smart traveller ireland

Top 10 things to know before traveling to Ireland

Mar 27, 2024 • 9 min read

From pub etiquette to catching public transport – here's what you need to know before you go to Ireland © Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

A lifetime of living in Ireland has given me some insight into the vagaries of my home country, beginning with the number one rule: never assume anything. This is a country that delights in confounding even your most comfortable expectations about pretty much everything, from the weather to the quality of the wifi.

Here are 10 tips that I’m pretty comfortable giving anyone who plans a visit, whether for the first time or the fifth. I’ve got some practical tips around VAT refunds and the most efficient ways to get around, but then there’s a bunch of suggestions on how to crack the mightiest nut of all – the Irish themselves. Because be in no doubt, while Ireland has gorgeous landscapes, a rich history and the best pubs in the world, your visit will only be truly memorable if you get to know the people – friendly and welcoming but often contradictory and inscrutable.

1. Plan on at least seven days to start making sense of the country

Ireland is small, but there’s an awful lot to it. Luckily, distances in Ireland aren’t huge so you can get most anywhere in a few hours, but the list of where to go can get very long, very quickly.

It’ll take you a couple of days to even begin to make a dent in Dublin , but once you go beyond the capital you’ll need at least five days to make a lightening stop tour of the major highlights of the west: Galway and Connemara, Clare (where you’ll find the Cliffs of Moher and the most authentic traditional music in the country), Kerry (you’ll need a whole day just for the Ring of Kerry and another for the Dingle Peninsula ) and Cork , only it’s time to go home so you can only make enough time for Cork City .

Clearly the only solution is to plan for a month; at the end of it, you’ll be wanting to stay a year. 

2. Keep it to casual wear

The Irish aren’t big on formal wear and only pull it out for very specific occasions (a wedding, a ball, the opening of a parliamentary session). Which means you can wear pretty much whatever you want: smart casual is the most you'll need for fancy dinners, the theatre or the concert hall.

Irish summers are warm but rarely hot, so you'll want something extra when the temperatures cool, especially in the evening. Ultimately the ever-changeable weather will determine your outfits, but a light waterproof jacket should never be beyond reach for the almost-inevitable rain. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking – in cities or on hills – a good pair of walking shoes, preferably waterproof, will do the trick.

Add these top beaches around Ireland to your travel itinerary. 

3. The land of a 100,000 welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – literally, 100,000 welcomes. The famous Irish greeting suggests a country that is big on displays of affection, but nothing could be further from the truth. A firm handshake – with eye contact – is the appropriate greeting when meeting men, women and older children for the first time. Once a friendship is made, then all bets are off and anything goes, from a hug and a kiss on the cheek (primarily amongst female friends) to an air nod and a casual "hey".

Younger Irish are less formal than their older counterparts, but even they generally eschew effusive greetings: more often than not, a quick handshake and a casual nod is the best way to say hello for the first time.

4. The Irish love to talk, until they don’t

The Irish are renowned for their chat, but with people they don’t know particularly well they generally like to keep it to topics that are light and not likely to embarrass. Despite their gregarious nature, the Irish tend to be reserved when it comes to life’s more serious issues and are very mistrustful of "oversharers". 

The old adage that the Irish will talk about anything except sex, religion and politics is something of an over-simplification, but if you do find yourself steering into deeper waters around sensitive topics it’s always better to listen: locals aren’t shy about getting into heated discussion amongst themselves about all kinds of topics but take a dim view of outsiders who express (even legitimate) criticisms of Ireland or the Irish.

5. You’d better learn about the rounds system

It’s a firm rule of drinking with locals. If someone buys you a drink, you’re obliged to buy them one back – this is the bedrock of Irish pub culture. Nothing will hasten your fall from social grace here like the failure to uphold this pub law. 

The time to repay the drink you’re drinking? It’s when the person you’re drinking with is just about to finish theirs. It doesn’t matter if you’re halfway through your own drink at that moment: you can’t let your drinking buddy sit in front of an empty glass. Your greatest challenge will probably be trying to keep up with your fellow drinkers, who may keep buying you drinks in every round even when you've still got a collection of unfinished pints in front of you and you're sliding face first down the bar.

6. The best way to visit cities is on foot or by public transport

Driving and parking in Irish cities is a nightmare. There’s no free parking anywhere; the unrelenting traffic will test even the most patient of drivers; and the one-way systems in major urban centres will confound you to the point of madness (although map apps are pretty good at pointing you in the right direction).

The good news is you don’t need a car to visit any Irish city. Dublin, the biggest by far, has a pretty decent system of public transport, but even then most of the major sights are within walking distance of each other. Same goes for Cork, Belfast, Limerick and Galway, which are more easily explored without a car.

Save this guide to the best road trips in Ireland.

