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Ireland

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Surfer looking at the waves crushing on the cliff during winter surfing session

David Sciora / Stocksy United

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Overview

A small island with a memorable punch, Ireland's breathtaking landscapes and friendly, welcoming people leave visitors floored. You'll want to go back for more.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb

    Newgrange

    County Meath

    Newgrange is one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe, famous for the illumination of its passage and tomb during the winter solstice sun…

  • St Patrick's Park, Dublin City, Ireland

    St Patrick's Cathedral

    Dublin

    Ireland's largest church and the final resting place of Jonathan Swift, St Patrick's stands on the spot where St Patrick himself reputedly baptised the…

  • A stag stands in front of a herd of deer under a beautiful summer sunset in Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland, on a grassy plain with clumps of trees in the distance

    Phoenix Park

    Dublin

    The hugely impressive 707 hectares that comprise Dublin's Phoenix Park are not just a magnificent playground for all kinds of sport—from running to polo…

  • August 2019: A tour group on the floor of the Victorian main hall in the Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison which is now a museum. 

    Kilmainham Gaol

    Dublin

    If you have any desire to understand Irish history – especially the long-running resistance to British colonial rule – then a visit to this former prison…

  • DUBLIN, IRELAND - 10th June, 2017: the beautiful architecture of the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin city centre

    National Gallery

    Dublin

    A magnificent Caravaggio and a breathtaking collection of works by Jack B Yeats – William Butler Yeats' younger brother – are the main reasons to visit…

  • People at Slane Castle, Slane, Ireland

    Slane Castle

    County Meath

    Slane Castle is a 300-year-old sprawling estate on the banks of the River Boyne in County Meath.  The neo-gothic castle and grounds  are open to visitors…

  • Museum of Natural History

    Museum of Natural History

    Dublin

    Affectionately known as the 'Dead Zoo', this dusty, weird and utterly compelling museum is a fine example of the scientific wonderment of the Victorian…

  • Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin City, Ireland

    Christ Church Cathedral

    Temple Bar

    Its hilltop location and eye-catching flying buttresses make this the most photogenic of Dublin's three cathedrals, as well as one of the capital's most…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Curious travelers will find plenty to keep them busy on the Emerald Isle. Here's our hit list of the best things to do in Ireland.

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Best Places to Visit

For such a small island, Ireland doesn’t lack for beautiful spots to visit. We’ve rounded up our favorites.

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Best Time to Visit

From summer sun and fabulous festivals to off-season bargains and crowd-free attractions, here's everything you need to know about when to visit Ireland.

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Things to Know

Lonely Planet writer and Ireland native, Fionn Davenport, shares his top 10 tips to have the best time in Ireland.

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Transportation

You don’t need a rental car to explore the Emerald Isle. Here are all the options for getting around beautiful Ireland.

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Visa Requirements

Who wouldn't jump at the chance to visit the Emerald Isle? Here’s how to check if you need a visa before setting off on your Irish adventure. 

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Money and Costs

There are plenty of ways to make your money go further during your visit to Ireland. Read on for our local expert tips.

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Traveling with Kids

With its bounty of natural attractions, outdoor adventures and cultural sites, Ireland is packed with family-friendly activities. Here are our top picks,

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Best Road Trips

What’s the best way to get the best of the natural beauty and famous charm of Ireland? Hit the (rural) road on these top road trips. 

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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Ireland

Tips & Advice

What to pack for your trip to Ireland

May 14, 2025 • 3 min read

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Ireland and beyond

Beyond Ireland