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"Kimkim is the perfect solution for independent travelers who are too busy to plan it all themselves" - Gayle R., traveled with kimkim in October 2019

Introducing Ireland

Make the most out of your trip to Ireland.
Ireland's influence on global pop culture is undeniable—it's the land of "40 Shades of Green" and Guinness beer, after all—but this little island off the west coast of Europe also holds centuries of history, creating a curious blend of old and new in one compact destination. The rugged southwest is any traveler's dream—think golden beaches, vertical rock cliff faces, and mountains hugging the coast—while the "Ancient East" is home to ruins dating back thousands of years. See the highlights in a few days, or take your time getting to know the many hues of the Emerald Isle.

When is the best time to visit?
Ireland is best visited between March and October. June, July, and August are the busiest months for international travel, due to the increased chance of dry weather. That said, rain isn't as persistent or frequent here as you might think—the Irish climate is actually quite mild, with average temperatures only changing by a few degrees from March to October. This makes it ideal for active travel, with world-class hiking and cycling throughout the country. Learn more

Where should you go in Ireland?
Southwest Ireland is a must for first-time visitors. Killarney, which sits on the eastern end of the Iveragh Peninsula, is a good jumping off point to explore the world-famous Ring of Kerry. It's also on the outskirts of Killarney National Park, a stunning natural landscape of 26,000 acres.

From here, you can take your pick from locations dotted all along the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,500-mile driving route running from Mizen Head in the southwest to Malin Head in the northwest. The west coast boasts the iconic Cliffs of Moher, charming towns, and traditional Irish music, while further north lies the bohemian city of Galway. Venture west from here and you'll get to boggy and mountainous Connemara, home to Ireland's most unique landscapes. Learn more

How many days do I need?
Ireland may be small, but it's not a country to be rushed. If you only have a week, immersing yourself in one small region is the best way to see what makes the Irish tick—consider spending 2 nights in Dublin and taking a few days to explore the rural west coast. To experience multiple regions, you can easily fill 2 (or even 3!) weeks of well-spent travel. For an active trip, you might take a few days to relax in the countryside before a week of hiking or cycling on the west coast, followed by cultural exploration in one of Ireland's urban areas.

Getting Around Ireland
Self-driving in Ireland is popular, and major roadways connect Dublin to cities including Galway, Cork, and Limerick (and Shannon Airport). Some road trips do rely on rural roads, like the famous Wild Atlantic Way and the Ring of Kerry. Trains serve the bigger cities, and Aer Lingus offers direct flights from Dublin to smaller, regional airports. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 14 days

Ireland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
The Cliffs of Moher on Ireland's wild western coast
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 5 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Cork, Killarney & Galway - 5 Days

Hit the road and see the best of the Emerald Isle on this 5-day self-driving jaunt through Ireland. Walk the ancient streets of Dublin, kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, visit the famous heritage town of Killarney, take in breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher, and revel in the energy of bohemian Galway. From windswept Atlantic coastlines to bustling city streets, this itinerary is perfect for independent travelers looking to pack some of Ireland's most iconic sights into a short space of time.

Take a drive through the Irish countryside
Map of South Ireland Scenic Road Trip - 8 Days
South Ireland Scenic Road Trip - 8 Days

A great choice for families or travelers who prefer a little independence, this itinerary will take you on a leisurely road trip through some of Ireland's most scenic cities and natural sites. Experience the allure of Ireland as you drive along the coast and over verdant hills between stop at the medieval Rock of Cashel, Killarney National Park, and the Cliffs of Moher.

A beach on the Ring of Kerry route
Map of Classic Ireland Adventure - 7 Days
Classic Ireland Adventure - 7 Days

This guided road trip is the perfect introduction to Ireland for newbies. Over a week, you'll visit both classic icons and some off-the-beaten-path sites—paired with beautiful landscapes and gentle walks to breathe in the fresh air of Ireland's spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. In the evenings, partake in the local pub experience with a pint of Guinness and traditional Irish music. The tour starts and ends in Dublin, where you can bike and kayak to some of the capital's best sites.