7. The easiest way to explore Ireland is by car

If cities are best experienced without a car, the most effective way to explore the rest of the country is with one. The bus network, made up of a mix of public and private operators, is extensive and generally quite competitive, though journey times can be slow and lots of the points of interest outside towns are not served. The rail network is quicker but more limited, serving only some major towns and cities. Both buses and trains get busy during peak times; you'll need to book in advance to be guaranteed a seat. 

Cars can be hired in every major town and city. The Irish drive on the left hand side; distances and speed limits in the Republic are measured in kilometres, but once you cross the invisible border into Northern Ireland everything switches to miles.

8. Ireland is good cycling country

Ireland's compact size and scenic landscapes make it a good cycling destination, albeit one you need to prepare for. The weather is unreliable, roads can be very narrow and Irish drivers tend to drive quickly, even on those narrow roads. A growing network of greenways, such as the 42km Great Western Greenway in County Mayo and the Royal Canal Greenway that runs through the midlands, are a great and hassle-free way to see the country from two wheels. A good tip for cyclists in the west is that the prevailing winds make it easier to cycle from south to north. 

Buses will carry bikes, but only if there’s room. Intercity trains will also carry bikes, but you’ll need to book a space in advance as there’s limited capacity. Suburban rail services in Dublin won’t take bikes during rush hour (7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm). A number of Irish companies arrange cycle tours, including Go Visit Ireland  and Cycling Safaris .

9. Pick the right season to travel in Ireland

June to mid-September is high season: the weather is at its best and the most popular parts of the country – Dublin , Kerry and the southern and western coasts – are at their busiest. The downside is big crowds and the highest rates for accommodation and car hire.

Rates drop off from mid-September as the crowds start to thin, but most tourist spots are still open to take advantage of the last weeks of the season. Although weather can never be predicted with any degree of accuracy, the weather can be surprisingly lovely right up to mid-October.

Low season runs from November to the middle of March; Irish winter days are short, damp and cold, but the upside is fewer visitors and some terrific accommodation deals. A lot of the west coast goes into winter hibernation, though, with a lot of attractions and hotels closing down; if you’re planning to visit during this time you should check what’s open before you travel.   

Ready to head to Ireland? These are the best times to visit.

10. Claim your VAT back if you’re visiting from outside the EU

Most goods come with value-added tax (VAT) of 23%, which non-EU residents can claim back as part of the Retail Export Scheme, so long as the purchase was made with a credit card. Visitors from the UK can also benefit from this, but not visitors from Northern Ireland.

Before making a purchase, check with the retailer that they operate the scheme. If they do, you will be issued an export voucher for the purchase, which you need to get certified by customs when you leave Ireland. The voucher is sent back to the retailer who then refunds you the VAT (minus any processing fee). 

Rather than operate the scheme themselves, many retailers use VAT-refunding agencies, whereby you go through the same process of presenting the agency’s own certificate at customs. Some agencies, though, operate a scheme where you don’t pay any VAT upfront, but if you don’t file the paperwork correctly (either sending it back to the agency or presenting it to customs) your card will be charged later. Some goods such as books, children's clothing and educational items are excluded from VAT.

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

May 3, 2024 • 14 min read

Should you book your next trip with cash or points? Here's an expert's guide and everything you need to be considering.

Apr 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 2, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 30, 2024 • 4 min read

Mar 28, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 13, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 11, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 5, 2024 • 3 min read

Jan 5, 2024 • 20 min read

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Ireland | Plan a vacation to Ireland

Between Ireland's astounding natural beauty, rich culture, historic cities and the famously friendly locals, you may not know where to start!

One thing is for sure, here begins the vacation of a lifetime! Start by taking a step off the beaten path, following your senses and discovering a land of diverse and unique Irish charm. Whether you follow in the footsteps of giants on the Causeway Coast, savor a rich tapestry of cuisine in Cork, stand in awe at the view from the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, or go in search of some traditional music sessions in Galway - you'll find it all...and so much more.

Whatever your adventure, forget about the route map, turn off the navigation system and leave your destination up to fate to go where Ireland takes you. So what's keeping you? Get inspired by some of our top things to see and do below, check out how to fly to Ireland and browse our partners' amazing vacation offers.

We can't wait to welcome you!

Celebrate Culture

Ireland is bursting with culture from literary genuises to musical legends to fascniating stories and history that line each city street. This year take a literary pub crawl and discover why UNESCO named Dublin the world's fourth City of Literature. Head up north for more adventures in Derry~Londonderry as it gets ready to take stage as UK City of Culture 2019.

