What can travellers expect in Ireland?
Ireland is an island covering around 70,273 km², with green hills inland and a heavily indented Atlantic coastline in the west. Dublin, Cork and Galway each lie two to two and a half hours apart by train and can be combined into a round trip that blends city life, coast and landscape.
Dublin on the east coast is the largest city, the seat of government, and a UNESCO City of Literature since 2010; most international flights arrive here. Cork in the south is the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and to Kinsale, while Galway in the west is the starting point for Connemara and the Aran Islands.
This page summarizes the three must-see stops, the main coastal routes, the best time to visit, entry requirements, and the advisories from the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA (as of September 2026).
Sources: Wikipedia
What is Ireland like as a travel destination?
Ireland thrives on the contrast between lively cities and empty Atlantic coastline: Dublin with over a million residents in the greater area on one side, lonely country roads along the cliffs of County Clare or Kerry on the other. Music, pub culture and a long literary tradition shape the country as much as its changeable, mild weather.
The Republic of Ireland comprises 26 of the island's 32 historic counties; the remaining six form Northern Ireland and belong to the United Kingdom. Travellers wanting to visit the Giant's Causeway, for example, therefore cross an international border, even though it is barely visible in everyday life.
Economically, Ireland has transformed since the 1990s from an agricultural country into a hub for technology and pharmaceutical companies, many with European headquarters in Dublin. Even so, the interior remains agricultural in character, with sheep pastures, stone walls and small market towns.
Culturally, Ireland is known for its literature, from James Joyce to Samuel Beckett to Oscar Wilde, for traditional music in the pubs, and for its own language, Irish, still spoken as an everyday language mainly in the Gaeltacht regions of the west.
Sources: Wikipedia
Which cities and regions of Ireland are worth visiting?
The three must-see stops are Dublin in the east, Cork in the south and Galway in the west. Travellers with more time add the cliff coastlines of Clare and Kerry along the Wild Atlantic Way, the Aran Islands off Galway, or the archaeological Boyne Valley north of Dublin.
Dublin
In 2010, Dublin was named the fourth UNESCO City of Literature in the world, after Iowa City, Melbourne and Edinburgh. In the Long Room of Trinity College's library lies the roughly 1,200-year-old Book of Kells; a few minutes' walk away are the Guinness Storehouse brewery and the Temple Bar nightlife district, with live music in the pubs.
Cork
Cork is Ireland's second-largest city and the starting point for Blarney Castle, built in 1446, whose Blarney Stone visitors kiss to gain, according to legend, the gift of eloquence. The English Market in the centre has existed since 1788 and is among the oldest market halls in Europe; 17 miles to the south lies Kinsale, which won the European award for tourism and the environment in 1995.
Galway
Galway lies on Galway Bay and is considered the bohemian cultural centre of the west; the Latin Quarter, with pastel-coloured houses and the Spanish Arch, fills with live music in the evenings. From here, boats sail to the three Aran Islands, Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr, inhabited for over 3,000 years and home to prehistoric stone forts.
Cobh and the coast near Cork
Cobh, around 24 km from Cork, was the last port the Titanic called at in 1912 before sinking in the Atlantic; St Colman's Cathedral towers over the town on one of the largest natural harbours in the world. A dedicated museum at the old pier documents the history of emigration, which over generations carried millions of Irish people from here to North America.
Wild Atlantic Way: Clare, Kerry and Connemara
At around 2,500 km, the Wild Atlantic Way is the longest signposted coastal route in the world, running from Malin Head in the north to Kinsale near Cork. It includes the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, the Ring of Kerry around the Iveragh Peninsula, and the mountain and bog landscape of Connemara west of Galway.
Boyne Valley and Skellig Michael
North of Dublin lies Brú na Bóinne, with the passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, around 5,000 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993; Newgrange thus predates the pyramids of Giza. Off the coast of Kerry lies Skellig Michael, a monastic island from the 6th to 8th centuries with preserved beehive cells, also a World Heritage Site since 1996 and reachable only by boat from Portmagee.
Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre · UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Tourism Ireland (Ireland.com) · Galway Tourism · Marriott Activities / regional Cork tourism information
When is the best time to visit Ireland?