Along the Trail in Kerry
Map of Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Hike - 11 Days
Ring of Kerry Self-Guided Hike - 11 Days

Hike around the Ring of Kerry at your own pace with this 11-day self-guided itinerary. You'll follow the trail between some of Ireland's most charming towns, crossing sites like Killarney National Park, Kenmare Bay, the Beara Peninsula, and Skelling Islands over a variety of terrains.

Ring of Kerry
Map of Highlights of Ireland Road Trip - 10 Days
Highlights of Ireland Road Trip - 10 Days

Explore the magic of Ireland independently with this self-drive itinerary. You'll go from the ancient streets of Dublin to the rebel city of Cork, the quaint village of Killarney, and the breathtaking Ring of Kerry. Keep going to the spectacular views of the Cliffs of Moher and the buzzing cultural scene of Galway before you ultimately return to Dublin.

Colors of Kinsale
Map of Family Adventure in Ireland - 7 Days
Family Adventure in Ireland - 7 Days

Take travelers of all ages around the Emerald Isle with this week-long itinerary. You'll spend 7 days experiencing the highlights of Ireland from the seaside town of Kinsale to the Killarney Lakes, then up to Limerick to live like a lord of the manor and over the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands off the coast of County Clare.

Make the Most of Your Time in Ireland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
A rainbow hovers above Ashford Castle, a luxury resort near Galway
How Many Days to Spend in Ireland

Given its approachable size, it doesn't take long to get a taste of the Emerald Isle's epic scenery and friendly culture. For a solid itinerary that covers Dublin or Belfast,...

The spectacular Cliffs of Moher
Map of 7 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Have a week to spend in Ireland? In seven days, you can road trip through many of the country's best-loved places, or stick to one region to go beyond the highlights. Pick up a...

Ireland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Ultimate Guide to Multi-Day Walks in Ireland
Ultimate Guide to Multi-Day Walks in Ireland

One of the best ways to experience Ireland's remote corners is with a multi-day walk through the heather-covered hills, stretches of unspoiled coast, and sheer cliffs that the...

Girl taking surfing lessons in Co. Donegal
Family Travel in Ireland

Ireland is full of kid-friendly outdoor adventures, fun ways to interact with ancient history, and cultural activities from falconry to farming. Chase the leprechaun legend in...

A loving couple look out at sunset over the Cliffs of Moher
Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Ireland

Ireland makes the ideal choice for a holiday with your true love: beautiful, mystery-steeped, constantly surprising and delighting, and one of the most warmly welcoming places...

Our Latest Ireland Content

A rainbow hovers above Ashford Castle, a luxury resort near Galway
How Many Days to Spend in Ireland

Given its approachable size, it doesn't take long to get a taste of the Emerald Isle's epic scenery and friendly culture. For a solid itinerary that covers Dublin or Belfast, plus outdoor activities in a few different counties, a 10-day trip is a great choice. With less time, you can still cover a lot of ground with a well-planned road trip. And lucky travelers with two weeks or more can hit several highlights around the entire island at a more relaxed pace. Check out some possible itineraries from 5 to 14 days below.

A loving couple look out at sunset over the Cliffs of Moher
Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Ireland

Ireland makes the ideal choice for a holiday with your true love: beautiful, mystery-steeped, constantly surprising and delighting, and one of the most warmly welcoming places on the planet. The enchanting Emerald Isle is country singer Johnny Cash's '40 Shades of Green', after all. Yes, you risk trading sunshine for far-wilder weather, but with some of the most dazzling coastline around, several millennia of poignant history and world-famous traditional music at its best when starting impromptu in a cosy traditional pub, this is a land highly charged with romance. Here are the best destinations for a honeymoon in Ireland.

The Rock of Cashel, Ireland
Map of 10 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Ten days in Ireland is enough to get to know a particular region, like the Dingle Peninsula, or to travel more widely and see the country's highlights. Opt for a road trip around Northern Ireland, go on a western cycling tour of medieval castles and whiskey distilleries, hike the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands on an outdoorsy adventure, or drive yourself around to the country's top attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry.

