Castle stays, a 1,200-year-old library, the liveliest pubs in Europe and the Wild Atlantic coast. Here is how we plan Ireland, from Dublin to Galway and everywhere in between.
Ireland has a way of getting under your skin. It is the warmth of the people, the music spilling out of every pub door, the green that looks fake until you see it in person, and the feeling that every corner has a story. We have planned Ireland for milestone birthdays, couples, friend trips and multi-country adventures, and it is one of those places where everyone comes home already talking about going back.
This guide pulls from the itineraries we have built over the years: where to stay, what to do, how to split your time between regions, and of course, where to find the best pint.
Why Ireland?
Few places pack so much into one small island. Ireland is the kind of trip that works for everyone: couples, families, friend groups, milestone birthdays and golf buddies alike. Here is why it keeps landing at the top of our clients' lists.
The history. Ireland wears thousands of years of history out in the open. Neolithic tombs older than the pyramids, medieval castles you can sleep in, monastic ruins on windswept hills and the Book of Kells, a ninth-century masterpiece, all sit within a few hours' drive. Dublin tells the story of independence on nearly every street, and even the smallest village seems to have a castle or ancient abbey just around the bend.
The pub life. In Ireland, the pub is the living room of every town. It is where locals catch up, musicians gather for trad sessions and visitors are pulled into conversation before their first pint is poured. Whether it is a buzzing Dublin bar or a tiny fireside pub in the west, an evening in an Irish pub is not just a night out. It is the heart of the culture.
The people. Irish hospitality is legendary for a reason. Expect quick wit, long chats, genuine warmth and directions that turn into a recommendation for lunch, a story about someone's cousin and an invitation to the best music in town. It is the people who turn a beautiful trip into an unforgettable one.
The golf. Ireland is a bucket-list destination for golfers. Rugged links courses carved into coastal dunes, like Ballybunion, Lahinch, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush and The European Club, are some of the most celebrated in the world, and parkland gems like Adare Manor host world-class events. Even non-golfers love the setting: dramatic ocean views, a great clubhouse lunch and a well-earned pint afterward.
A perfect trip for anyone. History lovers, foodies, music fans, outdoor adventurers, families and golfers all find their version of Ireland. It is easy to get around, English-speaking and just a short overnight flight from the East Coast, and it can be as relaxed or as packed as you like. That is the magic: one island, endless ways to fall for it.
Planning a trip to Ireland and want it to feel effortless from takeoff to touchdown? Reach out and let's start planning!
The Lay of the Land
Where to Go in Ireland
- 1
Dublin
Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar, Grafton Street and the best pub crawl in the country.
- 2
Ballyfin, County Laois
Country-house luxury, estate walks, falconry and long dinners by the fire.
- 3
Athlone
The perfect stop on the drive west for a pint at Sean's Bar, Ireland's oldest pub.
- 4
Galway
Trad music, Shop Street, the Spanish Arch and the liveliest pubs in the west.
- 5
Connemara
Wild Atlantic scenery, Kylemore Abbey and quiet coastal drives.
- 6
Cliffs of Moher
Ireland's most famous view, an easy day trip from Galway or Clare.
- 7
Dromoland, County Clare
A true castle stay with golf, a spa, a lake and falconry.
- 8
Killarney & Kerry
The Ring of Kerry, national park trails and jaunting cars.
- 9
Kilkenny
A medieval castle town with great shopping and a smaller-city feel.
How to Split Your Time
- Dublin (2–3 nights). The capital is your base for history, culture and nightlife. Walkable, lively and the easiest place to land.
- The Midlands (1–2 nights). Country estates, distilleries and Sean's Bar in Athlone, the perfect break on the drive west.
- Galway and the West (2–3 nights). Trad music, colorful streets and easy access to Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher.
- County Clare (2 nights). End with a castle stay before flying home from Shannon, just 15 minutes away.
When to Visit Ireland
Ireland has a mild, Atlantic-shaped climate: gentle temperatures year-round, changeable weather on any given day and the ever-present chance of rain no matter the month. Even so, timing genuinely matters. The difference between a May trip and a July trip, in crowds, cost and feel, is significant.
