Travel advice for Ireland
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Ireland
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Ireland is home to over 30,000 castles and castle ruins, iconic landscapes, and a rich history. It is understandably a destination that draws millions of visitors each year from around the globe. If you're wondering how to get to Ireland, you have lots of options. Here is our guide with tips from our Rough Guides local travel experts.
Created by local experts
The quickest and easiest way to get to Ireland is to fly, though you can catch a ferry from the UK or from France if you have a car with you.
You’ll find flights from Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Delta, United, Ryanair, British Airways and more.
For its size, Ireland has quite a few international airports that you can fly into. Dublin is the largest and busiest airport, and where you’re likely to find the cheapest flights. Shannon is conveniently located if you’re planning on exploring the west of Ireland.
Ireland’s international airports include:
The cheapest time to travel to Ireland is typically during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). If you want to save money, you’ll want to avoid the peak summer season and the busy period around St. Patrick's Day (mid-March).
The best way to travel to Ireland from the US is to fly directly to Dublin. Major airlines such as Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Delta, and United offer direct flights from cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Other options include flying to Shannon or Cork, though this often will mean a layover.
If you’re flying from Canada, in most cases you can fly directly to Dublin. Airlines such as Air Canada and Aer Lingus offer direct flights from major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver to Dublin.
Alternatively, you can connect through major European hubs like London, Paris, or Amsterdam before flying to Dublin, Shannon, or Cork. This option may take longer due to layovers but can save you a lot of money.
Going on a trip to Ireland? Don't miss our important planning tips.
You can catch a flight to Ireland from most major UK cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. The flight will typically take around one hour, and will cost between £20 to £100.
Driving to Ireland from the UK involves taking a ferry from either Irish Ferries or Stena Line. You can drive to ports like Holyhead, Liverpool, or Cairnryan and take a ferry to Dublin, Belfast, or Larne, and bring your car on board.
The ferry journey takes about 2-4 hours, depending on the route.
Travelling by train will also mean taking a ferry from either Irish Ferries or Stena Line.
The train ride to Holyhead from London takes about 3.5 hours. After the ferry journey, which takes about 2-4 hours, you can take a train from Dublin to your final destination in Ireland.
Flights to Ireland from Europe are generally affordable, with prices typically ranging from €50 to €150 for a one-way ticket, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Common airlines serving these routes include Aer Lingus, Ryanair, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France.
Traveling by ferry from France to Ireland is a scenic and practical option if you’re exploring Europe by road or seeking an alternative to flying. Direct ferry services operate between Rosslare Europort on the southeast coast of Ireland and Cherbourg and Roscoff in France.
If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, or any European Union member state, you do not need a visa to visit Ireland for short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or family visits. This applies to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
However, if you are a citizen of a country outside of these regions, you may need a visa to enter Ireland.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Ireland
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written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 20.06.2024
Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Senior Content Editor at Rough Guides.
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