May to September brings the mildest temperatures and the lowest chance of rain, though rain remains possible in Ireland at any time of year. July and August are peak season with the most visitors, while May, June and September offer similar weather with fewer crowds.
Ireland lies under the influence of the Gulf Stream, which produces a mild but changeable maritime climate without major temperature extremes; an umbrella or rain jacket belongs in the luggage year-round. The west along the Wild Atlantic Way tends to be rainier and windier than the east around Dublin.
Dublin, Cork and Galway throughout the year
| Dublin | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 9 |
| Low °C | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Rainfall mm | 86 | 70 | 70 | 61 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 91 | 76 | 102 | 106 | 97 |
| Cork | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 10 |
| Low °C | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Rainfall mm | 117 | 88 | 86 | 78 | 84 | 90 | 96 | 102 | 89 | 120 | 124 | 124 |
| Galway | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 9 |
| Low °C | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| Rainfall mm | 108 | 84 | 81 | 68 | 81 | 89 | 97 | 105 | 86 | 104 | 118 | 113 |
Average daily highs and lows, and monthly rainfall. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station DUBLIN (8 km, 74 m), auf 20 m umgerechnet. Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station CORK (7 km, 153 m), auf 20 m umgerechnet. Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station CLAREMORRIS (50 km, 69 m), auf 8 m umgerechnet. Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020.
For walks along the cliffs or boat trips to the Aran Islands and Skellig Michael, the summer months are the most reliable; in winter, many boat tours to the islands are cancelled entirely because of the sea conditions.
Skellig Michael is accessible by boat only roughly between May and the end of September; exact dates depend each year on weather and operating permits.
Sources: Wikipedia
What do you need to enter Ireland?
For tourist stays of up to 90 days, Swiss, German and Austrian nationals need no visa, but do need a valid passport or ID card; Ireland is not part of the Schengen area, so passport control always takes place at the border, even when arriving from another EU country (as of September 2026).
- Switzerland: passport or ID card, visa-free for up to 90 days; the FDFA refers to the Irish representation for details.
- Germany: passport, provisional passport, ID card or provisional ID card are accepted, including children's passports.
- Austria: passport or valid ID card required, no visa needed; a purely electronic ID does not replace the physical document.
- Other nationalities: different rules apply, in some cases with a visa requirement; the Irish embassy or immigration authority in the respective country is the authoritative source.
Because Ireland and the United Kingdom together form their own Common Travel Area and lie outside the Schengen area, the passport is checked on every entry, regardless of whether the traveller is arriving from a Schengen country. For onward travel to Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, an ID card is not sufficient for German nationals according to the Federal Foreign Office; since 2 April 2025, an additional Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required.
The advisories from the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office, the BMEIA and the Irish authorities at the time of travel are the authoritative source.
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Citizens Information (Irish government) · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria
What vaccinations and health precautions are needed for Ireland?
No vaccination is required for entry. healthytravel.ch rates the health risk for the general population and for tourists as extremely low, provided the usual precautions are followed; for at-risk travellers, it recommends hepatitis B.
The Federal Foreign Office names no mandatory vaccinations, but recommends keeping standard vaccinations up to date and advises hepatitis B where individually indicated, for example for longer stays or medical procedures on site. healthytravel.ch adds a flu vaccination for at-risk groups such as pregnant women, older travellers or people with pre-existing conditions.
Medical care is, according to the Federal Foreign Office, comparable to that in Germany; the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is recognized for EU and EEA citizens. Travellers from Switzerland should check their own travel insurance coverage beforehand, as the EHIC does not apply to Switzerland.
The BMEIA notes that medical infrastructure can sometimes fall short of Western European standards, especially outside the major cities; supplementary insurance covering medical transport is recommended.
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany · healthytravel.ch, Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria
How safe is Ireland for travellers?
Ireland is one of the safest travel destinations in Europe; violent crime is rare according to the Federal Foreign Office. Check the current situation with the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA. Everyday risks include pickpocketing in tourist areas and car break-ins in unguarded car parks.
The Federal Foreign Office names petty crime such as pickpocketing, which mainly affects tourists, as well as vehicle theft and break-ins in unguarded car parks, as the most common offences. It rates violent crime as rare.