- May to early June (our top pick). The countryside is at its most lushly green, wildflowers are blooming and the summer crowds have not arrived yet. Daylight runs up to 17 hours, the weather is mild and surprisingly dry, and hotels and tours have better availability and pricing. First-time visitors, this is your window.
- September to October. The other golden window. Crowds thin, prices drop and the landscape shifts into warm autumn tones that photograph beautifully. September still carries summer energy, with lively pubs and attractions fully open.
- Peak season (June to August). The longest days, everything open and the most energy, with average temperatures around 60–68°F (15–20°C). The trade-off is the biggest crowds and highest prices, especially in Dublin and at the Cliffs of Moher. Book hotels and popular tours months ahead.
- November to January. Best for city-only trips. December and January are the wettest months, daylight drops to 7–8 hours, some rural attractions and country houses close, and Wild Atlantic Way driving can be miserable. Dublin stays lively, and the Christmas markets are lovely.
- St. Patrick's Day week. March 17 and the surrounding week are wildly festive, but also the most crowded and expensive week of the year. Dublin hotels book out a year ahead. Wonderful if that is the experience you want; not the week for a peaceful cultural trip.
Our bottom line: May and September are the sweet spots, with beautiful weather, manageable crowds and better value. Whatever the month, pack a rain layer.
Dublin
Where to Stay in Dublin
The Merrion, Dublin. Our favorite address in the city. Four restored Georgian townhouses facing Government Buildings, an incredible private art collection, a gorgeous indoor pool and afternoon tea that is worth planning a day around. You are steps from Grafton Street, Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green. Book The Merrion with PaylorMade perks here.
The Mont, Dublin. A stylish, more relaxed option on Merrion Square, an easy walk from the city center and the museums. A great value pick when you want to spend more on experiences. Book The Mont with PaylorMade perks here.
The Shelbourne, Dublin. An iconic Dublin institution on St. Stephen's Green, historic and beloved. Book The Shelbourne with PaylorMade perks here.
The Westbury, Dublin. A central location, excellent service and beautiful common areas. Book The Westbury with PaylorMade perks here.
The Dean Dublin. Stylish and modern with a great rooftop bar, and excellent value for the area. Book The Dean with PaylorMade perks here.
The Book of Kells and the Long Room at Trinity College
If you only do one cultural thing in Dublin, make it this. The Book of Kells is a 1,200-year-old illuminated manuscript, and its colors still glow, with swirling Celtic knots and tiny animals hidden in the letters.
Then you walk upstairs into the Long Room of the Old Library, and that is the moment everyone remembers: dark oak shelves, a barrel-vaulted ceiling, rolling ladders and marble busts watching over it all. It feels like stepping into a storybook.
Why we always book the first tour of the day. By late morning it gets crowded. Go first thing and you have the manuscript and the Long Room almost to yourself, with photos and no crowd in every frame.
The Long Room · Trinity College Dublin
- Book ahead. Timed tickets sell out, especially in summer. We reserve your first-slot entry when we plan the trip, or book your Book of Kells experience here.
- Plan about 90 minutes. Enough for the exhibition, the manuscript and slow time in the Long Room.
- Pair it well. Walk to Grafton Street for coffee at Bewley's afterward, then on to Dublin Castle or St. Patrick's Cathedral.
The Guinness Storehouse
Even if you are not the biggest tour person, trust us on this one. The Guinness Storehouse is genuinely fun. It is built around the original fermentation building at St. James's Gate, shaped like a giant pint glass, and you wander floor by floor through the ingredients, the brewing, the iconic old ads and the story of the brand. You can learn to pour your own perfect pint at the Guinness Academy, or try the STOUTie, where your selfie gets printed right into the foam of your Guinness.
It all ends at the Gravity Bar on the top floor, with a pint in hand and 360-degree views across Dublin to the mountains. Locals will tell you the Guinness really does taste better here, and after one sip you will believe them. Do not skip the store on your way out. It is the best place for gifts, from pint glasses and cozy knits to Guinness chocolate, and our clients always come home with more than they planned.
The Guinness Storehouse · Dublin
The Big Question
Temple Bar: OverhypedorWorth It?
It
Worth it. Yes, it is touristy. Yes, the pints cost more. But Temple Bar is fun, and the energy on a busy night can be absolutely electric. Live trad music spills out of every doorway, the cobbled streets are packed with people from all over the world and everyone is singing along by the second song.