Houses, Castles & Gardens

Almost every field in Ireland is home to its own castle ruins. The ornate gardens and extravagent houses that dot the Irish countryside are full of tall tales and unbelievable beauty. Whether you find yourself kissing the Blarney Stone or treating yourself to a luxurious night at Ashford Castle, the houses, castles and gardens of Ireland are unlike anywhere else

Rooting for the Irish

Find your family roots, meet relatives you didn't know you had and be prepared to go where Ireland takes you. Each county in Ireland has a genealogy center waiting for you to discover ancestors and experience the place they called home. Take in the Ulster American Folk Park or Dunbrody Famine Ship and enjoy a vacation of personal discovery.

Discover freedom and relaxation

Priding itself on its beautiful vistas, laid-back atmosphere, fascinating history, ancient monuments and a strong sense of culture and community, the Lakelands leaves you free to explore at will. Meandering around the waterways, you can't fail to be enchanted by the charming villages dotted along vast stretches of water; mysterious islands rising out of quiet lakes; stunningly beautiful and utterly unspoiled landscapes that seem to exist in a haze of tranquility, and lively towns that are buzzing with excellent places to eat, drink, visit and stay. The Lakelands region incorporates parts of the following counties: Fermanagh, Tyrone, Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo East, Leitrim South, Galway East, Roscommon, Laois West, Westmeath, Longford, Offaly, Tipperary North, Clare East, Limerick.

Be a Smart Traveler!

© 1995-2024 Smart Traveler All Rights Reserved

We connect you to FREE travel experts to help save you time and money on Hotels Cruises Cars Tours Airfares Shore Excursions Travel Insurance & more!

Search Smartraveller

Stay safe with the latest travel advice

Everything you need to know before you go

Providing international travel advice for Australians overseas

Learn more about Smartraveller

Travel Advice for New Caledonia

If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident in New Caledonia, you can register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's crisis registration portal. See the travel advice for details on how to register. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you.

The Australian Consulate-General in Noumea is temporarily closed. Australians needing emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (within Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas).

Consular assistance

The Consular Services Charter outlines the consular services and assistance provided by the Australian Government to travellers overseas. Read the Charter to understand how we can and can't help. 

Consular Services Charter (PDF 195.79 KB)

Notarial services

Do you need a document legalised, or a Certificate of No Impediment for your upcoming marriage? The Australian Government can provide some notarial services.

Travel insurance

 If you're going overseas, travel insurance is as important as a passport. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. Read our advice, and download the CHOICE travel insurance guide before you go.

CHOICE travel insurance buying guide 2023 (PDF 3.52 MB)

News and updates

Anzac day 2024.

On 25 April, Anzac Day services will be held in major cities and at international war memorials. If you're travelling to attend a service, be prepared and know what to expect.

• Major events

Sun, sand and surgery: travelling for medical tourism

Planning to go overseas for a medical procedure? Do your research before you commit. Don't decide on cost alone.

Have adventures, not regrets

Recent research found that Smartraveller is a trusted source of advice. But it also found that Australians still take unnecessary risks when they head overseas, especially with travel insurance.

Travelling during Ramadan

Muslim countries around the world will soon be observing Ramadan. If you're visiting a Muslim country during Ramadan, research your destination before you arrive to learn what to expect.

• Middle East

We've reviewed our advice for Sri Lanka and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution. Public demonstrations can occur throughout Sri Lanka and may become violent. Avoid areas impacted by demonstrations.

Travel advice explained

Learn what our advice levels mean and how we decide what level to apply to each destination. 

Passport services

With passport demand on the rise, don't leave your application to the last minute.

Allow a minimum of six weeks to get a new passport or renew one.

Coming back to Australia

Know what to do and what expect when you're heading home from your trip overseas. 

Before you go...

Subscribe for updates.

Sign up to receive travel advice updates for your destination direct to your email, or manage your current subscription preferences.

Cookies on citizensinformation.ie

We use cookies to collect information about how you use citizensinformation.ie. This helps us to improve your experience. You can find out more about the cookies we use in our Cookie notice . You can also read our Privacy policy . You can accept all cookies or you can chose which cookies to accept or reject. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by using the My cookie preferences link at the bottom of each page.

Cookie preferences

Cookies used by google analytics.

We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise your IP address so that you are not personally identified. We gather information on:

• How you got to the site
• The pages you visit on citizensinformation.ie, and how long you spend on each page
• What you click while you are visiting the site

Free travel in Ireland

What is the free travel scheme, how to use free travel, where can i use free travel, how to qualify for free travel, how to apply for free travel, where to apply for free travel, senior smartpass for travelling in northern ireland.

The Free Travel Scheme allows you to travel, free of charge, on public transport and some private bus and ferry services.

Everyone aged 66 and over, living permanently in Ireland, can get the Free Travel Scheme.

People with disabilities and carers aged under 66 may also qualify for Free Travel.

If you qualify for Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may travel with you for free if you meet certain criteria (see ‘Spouses, civil partners and cohabitants’ below).

If you can’t travel alone for medical reasons, you may get Free Travel for a companion. This allows a person aged over 16 to travel with you for free.

