Title: Visit Ireland: 2026 Travel Guide for Ireland, Europe | Expedia.com [Ireland Hotels](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Ireland.d84.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in Ireland](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Ireland.d84.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[Ireland Flights](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Ireland.d84.Flight-Destinations)[Car Rentals in Ireland](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Ireland.d84.Car-Rental-Destinations)[Ireland Vacations](https://expedia.com/Ireland.d84.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Ireland ## Travel Guide ![Ross Castle which includes a river or creek, chateau or palace and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090217/ec0b8e28-9be3-46e9-9bca-40487cb27e14.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ross Castle which includes a river or creek, chateau or palace and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090217/ec0b8e28-9be3-46e9-9bca-40487cb27e14.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Galway which includes chateau or palace and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1409/b288d0bf-4d53-400f-94f7-8374e09c679b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Kilkenny Castle which includes flowers, a river or creek and a small town or village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090015/394bd90b-648d-445d-8b0b-1cc6a425cd6a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Galway City Centre which includes a bay or harbor and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6057027/4fcb0c06-310f-4c97-9769-0f19aba82e91.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) #### Land of legends, medieval castles and Guinness beer, this wonderfully green island is known for its wild beauty, rich culture and chatty locals. When many think of Ireland, they envision rolling green hills, rugged coasts and sleepy villages. The dynamic cities of Dublin and Galway are equally compelling. Explore districts filled with excellent museums, music venues, five-star restaurants and superb shopping. Retreat to the countryside for fresh air and soul-stirring scenery. On the Republic of Ireland’s eastern coast, discover Neolithic tombs and historic Viking port cities such as Waterford. In Dublin, try pouring the perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse and admire city views from the building’s top-floor bar. Head west to the Atlantic coast to marvel at the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most popular natural attractions. Stand next to O’Brien’s Tower, at the highest point of the cliffs, and enjoy the spectacular views. Connemara, an undeveloped swath of mountain and lake landscapes west of Galway, offers yet more beautiful scenery as well as hiking and biking trails. Rent a car and drive around the Ring of Kerry, following the fringe of the Iveragh Peninsula. Stop and sunbathe on the sandy beach at Rossbeigh or travel by boat around the lake at Ross Castle. See the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle in County Cork. Visitors line up to lay their lips on this weathered rock, which supposedly imparts eloquence to those who kiss it. Visit during March to witness the nationwide St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or in September for the Galway Oyster Festival. Fly to Cork or Dublin airports. Ride the train around the country, booking your tickets online as far in advance as possible for the cheapest fares. Alternatively, rent a car and explore Ireland’s stunning countryside at your own pace. In neighboring Northern Ireland, drive the Coastal Causeway Route, one of the world’s most stunning coastal drives or tour scenic locations from the hit TV show *Game of Thrones*. Small as it is, the Republic of Ireland delivers a wealth of diverse cultural experiences as well as rugged, scenic landscapes. ### Popular cities in Ireland [Dublin Known for Bars, Tours and Live music ](https://expedia.com/Dublin.dx178256) Ireland’s capital is alive with a rich literary tradition, friendly residents and a respect for all things rebellious. ## Reasons to visit - St. Stephen's Green - Trinity College - Guinness Storehouse [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Dublin.dx178256)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Dublin-Hotels.d178256.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Galway Known for Friendly people, Bars and Tours ](https://expedia.com/Galway.dx1409) Come to Galway and enjoy its live music, entertainment, and monuments. ## Reasons to visit - Quay Street - Eyre Square - University of Galway [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Galway.dx1409)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Galway-Hotels.d1409.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Cork Known for Friendly people, Dining and Shopping ](https://expedia.com/Cork.dx2692) Cork awaits: its food, history, theater, and more! ## Reasons to visit - University College Cork - English Market - Cork City Gaol [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Cork.dx2692)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Cork-Hotels.d2692.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Killarney Known for Nature, Historical and Live music ](https://expedia.com/Killarney.dx1823) Explore the cobbled streets, 19th-century architecture and beautiful walking trails of this Irish town known for its pub culture, hospitality and mountain surrounds. ## Reasons to visit - Killarney National Park - Ross Castle - Muckross House [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Killarney.dx1823)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Killarney-Hotels.d1823.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Dingle Known for Friendly people, Walking and Live music ](https://expedia.com/Dingle.dx5009) This scenic oceanfront town in County Kerry is known for its nearby golden beaches, spectacular mountain ranges and historic pubs and restaurants. ## Reasons to visit - Dingle Harbour - St. James Church - Irish Adventures [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Dingle.dx5009)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Dingle-Hotels.d5009.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Donegal Known for Friendly people, Bars and Relaxing ](https://expedia.com/Donegal.dx11245) Experience relaxing Donegal: its castle, history, food, and more! ## Reasons to visit - Donegal Castle - Donegal Bay Waterbus - Abbey of Donegal [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Donegal.dx11245)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Donegal-Hotels.d11245.Travel-Guide-Hotels) ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.com/deals?rfrr=DX_SPRING_PROMO_84) ### Popular places to visit ![Guinness Storehouse showing signage and interior views as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/500971/146f2db0-0061-4d35-b356-7e5e8698f6ea.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Guinness Storehouse A tour of this pint-shaped hall in a historic brewery provides an intoxicating journey through the making of Ireland’s signature drink. [](https://expedia.com/Guinness-Storehouse-City-Centre-Dublin.d500971.Vacation-Attraction) ![Cliffs of Moher featuring general coastal views and rugged coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090305/f1b2206a-9f01-4b3c-bafa-dc08964c72b0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cliffs of Moher Velvety green fields drop away into sheer ocean cliffs amid the intriguing ecology and geology of Ireland’s most visited natural attraction. [](https://expedia.com/Cliffs-Of-Moher-Liscannor.d6090305.Vacation-Attraction) ![Dublin Castle which includes heritage architecture and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/500963/922493f0-4ba4-47ae-93a3-aeeb22be0a5a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Dublin Castle Discover medieval excavations from a Viking ruin and appreciate the majesty of the state apartments, the chapel and the landscape gardens. [](https://expedia.com/Dublin-Castle-City-Centre-Dublin.d500963.Vacation-Attraction) ## Regions in Ireland ![Charles Fort featuring boating, a coastal town and a bay or harbor](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090171/fe7fe9f5-74b5-4c9a-8b60-47d293c892c4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### County Cork Ireland's “Rebel City” has a distinct accent, culture and cuisine. The modern European city is steeped in history and is a great cultural destination. ![Galway City Museum showing interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075960/bd461a45-a5ab-4649-9758-cb91f3f30221.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### County Galway Located on the western coast of Ireland, this popular oceanfront destination is known for its artistic culture, live music and sandy beaches. ![Torc Waterfall featuring forest scenes and a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6156978/1ac6c26e-76ae-4643-8dac-d58ce6134da4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### County Kerry Experience the beauty of some of Ireland’s distinctive landscapes when you explore this county’s emerald-green hills, misty mountains and tall sea cliffs. ![Bunratty Castle and Folk Park featuring a house, heritage elements and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090279/69da3665-e5ef-47c8-866d-b8c1ef4f45e9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### County Clare Find cozy towns and Stone Age monuments scattered throughout this green-hilled county bound by craggy Atlantic Coast, a serpentine river and a lake. ![Fahan which includes wildflowers, boating and a bay or harbor](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6174840/12f46ed2-911f-490b-a0de-c695697770dc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### County Donegal Isolated from the rest of the country by windswept peaks and the Northern Irish border, this county’s unique character is in its rugged scenery and remote villages. ![Westport which includes a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/5017/23c5e4ff-ffcf-4061-a90b-ace53d3f8357.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### County Mayo Explore Ireland’s majestic western seaboard to discover secret coves, rugged islands and mountain ranges overlaid with ancient pilgrimage trails and pirate legends. - All areas in Ireland [County Carlow](https://expedia.com/County-Carlow.dx6056858)[County Cavan](https://expedia.com/County-Cavan.dx6056831)[County Clare](https://expedia.com/County-Clare.dx601682)[County Cork](https://expedia.com/County-Cork.dx603083)[County Donegal](https://expedia.com/County-Donegal.dx601874)[County Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown](https://expedia.com/County-Dun-Laoghaire-Rathdown.dx553248635975750581)[County Fingal](https://expedia.com/County-Fingal.dx553248635975748167)[County Galway](https://expedia.com/County-Galway.dx603082)[County Kerry](https://expedia.com/County-Kerry.dx603084)[County Kilkenny](https://expedia.com/County-Kilkenny.dx6056855)[County Laois](https://expedia.com/County-Laois.dx6056966)[County Leitrim](https://expedia.com/County-Leitrim.dx6056829)[County Longford](https://expedia.com/County-Longford.dx6237216)[County Louth](https://expedia.com/County-Louth.dx6237240)[County Mayo](https://expedia.com/County-Mayo.dx6046890)[County Meath](https://expedia.com/County-Meath.dx6056981)[County Offaly](https://expedia.com/County-Offaly.dx6233936)[County Roscommon](https://expedia.com/County-Roscommon.dx6057019)[County South Dublin](https://expedia.com/County-South-Dublin.dx6156837)[County Tipperary](https://expedia.com/County-Tipperary.dx6057036)[County Waterford](https://expedia.com/County-Waterford.dx6056851)[County Westmeath](https://expedia.com/County-Westmeath.dx6056961)[County Wexford](https://expedia.com/County-Wexford.dx6046799)[County Wicklow](https://expedia.com/County-Wicklow.dx6034768)[Dublin City](https://expedia.com/Dublin-City.dx849396105132523520) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # Ireland ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app