbage or kale and spring onions. A knob of butter gives it richness, and it's often served alongside boiled ham or bacon.
Colcannon
Other things to know about Ireland before you go
Entry requirements vary by nationality, so check the latest rules well ahead of your trip, including whether you need a visa. Your passport should be valid for the whole of your stay. Northern Ireland is part of the UK and has its own entry rules, so check them too if you plan to cross the border. Confirm all conditions before you book. The temperatures above are for Dublin. Travel advice for Ireland is updated often, so check your government's latest guidance before you book.
Ireland holiday packages?
Flights, hotels and transfers to Ireland in one clear price,
planned with a South African travel expert.
Colcannon is Irish comfort food at its simplest and best — mashed potato worked through with cabbage or kale and spring onions. A knob of butter gives it richness, and it's often served alongside boiled ham or bacon.
Colcannon
Colcannon is Irish comfort food at its simplest and best — mashed potato worked through with cabbage or kale and spring onions. A knob of butter gives it richness, and it's often served alongside boiled ham or bacon.
Colcannon
Why would you go on holidays in Ireland?
Ireland holiday packages open up easy access to Dublin, the Republic's capital, sitting just west of Great Britain. The scenery alone has earned this stretch of coast a reputation for being genuinely welcoming to visitors — the kind of place that pulls you back, if only to see it all again.
Among its best-known stories is the Leprechaun, a mischievous, magical figure who's become something of a global export — usually pictured as a small old man in a green coat with a red beard, guarding a pot of gold.
There's plenty to fill a trip here, particularly if you're travelling with family or in a group. From the Skellig Islands off the Kerry coast to the Cliffs of Moher and the Connemara region, the views rarely let up. Motorhome travel across the Irish countryside suits more adventurous visitors especially well — landscapes, wildlife, pubs, history, and small traditional towns, all within easy reach.
The Aran Islands rank among Ireland's most striking natural areas — Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer make up this small archipelago, shaped as much by the surrounding ocean as by its own culture and traditions. Historically, islanders put to sea in currachs, light boats made of tarred canvas stretched over a wooden frame and built for rough Atlantic seas. Farming and fishing have long been part of island life, and tourism plays a big part today.
The archipelago's network of dry-stone walls and ancient forts such as Dún Aonghasa is genuinely captivating, as is the Burren nearby, with its vast limestone plateau drawing hikers from well beyond Ireland's shores.
Add-ons to any Ireland trip might include lake excursions, private tours, cultural city stops, or a look at some of the more unusual corners of County Kerry, nicknamed "the Kingdom".
Ireland's reputation as a green island doesn't tell the whole story, though. The Burren, on the western coast in County Clare, is proof of that: a limestone plateau of bare rock, with mapped caves and seasonal lakes that come and go with the water table, where Arctic-alpine and Mediterranean plants grow side by side.
Dublin is, without much argument, the natural first stop on any Ireland trip — worth at least two full days. Beyond being genuinely lovely, the city doubles as a living record of the nation's history, much of it accessible through free museums. There's a mood to the place that's hard to describe until you're standing in it. Make time for the pubs, where the beer — Guinness chief among them — is worth the visit alone, and the Guinness Storehouse sits right there in the city. Honestly, there's no need for a rigid itinerary in Dublin; let your instincts steer the day instead.
Ireland's cultural range, paired with the famously warm welcome the Irish extend to visitors, rounds out this picture of a country painted in a thousand shades of green.
The weather here is more unpredictable than you'd expect, whatever the season. But there's beauty in that too — watch how the light transforms a landscape freshly soaked by rain, and a grey sky starts to look like something other than bad luck.
Known in Irish as Clochán an Aifir, the Giant's Causeway comes wrapped in legend — folklore has it that giants carved the path toward Scotland, determined to reach a rival across the water. Geologists tell a rather different story: around forty thousand interlocking basalt columns, some reaching twelve metres in height, formed by volcanic lava flows between 50 and 60 million years ago as the rock cooled and cracked into its now-famous hexagonal shapes. As one of Northern Ireland's most popular attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it's a genuinely essential stop, whatever version of the story you find more convincing — and it's easy enough to combine with a day exploring the wider Antrim coastline, from Carrick-a-Rede's rope bridge to the ruins of Dunluce Castle perched above the sea.
Among its best-known stories is the Leprechaun, a mischievous, magical figure who's become something of a global export — usually pictured as a small old man in a green coat with a red beard, guarding a pot of gold.
There's plenty to fill a trip here, particularly if you're travelling with family or in a group. From the Skellig Islands off the Kerry coast to the Cliffs of Moher and the Connemara region, the views rarely let up. Motorhome travel across the Irish countryside suits more adventurous visitors especially well — landscapes, wildlife, pubs, history, and small traditional towns, all within easy reach.
The Aran Islands rank among Ireland's most striking natural areas — Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer make up this small archipelago, shaped as much by the surrounding ocean as by its own culture and traditions. Historically, islanders put to sea in currachs, light boats made of tarred canvas stretched over a wooden frame and built for rough Atlantic seas. Farming and fishing have long been part of island life, and tourism plays a big part today.
The archipelago's network of dry-stone walls and ancient forts such as Dún Aonghasa is genuinely captivating, as is the Burren nearby, with its vast limestone plateau drawing hikers from well beyond Ireland's shores.
Add-ons to any Ireland trip might include lake excursions, private tours, cultural city stops, or a look at some of the more unusual corners of County Kerry, nicknamed "the Kingdom".
Ireland's reputation as a green island doesn't tell the whole story, though. The Burren, on the western coast in County Clare, is proof of that: a limestone plateau of bare rock, with mapped caves and seasonal lakes that come and go with the water table, where Arctic-alpine and Mediterranean plants grow side by side.
Dublin is, without much argument, the natural first stop on any Ireland trip — worth at least two full days. Beyond being genuinely lovely, the city doubles as a living record of the nation's history, much of it accessible through free museums. There's a mood to the place that's hard to describe until you're standing in it. Make time for the pubs, where the beer — Guinness chief among them — is worth the visit alone, and the Guinness Storehouse sits right there in the city. Honestly, there's no need for a rigid itinerary in Dublin; let your instincts steer the day instead.
Ireland's cultural range, paired with the famously warm welcome the Irish extend to visitors, rounds out this picture of a country painted in a thousand shades of green.
The weather here is more unpredictable than you'd expect, whatever the season. But there's beauty in that too — watch how the light transforms a landscape freshly soaked by rain, and a grey sky starts to look like something other than bad luck.
Known in Irish as Clochán an Aifir, the Giant's Causeway comes wrapped in legend — folklore has it that giants carved the path toward Scotland, determined to reach a rival across the water. Geologists tell a rather different story: around forty thousand interlocking basalt columns, some reaching twelve metres in height, formed by volcanic lava flows between 50 and 60 million years ago as the rock cooled and cracked into its now-famous hexagonal shapes. As one of Northern Ireland's most popular attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it's a genuinely essential stop, whatever version of the story you find more convincing — and it's easy enough to combine with a day exploring the wider Antrim coastline, from Carrick-a-Rede's rope bridge to the ruins of Dunluce Castle perched above the sea.