Changes to the Free Travel Scheme in 2024

From 29 July 2024, you will qualify for the Free Travel Scheme if you are aged over 17 and under 66, and:

• Have never been able to drive due to a disability
• Have a driving licence and are medically certified as ‘not fit to drive’ for at least 12 months.

While the change won’t take effect until July, you can download and fill in an application form for Free Travel for people medically certified unfit to drive (FTM) (pdf) now.

In this case, your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant cannot accompany you free of charge when travelling.

If you qualify for Free Travel, your Public Services Card (PSC) will have FT (for Free Travel) in the top left-hand corner. The letter following it shows who can travel for free with you:

• FT-P - you can travel for free
• FT+S - your spouse, partner or cohabitant can travel with you for free
• FT+C - you can have a person (over 16) travel with you for free

You must show or scan your Public Services Card to the travel operator when you are travelling on public transport. Find out more about 'How to use your public services card for free travel' .

Paper travel passes are no longer being issued but you can still use your paper pass, if it is valid.

You can use your Free Travel on most Iarnród Éireann , Bus Éireann , Dublin Bus , DART and Luas Services and on certain private bus and ferry services (pdf) .

Free travel is also available on Dublin Bus Nitelink , Go-Ahead Ireland and TFI (Transport for Ireland) Local Link services .

Free travel does not include some special services such as Dublin Bus AIRLINK services .

You can find a full list of services where you can use Free Travel (pdf) on gov.ie.

There are no restrictions on the times you can use your Free Travel.

Living on the Aran Islands or Tory Island

If you are permanently living on any of the Aran Islands, you may get up to 12 single (or 6 return) air trips each year between the islands and Galway City.

People who live permanently on Tory Island (Co. Donegal) are entitled to 8 (or 4 return) free journeys on the seasonal helicopter service operating between the island and Falcarragh on the mainland.

If your public services card includes free travel for a companion, spouse, partner or cohabitant, they can also travel with you for free on the above services.

Going to Northern Ireland

You may also travel free of charge on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. But to travel free in Northern Ireland, you must have a Senior Smart Pass – see ‘Senior SmartPass for travelling in Northern Ireland’ below.

To get Free Travel you must be living in Ireland and meet one of the following conditions:

• You are aged 66 or over
• You are getting Disability Allowance , Blind Pension , Carer's Allowance or an Invalidity Pension
• You are blind or visually impaired and meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension
• You have been getting Incapacity Supplement or Workmen's Compensation with Disablement Pension for at least 12 months
• You are a specified carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative's Allowance
• You are getting a social security invalidity payment (or similar payment) from a country covered by EU regulations or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement for at least 12 months

Widow or widower or a surviving civil partner

If you are a widow or widower or a surviving civil partner aged 60 or over, living in Ireland and your late spouse or civil partner had Free Travel, you can get Free Travel, if you are getting one of the following payments:

• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's (Contributory) Pension
• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension
• One-Parent Family Payment
• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme
• A similar social security pension or benefit from a country covered by EU regulations or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement
• You are getting an ordinary Garda widow's pension

Spouses, civil partners and cohabitants

If you are entitled to Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may be able to travel with you for free.

Your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant cannot travel with you for free, if you are under age 66 and getting Free Travel because you are:

• Getting Carer's Allowance
• The nominated carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance

Your PSC card must have FT-S on it to allow your partner travel with you. To add your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant to your Free Travel - see ‘How to apply for Free Travel’ below.

If you can’t travel alone

If you are unable to travel alone , you can have a person, over 16 years of age, travel with you for free. Your PSC card must have FT-C on it. To add a companion to your Free Travel, see ‘How to apply for Free Travel’ below.

Free travel companion card for children

A child with a visual impairment can get Free Travel for a companion if they are under 18 and they either:

• Satisfy the blindness condition for a Blind Pension, or
• Are registered with Vision Ireland or the National League of the Blind of Ireland

The person they travel with (companion) must be age 16 or over.

Work and Free Travel

You can keep your Free Travel for 5 years, if you moved from one of the following disability payments to work:

• Disability Allowance
• Invalidity Pension
• Partial Capacity Benefit (from Invalidity Pension)
• Disablement Benefit paid along with Incapacity Supplement

You can also keep your Free Travel for 5 years if you transferred from Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension to a Community Employment , SOLAS or a Back to Work scheme.

If you are aged 66 or over and are getting a State pension, your Public Services Card (PSC) will be issued showing that you have Free Travel automatically.

If you are under 66, you will get Free Travel automatically issued on your PSC if you get one of the following payments:

• Blind Pension
• Carer’s Allowance

If you are married or in a civil partnership, your PSC will be issued with FT-S on it. If you are cohabiting, you must fill in Part 1 and 2 of the Free Travel application form FT1 (pdf) .

