Getting to Ireland is easier than you think, whether you’re crossing the Atlantic or hopping over from Europe. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your journey:

Most visitors arrive in Ireland by plane, with Dublin, Shannon, and Cork being the primary international gateways, and Belfast serving as a great option for Northern Ireland.

From the U.S., airlines like Aer Lingus, Delta, American, and United offer direct flights. From Europe, Ryanair and Aer Lingus have extensive low-cost routes to and from Irish airports.

Dublin (DUB): Ireland’s largest and busiest airport, located just north of Dublin city.

Shannon (SNN): A great choice for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way and the west coast.

Cork (ORK): Convenient for accessing the southern part of Ireland, including Kinsale and the Ring of Kerry.

Belfast (BFS): Located in Northern Ireland and ideal for accessing Belfast, the Causeway Cost, and beyond.

If you're already in the UK or mainland Europe, ferries can be a scenic and flexible way to reach Ireland, particularly if you're bringing a car.

Irish Ferries has routes from:

• Cherbourg or Holyhead to Dublin

• Pembroke to Rosslare

Stena Line has routes from:

• Cherbourg or Fishguard to Rosslare

• Holyhead or Liverpool to Dublin

• Liverpool, Heysham, or Cairnryan to Belfast

Brittany Ferries has routes from:

• Roscoff to Cork

• Cherbourg to Rosslare

• Santander or Bilbao to Rosslare

Exploring Ireland by car gives you the freedom to reach scenic spots and charming villages that public transport might miss. But there are a few things to know before you hit the road.

First, remember that driving is on the left-hand side, and many rural roads can be narrow, winding, and shared with tractors or sheep. Leave plenty of time for getting from place to place.

Before you book, check whether your credit card offers collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage. Ireland is excluded from many credit card insurance policies, so double-check with your provider. If it’s not covered, you’ll likely need to purchase CDW from the rental company.

A smaller car is often easier to manage on tight country roads and in small towns. And booking early - especially in summer - can save you money and stress.

Finally, consider renting a GPS or making sure you have offline access to Google Maps or another navigation app. With a bit of planning, a rental car opens up a truly unforgettable Irish road trip.

Ireland offers everything from 5-star resorts and boutique hotels to cozy B&Bs, yurts, glamping pods, and even floating Airbnbs.

Many hotels and guesthouses charge per person, not per room—so double-check rates carefully. Solo travelers may see a single supplement, and families might find family rooms with three beds or more.

B&Bs are a great option if you want a local experience—and they usually include a generous Irish breakfast. Hotels sometimes include breakfast too, but it's best to confirm ahead of time.

For summer travel, book accommodations and rental cars well in advance. Smaller-town hotels and B&Bs may close in winter, so check seasonal availability.

There’s really no bad time to visit Ireland!

Most travelers come during late spring and summer, with July and August being the busiest months. Expect long days in the summer - up to 18 hours of daylight - which gives you plenty of time to explore.

That said, high season also means more competition for accommodations and activities, so book early if you’re visiting during this time.

As for the weather? The only guarantee is that it’s unpredictable. Sunshine, mist, and rain can all happen in the same afternoon. Just pack layers and roll with it!

You’ll need a valid passport to enter either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, so make sure yours is up to date before you travel.

EU citizens can enter with a passport or national ID card. Citizens of other countries (including the U.S.) must have a valid passport. Some travelers may also need a visa, depending on nationality.

Check the latest entry requirements here:
• Department of Foreign Affairs – Republic of Ireland
• UK Government – Northern Ireland

Many visitors don’t need a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, but requirements depend on your citizenship and length of stay.

• U.S., Canadian, and EU citizens can usually enter visa-free for tourism.
• If you're planning to work, study, or stay long-term, you may need a visa or residency permit.
• Northern Ireland follows UK visa rules, which are different from those in the Republic of Ireland.

It’s a good idea to check both governments' official websites before you travel:
• Ireland Visa Info – Department of Justice
• UK Visa Requirements – GOV.UK

It’s not the most exciting part of planning a trip, but travel insurance is a smart idea.

Ireland is generally safe and easy to navigate, but flight delays, lost luggage, illness, or cancellations can happen. Travel insurance helps you recover costs and stress less when the unexpected happens.

Be sure your policy covers medical care abroad, especially if you’re visiting from outside the EU.

The key to packing for Ireland? Layers, layers, layers.

The weather can shift quickly, even in the summer, so pack a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a compact umbrella. Bring clothes you can mix and match, and don’t forget adapters for Irish plugs (they use Type G outlets).

If you’re visiting smaller towns, laundry facilities may not always be available, so plan accordingly.

Some of our favorite travel products are listed below. Please visit our Shopping page for more details on any of these products. We are serious about our recommendations, and we only endorse products that work for us and make travel easier.

Airplane Pockets

Adapter

Rain jacket and hat

Travel backpack

Personalized luggage tag

AirFly Pro 2 - this will connect your Bluetooth headphones to any headphone jack.

Tear-resistant map of Ireland

Compression socks

Cotton eye mask