Why I love Ireland

“There's an unvarnished informality about Ireland that I cherish, based on an implied assumption that life is a tangled, confusing struggle that all of us – irrespective of who we are and how we worship – have to negotiate to the best of our abilities. We're all in this together, come hell or high water, so we may as well be civil and share a moment when we can....” Read More

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Fionn Davenport
Writer

Top experiences in Ireland

Recent articles

10 reasons to visit Galway city

With its tangled lanes lined with colourful shopfronts curving around Galway Bay, compact Galway is one of Ireland's most picturesque cities. Bolstered by an energetic student population, it's also one of the island's most vibrant, with musicians striking up in its atmospheric pubs and busking on its streets, a seafood-driven culinary scene, jam-packed calendar of events and a bohemian soul. Recently bestowed the honour of European Capital of Culture 2020, here’s what gives Galway its glory.

Fishing boats at the Claddagh Basin in Galway © Michelle McMahon / Getty Images
Catherine Le Nevez
Lonely Planet Writer

On the Star Wars trail in Ireland

Ireland’s beautiful, untamed Atlantic coast has attracted numerous visitors, including the makers of the latest Star Wars films. A visit to some of the dramatic filming locations for The Force Awakens and its sequel offers the chance to explore deep chasms and remote islands, and follow poets, dolphins and monks on Europe’s western frontier.

The remote island of Skellig Michael is home to a 6th-century monastery and a (fictional) Jedi temple © Kanuman / Shutterstock
Sally Coffey
Lonely Planet Writer

The Skelligs: a trip to the edge of the abyss

The search for solitude has led pilgrims to the edges of the known world – and beyond – throughout history. But few final destinations rival the remoteness of Skellig Michael, a lonely, storm-lashed rock off the west coast of Ireland that doubled as a Jedi sanctuary in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The trip to the Unesco World Heritage-listed monastery perched on this forbidding pinnacle in the Atlantic is a highlight of the Skellig Ring. This little-driven circular road trip is an offshoot of the far better-known Ring of Kerry; it's the perfect route for travellers who want to see some of the west's quirkier attractions. Better yet, there's not a tour bus in sight.
James Kay
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

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Ireland adventures

$21.72 Sightseeing tours

City Sightseeing Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Discover the best of the Emerald Isle’s ancient capital on this City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour of Dublin. Opt for a 1- or 2-day ticket and choose from two different routes through the city. Explore Dublin's historic buildings and vibrant nightlife at your leisure. Hop on and off the open-top buses at any of the 28 stops throughout the capital. Admire top city highlights such as the Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin Castle, the National Art Gallery, St Patrick’s Cathedral and of course the world-famous Guinness Storehouse.
$1233.68 Small group tours

Northern Ireland and the North West Small Group Jeep Tour from Dublin (5 days)

Head North on a journey through 1000's of years of fascinating history, dramatic scenery and legendary places to the heart of one of Europe's most off-the-beaten-track regions. Northern and North-western Ireland has so much to offer as one of the most diverse, intriguing and beautiful areas of Western Europe, it will be a tour that you will never forget.
$1976.86 Small group tours

8-Day West of Ireland Tour from Dublin

Discover the enchanting west of Ireland on an incredible 8-day tour from Dublin. With wild landscapes, crashing coastlines and famously friendly people, western Ireland is sure to impress. Mixing independent sightseeing with optional activities (own expense), this tour allows you to discover the region in a truly personalized way. Pass through County Cork, visit Beara Peninsula, follow the Ring of Kerry route and explore Dingle with its famous pub scene. Tour Galway Bay, Connemara and more on this unforgettable tour!
$21.72 Sightseeing tours

Dublin Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

When your cruise ship docks in the Dublin port, embark on this City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off shore excursion and discover Dublin’s historic buildings, museums and more! Enjoy the comfortable seats and top deck of the open-top minibus as you tour around the city and explore at your own pace. Listen to the informative onboard audio guide and hop off at any of the 20 stops whenever you want! Create your own itinerary and decide what sights you want to see, when you want to see them.
$633.38 Small group tours

5-Day Highlights of Ireland Tour: the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry

See the highlights of Ireland on a 5-day small-group tour from Dublin! Traveling by luxury minivan, head to Galway and Killarney with an expert guide, checking out everything of interest en route! Tour an Irish whiskey distillery in Kilbeggan, explore the Burren, gaze in awe at the Cliffs of Moher and travel along the famous Ring of Kerry. On the way back to Dublin, visit Blarney Castle and Gardens - home to the famous Blarney Stone!
$1309.14 Small group tours

8-Day Dingle Peninsula Guided Walk

Your Dingle Walking Tour begins in the Slieve Mish mountains once home to a mythological Celtic princess enjoying panoramic views of Tralee Bay before you arrive to the bustling cosmopolitan town of Dingle. Gaily painted houses lead to a busy harbour where artisan cafes and craft shops vie with traditional pubs humming to the sound of Irish music and song.
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