If you are not getting one of the payments above but you are eligible for Free Travel, you must fill in the Free Travel application form FT1(pdf) and send to the Free Travel Section in the Department of Social Protection.

If you can’t travel alone and need a companion

If you are unable to travel alone, you can apply for Free Travel for a Companion, using either of the following forms:

• Over 70 Companion pass form (pdf)
• Under 70 Companion pass form (pdf)

You can get an application form for Free Travel from the Department of Social Protection. The form is also available at your local post office and Citizens Information Centre .

Lost or damaged Free Travel pass or PSC

There are currently 2 types of Free Travel Pass:

• A paper Free Travel Pass
• A Public Services Card with Free Travel (with F-T written in the top left-hand corner)

Paper passes are no longer being issued so if you need a replacement for a lost or damaged paper pass, you must undergo SAFE registration and get a Public Services Card .

If your Public Services Card Free Travel is lost, stolen or damaged, you should telephone 0818 837 000 to request a replacement card.

Free Travel

Social Welfare Services College Road Sligo Ireland

If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you can travel free of charge on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland using a Senior SmartPass card.

If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you do not need to meet the residency condition in Northern Ireland to apply for a Senior SmartPass card.

How to apply for a Senior SmartPass

To get a Senior SmartPass, you must fill in an application form (FTNI1). You can get this form from your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. It is not possible to get this form online .

You should not use a photocopy of the form as each form is barcoded. The application form must be filled in with black ink only and returned in person (not posted) to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

You must bring each of the following items with your application form to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office:

• Your Irish Free Travel pass/Public Services Card
• Proof of your address, (for example, a gas, electricity, phone bill or bank statement)
• Proof of your identity, (for example, your driving licence, passport or another form of photo identification)
• A recent passport standard colour photograph

It may take up to 6 weeks to process your application. There is further information on the extension of the Free Travel Scheme .

Travelling with a partner or companion

A spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or companion cannot travel with you for free on public transport within Northern Ireland.

However, your Irish Free Travel allows your spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or companion to travel for free on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. For example, a cross-border train journey that starts in Ireland and ends in Northern Ireland or vice versa.

Renewing and replacing a Senior SmartPass

Your Senior SmartPass will expire after 5 years.

• If you have electronically used your card within the last 2 years, you will get a new card automatically in the post from Translink when your card expires.
• If you have not used your card in the last 2 years, you will be sent a renewal application form to fill in. The renewal form is not the same as a first-time application and you do not need to supply a photograph.
• If you have never used your card, you will not hear from Translink at all. If you wish to get it renewed, you must contact Translink by email at [email protected] , or telephone 00 44 289 075 9129 or 028 90 66 66 30 and they will send you a renewal application.

If you lose or need to replace your Senior SmartPass for travel in Northern Ireland, you can fill in form (FTNI 2) (pdf) .

Brexit and the Senior SmartPass

On 31 January 2020 the UK exited the EU . Senior SmartPass holders can continue to travel in Northern Ireland on the bus and train.

Related documents

• Tax-free purchases for non-EU travellers The Retail Export Scheme, allows visitors to Ireland (from outside the European Union) to buy goods in Ireland to take home with them and benefit from tax relief. 2873.6643
• Customs regulations for travellers to Ireland Find out about the important rules in place regarding customs regulations for people travelling to Ireland. 2636.0195
• Travelling from Ireland for healthcare in Europe Introduction to the options for Irish residents who wish to access healthcare in other countries in Europe. 2558.7217

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

Manage cookie preferences

Smart Traveller

• Competitions
• Attractions – Theme Parks

A Guide To Hiking In Ireland Ireland A Guide To Hiking In Ireland A Guide To Hiking In Ireland

• by Daniel Digby

There is nothing quite like strolling through the forest on a clear day, listening to the sounds of the birds in the trees, and turning a corner in the path to be greeted with a breathtaking mountain vista or sweeping green valley. Moments such as these can be found on a hiking holiday in the rugged wilderness of Ireland.

The picturesque countryside of Ireland is made up of a patchwork of many different types of landscapes, from majestic mountains to rolling green hills, granting the intrepid hiker with a lifetime of views to enjoy. If you love hiking, hop on a flight to Ireland , including direct routes to Dublin , and you’ll be sure to fall in love with the Emerald Isle.

The Wicklow Way

This long distance walking trail was one of the first trails to be formally established in Ireland and connects a wide variety of scenic landscapes throughout Ireland. It is an easy accessible path which will take you past lakes, glacial valleys, mountain streams, farmlands, forests, and more. The trail will also reveal to you many extensive remains of early Christian monasteries in the Glendalough Valley .