Violence and violent assaults can occur, particularly in Dublin city centre at night, so increased caution is advised in the evening and night hours. Petty theft is also common in busy venues and public squares.
Natural hazards play a minor role compared with crime; at cliff coastlines such as the Cliffs of Moher or Skellig Michael, local authorities warn of unstable path sections and strong wind.
Sources: Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
How do you travel to Ireland and around the country?
International flights land mainly in Dublin (DUB), with around 201 nonstop destinations in 44 countries, the country's largest airport; Cork (ORK) and Shannon (SNN) additionally serve Europe and, in some cases, North America. Within the country, Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) connects Dublin, Cork and Galway in around two and a half hours; the coastal routes generally require a rental car or bus.
| Route | Mode | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin Heuston – Cork Kent | train | around 2 h 14 min to 2 h 40 min |
| Dublin Heuston – Galway Ceannt | train | around 2 h 20 min to 2 h 31 min |
| Cork – Galway | bus (no direct train) | around 3 h 30 min |
| Cork – Kinsale | car, bus | around 30 min |
| Cork – Cobh | train | around 25 min |
| Galway – Cliffs of Moher | car, bus | around 1 h 30 min |
| Dublin – Belfast (Northern Ireland) | train | around 2 h |
According to FlightConnections, Dublin Airport is the country's largest airport with around 201 nonstop destinations in 44 countries; over 20 destinations in the US are served nonstop, including New York and Boston, along with seasonal connections to Central America. Cork and Shannon add connections to Great Britain, continental Europe, and, from Shannon, seasonal flights to the US.
Iarnród Éireann runs several times a day between the three main cities; there is no direct train connection between Cork and Galway, where long-distance buses run instead. For the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry and Connemara, a rental car is the most flexible option, since buses along the coast run less frequently.
The easiest way to reach Northern Ireland and on to Great Britain is the Dublin–Belfast train or a ferry; it is worth noting that Ireland and the United Kingdom together form the Common Travel Area, but both lie outside the Schengen area.
Sources: FlightConnections · Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
What currency do you need in Ireland, and how do you pay?
The national currency is the euro; according to the Federal Foreign Office, card payment is widespread and cash increasingly uncommon, especially in Dublin. ATMs are available in all cities and most larger towns.
Almost every café, pub and souvenir shop accepts contactless payment; in rural areas along the Wild Atlantic Way, it is still worth carrying some cash, as individual small businesses or parking meters accept coins only.
Tipping is common in Ireland but not obligatory: around 10% is customary in restaurants, provided no service charge is already on the bill; in pubs, no tip is usually expected for drinks at the bar.
Museum admission varies widely: many state museums in Dublin are free to visit, while attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse or Blarney Castle charge admission of around 20 to 30 €.
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany
Where is the best place to stay in Ireland?
In Dublin, most hotels are located around Temple Bar, Grafton Street or the north bank of the Liffey near the centre. In Cork, the old town between the two branches of the River Lee is a good choice, and in Galway, the centre around the Latin Quarter.
Staying centrally in Dublin puts Trinity College, Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse within walking distance; quieter districts such as Ranelagh or Portobello lie a little outside the centre.
Along the Wild Atlantic Way, most travellers stay in small bed & breakfasts or guesthouses in towns such as Kinsale, Dingle or Clifden; large hotel chains are the exception here. For the Aran Islands, one night on Inis Mór is enough to explore the island without time pressure.
What do you eat in Ireland?
Irish stew, made from lamb or mutton, onions and potatoes, is considered the national dish, alongside soda bread, fresh fish on the coast and, of course, Guinness as the country's best-known beer. Irish whiskey such as Jameson is traditionally triple-distilled, which sets it apart from Scotch whisky.
Classic Irish stew dates to the early 19th century and originally consisted only of mutton, onions and potatoes; it was Irish emigrants in the US who, in the mid-19th century, added beef and sometimes stout beer. Soda bread, a quick bread made without yeast, accompanies soups and stews.
The Midleton Distillery near Cork produces much of Ireland's whiskey, sold under brands such as Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Spot and Paddy; the characteristic triple distillation makes it milder than many Scotch varieties.
On the coast, fresh fish and seafood are standard fare, such as smoked salmon or oysters from Galway Bay; coddle, a Dublin stew of sausage, bacon and potatoes, and drisheen, a blood sausage from Cork's English Market, round out the traditional cuisine.
