Ireland
Republic of Ireland (Éire) in Irish, is a small island nation on the edge of Europe that leaves a lasting impression far greater than its size. Roughly the same size as the UAE, it manages to pack in an astonishing variety of landscapes, history, and culture within its compact borders. Shaped by ancient Celtic traditions, Viking raids, and centuries of storytelling, it is a land where myth and history intertwine. Often called the Emerald Isle, and for good reason, Ireland is as famous for its rolling green hills and rugged coastlines as it is for being home to one of the world’s oldest pubs, dating back to 900 AD, and for giving the world Guinness, a drink as iconic as the country itself.
Its capital, Dublin, is a lively mix of Georgian charm and modern creativity, where you can wander cobbled streets lined with historic pubs and soak up the energy of its thriving music scene. Beyond the city, the landscapes are breathtaking and wonderfully diverse. You can stand on the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, or any of the equally picturesque coastal cliffs, drive along the windswept Wild Atlantic Way, marvel at the mystical Giant’s Causeway, or lose yourself in the tranquil lakes of Killarney. Castles rise out of rolling fields, ancient ring forts and passage tombs like Newgrange echo with prehistoric civilisations, and everywhere you go there is a story waiting to be told.
Irish hospitality is every bit as warm as the country’s reputation suggests.
Whether it is a friendly chat with a stranger in a pub or a traditional céilí dance in a village hall, the sense of welcome feels effortless. As for food, expect hearty stews, soda bread, and fresh seafood, not forgetting fish and chips, often paired with craft whiskeys or pints of stout.
Irish weather is famously unpredictable, with rain, wind, sunshine, and chills often arriving within the same hour.
Peak: Jun-Aug | Pleasant (16-20°C) with long daylight, sunsets at 9:30 pm. Busiest and most expensive time.
Good: Apr, May & Sept | Mild weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.
Avoid: Dec-Feb | Cold, wet and windy (4-9°C) with minimal daylight.
Euro (€) is used in the Republic of Ireland and British pound (£) in Northern Ireland incase you are crossing borders. Cards are widely accepted in cities and towns. ATMs are common in towns. Avoid exchanging money at airports for better rates. Avoid carrying too much cash for general safety reasons across Europe.
Official languages: Irish (Gaeilge) English and
English is spoken everywhere; Irish appears on all signs and in Gaeltacht regions. Locals are warm and helpful, so communication is easy.
Dublin, Galway, Cork, Killarney & Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher & The Burren, Connemara, Dingle Peninsula, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wicklow Mountains, Newgrange (Boyne Valley), Sligo, Aran Islands.
Must-Try Food
Irish stew (hearty meat and vegetable stew), Soda bread, Boxty (potato pancakes), Coddle (sausage and potato casserole), Fish & Chips, Seafood chowder, Fresh salmon and shellfish, Guinness, Irish coffee. Locally made cheeses and black pudding, in smaller towns are also worth trying.
Public transport: Within Dublin, very efficient; a car or cab is not required.
Trains: Intercity trains link major cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick.
Buses & Coaches: Bus Éireann and private operators connect towns and rural areas. Local buses in Dublin are frequent, but schedules are less reliable elsewhere.
Car Rental: Needed for exploring the countryside, coasts, and scenic routes like the Wild Atlantic Way.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Widely available in cities. The Free Now app is commonly used.
Major providers: Vodafone, Three, Eir, Lycamobile, Tesco Mobile. SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to get at airports or local shops, though prices at airports are slightly higher. Vodafone and Three offer the best coverage, especially in rural and remote areas.
Around 20€ unlimited calls & data plans for couple of months.
The Irish are friendly and love a good chat! Be ready for conversations, live music, and storytelling, especially at pubs, which are central to social life even in small towns.
Tip: You’ll often hear every conversation start with the weather, making it a perfect icebreaker wherever you go.
“The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s longest coastal drives, stretching 2,500 km along Ireland’s west coast, with cliffs, beaches, and charming villages at every turn.”
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