The Wicklow Way begins in the southern suburb of Rathfarnham, right outside of Dublin. It stretches towards the south-west across to County Wicklow. The end of the trail is in the village of Clonegal in County Carlow , and the total length of this hiking path is 127 kilometres. To trek the entire trail would take approximately eight to ten days for the experiences hiker of average fitness. More casual hikers might enjoy choosing a section of the trail to complete within one day.

The Dingle Way

Located in south-west Ireland, this hiking trail begins and finishes in Tralee. If you are interested in the ancient history of Ireland, The Dingle Way will take you to some of the best archaeological sites in the country, such as standing stones, beehive huts, and ogham stones. There is also a great deal of spectacular scenery to reward you along your journey, from the view of the Atlantic at Slea Head, the golden beaches on the Maharess, and the gentle foothills of Slieve Mish.

This 179km trail will take the average fit hiker approximately 8-9 days to walk. The many small villages along the trail are not usually more than a couple hours apart, so food and water can be purchased along the way. Keep in mind that the section of trail around the foot of Mount Brandon should be avoided if the weather conditions are bad.

The Causeway Coast Way

If you are inspired by views of the ocean from Ireland’s beautiful beaches, this will be the perfect trail for you. The Causeway Coast Way is an easy walk along the north-east coast of Northern Ireland, which will take the average hiker only 2-3 days to complete. The trail traverses between the popular tourist towns of Portstewart and Ballycastle and will take you past some of the most popular tourist attractions in the area such as the Dunluce Bridge, the Giant’s Causeway, and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge . The scenery is truly amazing, with cliff sections, beach walking, seafront promenades, and more. This trail is easy to navigate and is suitable for a novice walker.

These are just a few of the best hiking routes in scenic Ireland, so why not strap on your hiking boots and hit the trail!

Daniel Digby

Leave a comment.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Ireland Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, ireland - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Ireland.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Ireland.

If you decide to travel to Ireland:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Ireland.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, ireland map, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Smarter Travel Mark

Express your interest, download the brochure, introducing the smarter travel mark.

The Smarter Travel Mark is a three tier certification that recognises and celebrates organisations that support active and sustainable travel on the commute and beyond for their workforce, students and visitors, resulting in a reduction in single-person car usage.  

Watch the introductory video here:

Congratulations to the organisations that have been awarded the Smarter Travel Mark, demonstrating their commitment to changing attitudes and behaviours regarding walking, cycling, public transport usage and carpooling, by implementing measures that facilitate, support and encourage sustainable travel options for their workforce and visitors.

Certification levels:

Who can apply for the Smarter Travel Mark?

Application for the Smarter Travel Mark is open to workplaces and campuses of any size from the private or public sectors.

How the Smarter Travel Mark supports your organisation:

• Provides national recognition of your organisation’s commitment to active and sustainable travel
• Promotes integrating physical activity into staff and student commuting
• Enhances your organisation’s reputation as an employer that supports active and sustainable travel
• Helps your organisation benchmark active and sustainable travel practices amongst peers

How to apply for the Smarter Travel Mark:

• Fill in the Expression of Interest form and you will be contacted by the Smarter Travel team.
• Attend an information webinar explaining the steps to achieving the Smarter Travel Mark.
• Submit the application form.
• Prepare for an on-line or on-site audit to verify the application.
• Organisations will be awarded the gold, silver or bronze Smarter Travel Mark certification or receive recommendations for improvement.

For more information on the steps to achieving the Smarter Travel Mark, please review the brochure below:

Before You Depart

Magical ireland.

Home › All Tours › Europe › Western Europe › Ireland › Magical Ireland › Before You Depart

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Flights from the U.S. and back are on the following airlines and schedules. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing customs and immigration if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours.  Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

The above airlines do not assign seats in advance, and smarTours is not involved in seat assignments. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.

When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Dublin and ends in Limerick. We recommend that you:

• Fly into Dublin Airport (DUB)
• Fly out of Shannon Airport (SNN)

TOUR MEETING POINT

When and where you’ll meet the rest of the group depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: Upon arrival in destination, please proceed through customs and immigration. Our Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs with a smarTours sign.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM. If you arrive early, you are welcome to join the orientation walk with the Tour Director at 12 PM. The hotel can store your luggage until rooms are ready for check-in.

TOUR ENDING POINT

The final end point for your tour depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, hotel check-out is prior to 12 PM (noon).

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

You must possess a  passport valid for at least 6 months  after the date of travel. U.S. citizens do not require visas. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates for current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip .

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are not currently required. However, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.

Expect daytime temperatures averaging in the 60s and low 70s in June through August, upper 50s and low 60s in May and September, 40s to low 50s in April and November. Nights will be cooler.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS AND SIGHTSEEING

The hotels used on this tour will offer dining options that range from cafes (where dinner, excluding drinks, average about $20-$25 per person) to specialty restaurants. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals. Optional sightseeing tours and evening activities will be offered.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

In Ireland, the currency is the Euro while in Northern Ireland, the currency is the British Pound. Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. Your hotels will be able to exchange cash to local currency or you can draw local currency at any ATM. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.