Ireland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Ireland map: Top Regions in Ireland
Top Regions in Ireland
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Ireland map: 5 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Ireland map: 14 Days in Ireland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in Ireland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Ireland
Travel specialist Dean Garrison
active 16 hours ago

Dean Garrison

My role as a Sales executive is to help my clients achieve what they are looking for in a holiday to Ireland. Whether that would be offering places to stay, providing a detail Itinerary outlining...

read more...
Travel specialist Austin Rock
active 22 hours ago

Austin Rock

Being Irish I love Ireland! I have travelled a lot, I only see the good in people I have always enjoyed meeting others. Irish roots go very deep, I love our unique culture, our long history, our...

read more...
Travel specialist Owen Davies
active 3 days ago

Owen Davies

Growing up in the West Country of England and having lived in Bristol, Liverpool, London and now on the rugged Welsh coastline in Pembrokeshire I know first-hand the diversity of life, history and...

read more...
Travel specialist Alex Rawson
active 1 day ago

Alex Rawson

My working life has been consumed with travel in the best possible way. I've come to realise that travelling - quite simply - not only makes people immensely happy but is also incredibly...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Ireland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim
Amber

Can't wait to do this again through KimKim · Ireland - Jun 7 - Jun 14, 2022

Traveler: Amber S. - Local specialist: Dean Garrison

Our accommodations were great and our Guide, Denis Beakey, was AMAZING!!! Extremely knowledgeable and pleasant. He was a five star guide for a five star experience.

Russell

Austin Rock did an excellent job in arranging... · Ireland - Jun 1 - Jun 10, 2022

Traveler: Russell G. - Local specialist: Austin Rock

Austin Rock did an excellent job in arranging our ten day visit to Ireland. He took into account our desires to stay in quaint BNBs in small towns, have available hiking options, and experience the culture and people of western Ireland. His suggestions were spot-on and made for a very memorable vacation. Austin was very easy to work with and timely with communications and itineraries.

Our most memorable activities were hiking in Killarney and Connemara National Parks and attending a... read more

Austin Rock did an excellent job in arranging our ten day visit to Ireland. He took into account our desires to stay in quaint BNBs in small towns, have available hiking options, and experience the culture and people of western Ireland. His suggestions were spot-on and made for a very memorable vacation. Austin was very easy to work with and timely with communications and itineraries.

Our most memorable activities were hiking in Killarney and Connemara National Parks and attending a sheepdog demonstration on a working sheep farm in Tralee. We also enjoyed our overnight stay on Inis Oirr and experiencing the Cliffs of Moher by boat. We absolutely loved the trad music and people that we met along the way.

Austin Rock profile photo
Austin Rock, local specialist, responded to this review:

Thank you so much Russell it was great working with you. I am delighted you enjoyed your trip and look forward to you coming back this way again. Really appreciate the lovely message.

HEMANGI

Amazing road trip in Ireland · Ireland - May 28 - Jun 3, 2022

Traveler: HEMANGI D. - Local specialist: Austin Rock

I must say Austin is a star! From the beginning when we were planning the trip to the end of our trip Austin has been great with his information and organisation. All the places we visited were suggested very well and detailed information of what to see was provided including all the Google map/direction links. People were lovely everywhere we went and made us feel very welcome in Ireland. A tip…if walking along the cliffs, walk downhill from the visitor centre towards Doolin. We did it the... read more

I must say Austin is a star! From the beginning when we were planning the trip to the end of our trip Austin has been great with his information and organisation. All the places we visited were suggested very well and detailed information of what to see was provided including all the Google map/direction links. People were lovely everywhere we went and made us feel very welcome in Ireland. A tip…if walking along the cliffs, walk downhill from the visitor centre towards Doolin. We did it the other way round and found it a bit difficult.

Hotel Reviews

Kilcoran Lodge Hotel

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Rooms were ordinary for the price. But lovely staff.

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Dromhall Hotel

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Dingle Skellig Hotel

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Falls House Hotel and Spa

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Park House Hotel

Galway

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Dublin One Hotel

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No parking available. For a road trip not suitable.

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Activity Review

Cahir & Cashel

Ireland

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Austin Rock profile photo
Austin Rock, local specialist, responded to this review:

Hi HEMANGI,
I am so delighted you had a great time, some really unforgettable memories, I enjoyed reading about Cliffs of Moher and your Trip to Rock of Cashel you all seemed to have a great time. So I am so happy you got this out of a trip, and you where wonderful to deal with from the start.
Austin