Sources: Marriott Activities / regional Cork tourism information
What culture shapes Ireland?
Ireland is best known for its literature: Dublin was named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010, the fourth city in the world to receive the title after Iowa City, Melbourne and Edinburgh. Add to that traditional music in the pubs, the Irish language in the Gaeltacht regions, and a dense festival calendar.
Writers such as James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde and several Nobel laureates in literature shape Dublin's reputation; literary walks follow, for example, the settings of Joyce's "Ulysses" through the city centre.
The Connemara region west of Galway is home to the country's largest contiguous Irish-speaking community, the so-called Gaeltacht; road signs and place names there appear in Irish first.
Festivals such as the Galway International Arts Festival in July, the Galway Races, and the Macnas Halloween parade show how strongly music, theatre and street art shape the Irish calendar; live music is part of the programme in the pubs of Galway and Dublin practically every evening.
Sources: Dublin.ie · Galway Tourism
What experiences are worthwhile in Ireland?
Highlights include a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, a boat trip to the Aran Islands or to Skellig Michael, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, and a hike in Connemara National Park. Travellers with more time can drive sections of the Wild Atlantic Way by rental car.
- Cliffs of Moher: around 8 km of cliffs up to 214 m high in County Clare, part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
- Aran Islands: boat from Galway, Doolin or Rossaveal to prehistoric stone forts on Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr.
- Skellig Michael: boat trip from Portmagee to the preserved monk's cells from the 6th to 8th centuries, seasonal from May to September.
- Guinness Storehouse Dublin: tour through the brewery with a Skybar view over the city.
- Connemara National Park: hikes through the Twelve Bens, with the county's summit Benbaun at 725 m.
- Blarney Castle: a castle from 1446 with the famous Blarney Stone near Cork.
- Boyne Valley: Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, passage tombs around 5,000 years old north of Dublin.
Sources: Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience · Galway Tourism · UNESCO World Heritage Centre · UNESCO World Heritage Centre
How do you travel responsibly in Ireland?
The cliff coastlines and islands are ecologically sensitive; signposted paths and official boat operators protect both nature and travellers from fall risk and strong wind. In the cities, much can be done on foot or by train instead of by rental car.
- At the Cliffs of Moher and on Skellig Michael, stay on marked paths; venturing off them risks falls and erosion.
- Book official, licensed boat operators for the Aran Islands and Skellig Michael rather than improvised trips.
- Use the train between Dublin, Cork and Galway, and reserve the rental car for the coastal routes.
- In the Connemara Gaeltacht region, respect place names and signage in Irish — it is not folklore but everyday language.
Sources: Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience
Which countries can Ireland be combined with?
The United Kingdom is the most obvious choice: Dublin and Belfast are connected by train in around 2 h, and Ireland and Great Britain together form the Common Travel Area. Because neither is part of Schengen, onward travel in either direction still requires a valid passport or ID card.
A Dublin–Belfast–Giant's Causeway route connects the Republic of Ireland with Northern Ireland and its best-known natural attraction, without any visible border check; German nationals do, however, need a passport for this leg, since an ID card is not sufficient for onward travel into the rest of the United Kingdom according to the Federal Foreign Office.
Travellers continuing from Ireland into the Schengen area, for example to France or the Benelux countries, go through regular passport control at the destination airport, since Ireland itself lies outside the Schengen area.
Sources: Citizens Information (Irish government) · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
Who is Ireland suited for, and who might prefer to skip it?
Ireland suits travellers who appreciate coastal landscape, small towns and a strong music and pub culture, and who can live with changeable weather. It is less suited to anyone dependent on reliable sunshine or beach holidays.
Ireland is a good fit for nature lovers, hikers and literature enthusiasts, as well as for families wanting to combine cities with coastal excursions. Travellers who prefer to avoid a rental car can still get a varied picture of the country with Dublin, Cork and Galway plus day trips from there.
Ireland is less ideal for travellers who need predictable, warm weather, or for anyone wanting to fully experience the remote sections of the Wild Atlantic Way, such as the Ring of Kerry or Connemara, without a car; buses run far less frequently there than in the cities.