• North America
• South America
• Health & Safety Information
• Passports & Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Travel Smart Blog
• Senior Travel
• Solo Travel
• Travel Alerts
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Deals Newsletter
• Refer a Friend
• Veterans Discount
• Find a Roommate
• smarTours Catalog
• Why We’re Different
• How We Travel
• In the News
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Destinations

Ways to save.

Join Our Email List

• Co. Donegal
• Co. Wexford
• Co. Limerick
• Co. Wicklow
• Co. Tipperary
• Co. Kilkenny
• Co. Waterford
• Co. Kildare
• Co. Roscommon
• Co. Longford
• Co. Leitrim
• Download Guides
• Contact Details

Start Your Journey Now!

Search services and ideas for things to do and see in Ireland

We work in partnership with the best of Irish service providers throughout Ireland to make your trip as rewarding as possible with ideas for things to do and see and with discounts across a whole range of goods and services

Top Listings

Quills Woollen Mill

Quills Woollen Market Glengarriff

National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

Spike Island

Eclipse Ireland

Coens Pharmacy

Exclusive Discount Coupons

Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens

Inch Hideaway Coupon

Cobh Heritage Centre Coupon

Silverwood Jewellery Coupon

Eclipse Ireland Coupon

Valentia Slate Quarry Coupon

Already have an account? Sign In

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.

• First Name is a required field.
• Last Name is a required field.
• Please enter your email address.
• Please enter a valid email address.
• At least one Country must be selected.
• Travel.State.Gov
• U.S. Embassies & Consulates
• Country Information
• Latest Travel Advisories

24 Hour Consular Emergency Line: U.S. 1.888.407.4747 / Outside the U.S. 1.202.501.4444

This site is managed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

OMB Control No: 1405-0152, Estimated Burden: 20 minutes, Expiration Date: 6/30/2026.

‘A vast majority of people have no idea who Travellers actually are’

A new initiative aims to preserve and promote the travelling community’s heritage.

At the launch of the Mincéiri Archives at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Dublin, were Sebastian Aird, Lily Celic and Danielle Lee (all 12), from Shellybanks Educate Together National School, Sandymount, Dublin. Photograph: Justin Farrelly

A compilation of stories collected from Traveller elders has been published as part of an initiative to preserve and promote the heritage of the Travelling community.

The Mincéirí Archives is an audiovisual project focusing on the lived experiences of the Mincéirí, also known as Irish Travellers, through a compilation of oral histories and narratives.

Because Traveller history is not a compulsory part of the school curriculum in Ireland, the Mincéirí Archives aim to provide an education tool for primary schools, ensuring that future generations of Irish children have opportunity to grow up with a greater understanding and respect for the community.

The project was developed by the National Museum of Ireland in partnership with representatives of Ireland’s Travelling community, a group of historians and advertising agency TBWA Dublin.

The British act of genius that Brexit couldn’t kill

Cyclist (70s) dies following road crash involving car on Dame Street in Dublin

Dublin portal reminds us that our capital has an uneasy edge of wildness

How Ireland drinks now: Teetotallers, wine-o’clockers and ex-drinkers

The collection currently consists of 10 videos, with more planned, to highlight the contributions of the Traveller community to Irish art, music and sport, as well as its language and traditions.

If it’s good enough for our children to learn about the settled way of life, it should be good enough for settled people to learn the Travellers’ way of life —   Chrissie Donoghue Ward, Traveller

Only 10 per cent of the Traveller population is over the age of 65, and according to the last census there were only five over the age of 85, according to Oein DeBhairduin, Traveller cultural collections officer at the National Museum of Ireland and a member of the Traveller community.

“At the moment, there’s no direct initiative to incorporate our history among the history of the island,” he says., “We have a shared history, so if we’re not part of the history that’s being taught, we’re being taught an erroneous thing.

[  Songlines review: Traveller singer Thomas McCarthy explores a painful history through song  ]

“We’re being taught a remodelling of the history ... and a vast majority of people have no idea who Travellers actually are. They know about issues and trauma and isolation, mental health, accommodation – but what do people know about our culture?”

DeBhairduin says extra effort must be made to teach people about Traveller history and culture, and that the Mincéirí Archives will give teachers and parents tools to teach children.

Traveller elder Paddy Quilligan, from Newcastle West, Co Limerick, at the launch of the Mincéiri Archives at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks Dublin. Photograph: Justin Farrelly

Another factor DeBhairduin was conscious of during the process was that when Travellers are looked up online, “you’d probably find all the negativity, you don’t actually see us”.