You do not have to stay long. Pop in, have a pint at The Temple Bar pub itself, take the photo under the red facade, soak it in for an hour and then head somewhere a little more local. For first-timers, it is a must.
Pub Life and a Dublin Pub Crawl
Pubs are the heart of Irish life. They are where people catch up, celebrate, watch the match and break into song, and you will be welcomed in like a regular. Go in the early evening, find a spot near the music and let the night happen. Here are our favorite stops for a 5 to 10 pub crawl through Dublin:
The PaylorMade Pub Passport
Pick 5, or go for all 10. Sláinte!
- 1
Est. 1198
The Brazen Head
Dublin's oldest pub. Start with history and a pint in the courtyard.
- 2
The Icon
The Temple Bar
The red-fronted legend with live music from early afternoon.
- 3
Trad Daily
The Auld Dubliner
A lively Temple Bar pub with traditional music every day.
- 4
Old Dublin
The Stag's Head
Victorian mahogany, stained glass and a proper old-Dublin feel.
- 5
Locals' Pick
Kehoe's
A beloved pub off Grafton Street with snug little rooms.
- 6
Most Beautiful
The Long Hall
One of the most stunning Victorian bars in the city.
- 7
Best Pint
Mulligan's
Famous for one of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin.
- 8
Trad Legend
O'Donoghue's
The home of trad sessions near St. Stephen's Green.
- 9
Cozy
The Celt
Unpretentious and full of music most nights.
- 10
Last Call
Toner's
End the night at a classic with a great beer garden.
Pace yourself, eat along the way and grab a toastie or fish and chips between stops. Out west, do not miss Sean's Bar in Athlone, which holds the record as Ireland's oldest pub, dating back to 900 AD, and the trad sessions in Galway's pubs along Quay Street.
More of Our Favorite Things to Do in Dublin
- Dublin Castle and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Eight centuries of history within an easy walk of each other.
- Grafton Street. Dublin's main shopping street, with street performers, Brown Thomas and Bewley's café.
- A 2-day hop-on hop-off bus tour. The easiest way to get your bearings on day one.
- The Old Jameson Distillery tour. A whiskey counterpart to the Guinness Storehouse.
- A Dublin food tour. Taste your way through the city with a local guide.
- An Irish night at Taylor's Three Rock. Dinner, music and Irish dancing in one lively evening.
- A Titanic and Giant's Causeway day tour. See Northern Ireland's highlights in a single day from Dublin.
- Howth by DART. Take the scenic coastal train (it runs from Malahide and Howth down to Greystones) to Howth, a gorgeous fishing village with dramatic cliff walks and excellent seafood.
Megan's Picks
Book Our Favorite Dublin Tours Here
Food tours, whiskey tastings, Howth and Giant's Causeway day trips, all hand-picked by us.
Explore the ToursGetting around Dublin: we strongly suggest not driving in the city. Take taxis, buses or the DART instead, and pick up your rental car when you leave.
The Irish Countryside
Where to Stay in the Countryside
Ballyfin Demesne, County Laois. One of the most beautiful country houses in Europe. Just twenty rooms on a 600-acre estate with a lake, walled gardens, falconry, archery, clay shooting, horse riding and a spa. Everything feels personal, and staying here feels like being a guest in a grand private home. Book Ballyfin with PaylorMade perks here.
Galway and the West
One of Our More Luxurious Favorite Stays in Galway
Galway is absolutely electric. Its cobblestone streets, lively trad music scene and waterfront setting make it one of Ireland's most beloved stops, and the energy is unlike anywhere else on the island. Fair warning: the nightlife runs late and loud, in the best possible way. Book early, especially in summer.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Galway. An eighteenth-century abbey on Lough Corrib, home to the Pullman Restaurant, a truly memorable dinner inside a vintage Orient Express train car. Book Glenlo Abbey with PaylorMade perks here.
Glenlo Abbey · Galway
County Clare and the Cliffs
The Cliffs of Moher
Nothing quite prepares you for standing on top of the Cliffs of Moher. They rise more than 200 meters straight out of the Atlantic and stretch for miles along the Clare coast, with waves crashing below, seabirds circling and O'Brien's Tower perched on the edge. Even on a gray, moody day, and Ireland has plenty of those, the views are dramatic in the best way. Follow the coastal path a little beyond the main viewing area to escape the crowds, and keep an eye out for the lambs grazing in the fields right beside the trail.
The Cliffs of Moher · County Clare
Driving Through Doolin
After the Cliffs of Moher, do not rush straight on. Take the short drive down into Doolin, a tiny village about ten minutes away that feels like a postcard come to life. Think pink and orange cottages, thatched roofs, stone walls and the Atlantic just beyond the fields. Stop at the little thatched Sweater Shop and the Aran knitwear stores for a real hand-knit Irish sweater, grab a bowl of seafood chowder and a pint in one of the village pubs, and if you are there in the evening, stay for a trad session. Doolin is known as the traditional music capital of Ireland, and the music here is the real thing.
Where to Stay in Clare
Our Favorite Castle Stay · County Clare
Dromoland Castle
Turrets, ivy-covered stone and rolling green parkland. The castle stay you picture when you first say the word "Ireland."
Once the ancestral seat of the O'Brien clan, descendants of the High King Brian Boru, Dromoland still feels like stepping into a fairytale. You drive in past a glassy lake and ancient woodland, and the castle rises out of the green like something from a storybook. Inside, it is roaring fires, oak-paneled halls, ancestral portraits and four-poster bedrooms dressed in silk, looking out over manicured lawns and walled gardens.
Give it a full day. Take a falconry walk through the woods with a Harris hawk on your glove, try archery or clay shooting, row out on the lake, take afternoon tea in the Drawing Room and spend the afternoon in the spa before dressing for dinner in the Earl of Thomond.
The next morning you are just fifteen minutes from Shannon Airport, which makes it the perfect last night in Ireland.
For the golfers. Dromoland's 18-hole parkland course winds right through the estate, with mature trees, a lake that comes into play and the castle watching over your round. It is beautiful and playable for every level, and few things beat finishing with the turrets in view and a pint waiting in the clubhouse. Make it a golf trip and add a round at Lahinch, the legendary links about 45 minutes away, or the dramatic Atlantic courses at Doonbeg and Ballybunion. Not a golfer? The rest of the group gets the spa, the falconry and a long lunch, and everyone meets back by the fire.
Killarney and Kerry
Kerry is where Ireland gets wild and cinematic: the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, the Dingle Peninsula and traditional jaunting car rides around the lakes.
Where to Stay in Killarney
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa. Panoramic views over the Lakes of Killarney. Outstanding. Book Aghadoe Heights with PaylorMade perks here.
The Europe Hotel & Resort. A lakeside resort with a superb spa, worth every penny. Book The Europe Hotel with PaylorMade perks here.
Muckross Park Hotel. The gateway to Killarney National Park, and a beautiful property. Book Muckross Park Hotel with PaylorMade perks here.
More of Our Favorite Things to Do Around Ireland
- Kildare Village and the Irish National Stud. Designer outlet shopping plus beautiful Japanese gardens and thoroughbreds on the drive west.
- Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery. A great whiskey tasting stop in the Midlands.
- Galway's Shop Street and the Spanish Arch. Buskers, boutiques and colorful storefronts by the water.
- The Cliffs of Moher. Rising more than 200 meters above the Atlantic. Go early or late in the day for the best light and fewer crowds.
- Doolin. The colorful village just down the road from the Cliffs.
- Connemara and Kylemore Abbey. Lakes, mountains and a fairytale abbey on the water.
- Castle activities at Dromoland and Ballyfin. Falconry, archery, golf, clay shooting and long walks on the estate.
- Aran Islands. A scenic ferry from Doolin, worth it.
- Ring of Kerry. Ireland's famous coastal drive.
- Dingle Peninsula. An off-the-beaten-path gem.
- Kilkenny. A medieval castle and charming streets.
- Rock of Cashel. A hilltop fortress with stunning views.
- Blarney Castle. Home of the Blarney Stone.
- Powerscourt Estate and Gardens. Just outside Dublin near Wicklow.
- Belfast and Titanic Belfast. A worthwhile detour north.
- Giant's Causeway. A day trip from Dublin or Belfast.
Megan's Picks
Book Our Favorite Ireland Tours Here
Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Connemara and Giant's Causeway day trips, all hand-picked by us.
Explore the ToursOur hotel partnerships mean perks like upgrades on arrival when available, daily breakfast, hotel credits and early check-in at many of these properties. Just ask us when you book.
As a Virtuoso travel advisor, Megan also has access to exclusive perks at many top Irish properties, including The Merrion: amenity credits, room upgrades, early check-in or late checkout and complimentary breakfast, all at no extra cost when you book through PaylorMade Travel.
Ireland with Kids
Ireland is one of Europe's most family-friendly destinations, and not just because kids love castles (though they absolutely do). The pace is manageable, the locals are warm and patient with little ones, and the landscapes capture children's imaginations in a way no theme park can.
- Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park. One of Europe's oldest zoos, with buggy-friendly paths, daily sea lion feedings and a Zoorassic World dinosaur exhibit. Book online ahead, especially in summer.
- The National Leprechaun Museum. Storytelling, optical illusions and immersive folklore rooms that bring Irish legend to life. A surprisingly delightful hour for the whole family.
- Jaunting cars in Killarney National Park. 26,000 acres of mountains, lakes and woodland, best seen from a traditional horse-drawn carriage.
- Kilkenny Castle grounds. Room for kids to run free and play knights and princesses, with a castle interior worth touring too.
- Cliffs of Moher and Doolin Cave. The cliffs are spectacular for older kids and teens, and Doolin Cave holds the longest free-hanging stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Aran Islands ferry day trip. A car-free island where kids can rent bikes and explore ancient forts.
Our family tip: driving on the left is endlessly fascinating to kids in the backseat. Pack good sneakers and a light rain layer for everyone, and lean into the weather. Half the adventure is discovering that puddles and mud are part of the experience.
A Sample 7-Day Ireland Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Dublin
A private driver meets you at the airport and takes you straight to your hotel. Stretch your legs on Grafton Street, then head to The Brazen Head for dinner and your first pint.
Day 2Book of Kells and the Guinness Storehouse
Take the first Book of Kells tour of the day, then explore Dublin Castle and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Spend the afternoon at the Guinness Storehouse and end with your pub crawl, including an hour in Temple Bar.
Day 3Into the Countryside
Your chauffeur drives you through Kildare, with stops at Kildare Village and the Irish National Stud, before you arrive at Ballyfin for a relaxed country-house evening.
Day 4A Day on the Estate
Try falconry, archery or a lakeside walk, or book a spa treatment. Dinner at Ballyfin is an occasion in itself.
Day 5West to Galway via Athlone
Stop at Sean's Bar in Athlone, then continue to Galway for an evening on Shop Street and trad music in the pubs.
Day 6The Cliffs of Moher to Dromoland Castle
Drive the coast to the Cliffs of Moher, wander through Doolin for chowder and sweater shopping, then check into Dromoland Castle for your final night of castle life.
Day 7Castle Morning and Fly Home
Enjoy a slow breakfast and a walk on the grounds before a short private transfer to Shannon Airport.
Extend Your Trip: A Self-Drive Through Ireland and Scotland
Ireland and Scotland share Celtic roots, which makes them a natural pair for a road trip. Here is a loose route. Shuffle it, reverse it or borrow the parts you love.
Ireland
Dublin. Have a driver meet you at the airport, then fill your days with the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, St. Stephen's Green and a pub crawl.
Kilkenny (1.5 hours). Pick up your rental car and head to medieval Kilkenny for its 1190 castle and local art at the Kilkenny Design Centre.
Cork or straight to Killarney. Stop in Cork for the English Market and the harbor, or drive straight through to Killarney, your base for the Ring of Kerry and the Skellig Islands (Star Wars fans, this one is for you).
Killarney. Killarney National Park's lakes, Muckross House and a horse-and-carriage ride. Worth a side trip: Dingle, a colorful harbor town with 60+ pubs and live trad music.
Belfast (5 hours). See the Giant's Causeway, Old Bushmills and Titanic Belfast, then take the 2-hour ferry to Scotland.
Scotland
Edinburgh. Cobbled lanes, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, folk music at Sandy Bell's and the underground vaults.
Inverness (3 hours). The gateway to the Highlands, with Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Culloden Battlefield.
Stirling (2.5 hours). Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and Bannockburn. This is Braveheart country.
Finish in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Spend a night in lively Glasgow for its music and bars, or go back to Edinburgh for a last whisky by the fire before flying home.
Pairs Well With
Ireland is wonderful on its own, but it is also one of the easiest countries to build a bigger trip around. Here are the destinations we love pairing it with.
England and Scotland. The most natural pairing of all. Short flights, the ferry from Belfast and easy trains link the three, so you can combine Dublin and the west of Ireland with London, the English countryside, Edinburgh and the Highlands in one seamless trip. Castles, pubs, rolling green landscapes and centuries of shared history tie the whole journey together.
Iceland. A perfect match, and an easy stop on the way over the Atlantic. The packing is almost identical: waterproof layers, cozy knits and good boots work in both places. The activities line up beautifully too, from dramatic coastal cliffs and waterfalls to scenic drives and warm, welcoming towns. Pack once and enjoy two wildly different landscapes.
Switzerland. For a trip with real contrast, pair Ireland's wild Atlantic coast and lively pubs with Switzerland's Alpine peaks, glacier lakes and charming mountain villages. A short flight connects the two, and the scenic trains, cable cars and fresh mountain air make a beautiful second chapter.
What to Pack for Ireland
Here is the hack to dressing for Ireland: waterproof everything and layer like you mean it. The weather can go from sunshine to sideways rain and back again in a single afternoon, especially out on the Cliffs of Moher, so you want pieces that keep up. Start with a breathable base, add a cozy knit or fleece, and top it all with a lightweight waterproof jacket you can throw on or tuck away. Finish with waterproof boots or sneakers that can handle cobblestones in Dublin and muddy coastal paths out west. Dress this way and you will be comfortable from your morning at Trinity College to the last song in the pub.
I have rounded up all of my Ireland favorites in one place: shop the Ireland collection here.
Ireland · Rain or Shine
The Style Edit
Dressed for Ireland
Waterproof everything and layers you can peel off — ready for sunshine, sideways rain and the pub in between.
Shop the LookGood to Know Before You Go
- Weather. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket in every season. It can rain and shine in the same hour.
- Driving. Ireland drives on the left with narrow country roads. A private driver lets everyone enjoy the scenery (and the pubs).
- Book early. The Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse and castle hotels fill up fast in summer.
- Insurance. We always recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
Ireland Travel Tips: Everything to Know
The quick essentials for an easy trip.
- Money. The Republic uses the Euro; Northern Ireland uses the Pound. Visa and MasterCard work almost everywhere, Amex less so. Let your bank know you are traveling and know your PIN.
- VAT refund. Ask for a tax-free voucher when you shop and turn it in at the airport VAT desk to get the 23% tax back.
- Plugs. Type G, three-prong, 230V. Bring an adapter and leave your hot hair tools at home. Our hotels supply hair dryers.
- Driving. Drive on the left, yield to the right at roundabouts and keep to about 125 miles a day. Skip driving in Dublin. The legal alcohol limit is .05% and breath tests are common. Your phone works great as a GPS.
- Speed limits. 120 km/h on motorways, 100 on national roads, 80 on regional roads, 50 in towns.
- Car rental. Stick with major agencies booked through your PaylorMade itinerary. We recommend avoiding Waterloo.
- Trains and ferries. Irish Rail and Dublin's DART are reliable, but there are no porters and no refunds for delays. Ferries, like Doolin to the Aran Islands, are easy to book on the day.
- Tipping. About 10% for waiters, €1 a bag for porters, €1 a day for housekeeping, and round up for taxis.
- Hours. Shops are open 9 to 6, with shorter Sunday hours. Pubs stay open until about 12:30 am, and some museums close Mondays.
- What to pack. Layers, a rain jacket, warm socks and good walking shoes. The weather changes by the hour. Dress is casual, and casual-chic at the castles.
- Phones. Most US carriers offer a roughly $10/day international plan, and Wi-Fi is easy to find.
- Good to know. Washcloths and air conditioning are rare, pharmacies ("chemists") have a green cross, dress modestly in churches, and dial 112 for emergencies.
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Ireland is the kind of trip that feels like coming home, even on your first visit. Castles, pints, cliffs and all, we will plan every detail with you.
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With gratitude,
Megan Paylor