“When we were looking at the Mincéirí Archive, it’s just a start, and I thought, what a wonderful way to start it, to ensure our elder voices were the first thing that were on it, and I think that’ll really anchor it and give people that exposure, that richness, and also the younger community members [the chance] to reconnect,” DeBhairduin says.

Chrissie Donoghue Ward, one of the elders who took part in the video series, says often passed history she learned from her mother down to her own children, and that this tradition is very important to her.

“It should be spread in schools and high places, even for the Government – [the Mincéirí Archives] should even be in there for training them,” she says.

“Travellers aren’t even taught their own culture in the schools, and they’re reading settled-people books, and they’re reading about settled people, but the Travellers are not even reading about themselves; now the settled people are not reading about Traveller children in school either.

[  Traveller culture is set to join the school curriculum. What could lessons look like?  ]

“So if it’s good enough for our children to learn about the settled way of life, it should be good enough for settled people to learn the Travellers’ way of life,” Donoghue Ward says.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that members of the Travelling community are probably the most disadvantaged minority in our country today, if we look at things as simple as life expectancy and access to education,” says Niall Callan, of Shellybanks Educate Together National School in Dublin’s Sandymount, who has been involved in the project.

Childrenat Shellybanks learn about the history of ethnic discrimination against the Travelling community, he says. “But the really important consideration here, and it’s something that teachers really need to think about and look at, is that the children are learning about the Traveller experience as a negative one, it’s all through the lens of discrimination and I suppose the deprivations that members of that community have faced,” Callan says.

It means that if teachers want to teach about Traveller culture, they have somewhere to go, they have really good, thought-provoking resources —   Niall Callan, Shellybanks Educate Together National School, on the Mincéirí Archives

“Often when you’re learning about equality and discrimination, whichever minority group you’re talking about, there does tend to be the focus on the negative, it’s on the struggle, the difficulties that group has faced rather than a celebration of their uniqueness and culture.

“I think that’s something that the Mincéirí Archives is trying to do ...,Traveller culture is not all about discrimination, the Travelling people have a rich and unique cultural perspective to offer us, and here it is children, now you get to listen to it, to experience it,” he says.

At the launch of the Mincéiri Archives at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks Dublin were Lynn Scarff (director, National Musuem of Ireland) and Martin Ward (creator, Mincéiri Archives). Photograph: Justin Farrelly

Callan adds that, to date, he has not come across any history textbooks which reference Travellers.

“The problem is, if it’s not in the history book, it’s up to you to go and find that resource, and where are those resources about the Travelling community? You’ll get a few on the National Museum’s website, and obviously the Traveller organisations like Pavee Point that you can go to, but there’s not a lot out there,” he says.

“So that’s why a resource like this, the Mincéirí Archives, is brilliant, because there it is, and it means that if teachers want to teach about Traveller culture, they have somewhere to go, they have really good, thought-provoking resources.”

Dr Hannagh McGinley, the third Traveller to be awarded a PhD in the history of the State, and who works as an education officer at the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on adding Traveller history and culture to school curriculums, also welcomes the archives.

[  ‘I became a role model’: Mother completes the third-level journey only 1.4% of her community makes  ]

“I think it’s a really good idea, I suppose one of my greatest regrets as a Traveller myself was not capturing some of the stories from my own grandmother and grandparents, and they’re gone, and so it’s too late,” Dr McGinley says.

“Even stuff like their use of the language was amazing ... at the time, as a child, I didn’t even know it was a language, I just thought we were speaking gibberish, so I wish I had known to capture all of those things.

“I think it’s such – once it’s gone, it’s gone, and given the oral nature and the oral tradition of the community, I think capturing those stories is really, really important.”

• Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
• Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
• Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis

Ellen O’Donoghue

Ellen O'Donoghue is an Irish Times journalist

IN THIS SECTION

Forget the pub, dublin’s twentysomethings have discovered the run club, sarah mcinerney: ‘if you look up middle-child syndrome in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of me’, roddy doyle: the hate mail and death threats started in the spring of 1994, an introvert’s guide to dating: ‘i married an extrovert. i think he loves that i keep him grounded’, seán moncrieff: the day my daughter went into surgery is the day i failed her, bishop describes as ‘shameful’ church of ireland rejection of motion on baptism for children of unmarried mothers, tony o’reilly obituary: ireland’s first business superstar whose spectacular fall led to bankruptcy, thunderstorm warning issued for five counties for sunday, gastropub owners told to pay rent arrears to ‘accidental landlord’ irfu, businessman tony o’reilly (88) dies after short illness, latest stories, message from the editor: the long road to elections, how iran has quietly fixed the race for the next supreme leader, pay close attention to what intel does next. it’s a test case for ireland, man charged with murder over death of belfast woman (34), i’m of jewish ancestry, studying at trinity, where hostility has festered.

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked