Explore Ireland: A Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Growing up with an Irish best friend and living in a New York City neighborhood filled with Irish immigrants, I found myself more and more drawn to the idea of visiting Ireland, so I finally made it happen. For this year’s birthday, A quick flight over the Atlantic brought me to the greenest country I’ve ever seen! As we drove through the countryside, we were surrounded by endless green landscapes, sheep, and charming towns, each with its unique character. My sister and I, along with three friends, navigated narrow streets and the challenge of driving on the opposite side of the road, visiting five cities in seven days. It was truly a trip of a lifetime, and we’re already planning our next adventure—this time in the summer, not during the off-season!

Number of Days to Stay: 4-14 Days

Expenses: $-$$$

Best Time to Travel: March-September

Where To Stay
Where To Eat
Activities
Attractions
Nightlife
Transportation

Where to Stay:

Your choice of city and the length of your stay will depend on your itinerary and the destinations you plan to visit. For this blog post, I’ll be focusing on recommending accommodations in the cities I personally traveled to or stayed in during my trip!

Dublin

Hotels

The Dean Hotel

Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre – I scored a great discount on this hotel through work, which is why we chose it, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to expectations. While the location by the water was nice, the main attractions were still a 15–20-minute walk away. We often ended up taking an Uber back after late nights or when we were rushing to make reservations. The hotel’s restaurant service was lacking, and the meals were just okay, not anything to write home about. If you’re looking to stay within walking distance of most of the city’s top attractions, I’d recommend booking somewhere in or around Temple Bar rather than across the river.

Airbnbs/Rentals

Hostels

Galway

Hotels

Airbnbs/Rentals

“The Art House 6” Galway, Woodquay – This rental is a “Guest Favorite” for a reason! Not only is it in a fantastic location within walking distance of the city center, but it also offers a peaceful stay, street parking, and a cozy, welcoming decor. Our group of five fit comfortably, each with our own bed, making it the perfect home base. A fun bonus—the house is painted bright yellow, so it was easy to spot both upon arrival and after a long day of exploring! One thing to note: if you’re traveling with heavy luggage, be prepared for a big staircase leading to three of the four bedrooms. That aside, we couldn’t have been happier with our stay and were so glad we chose an Airbnb over a hotel!
“The Art House 8” Galway
The Jewel of The Latin Quarter Premier location

Hostels

Killarney

Hotels

Airbnbs/Rentals

Town Centre. Beautiful home. Private Parking – Our first stay in Ireland was at this Airbnb, and it truly felt like we were living there. With a cozy living room complete with a fireplace, spacious bedrooms, and a well-equipped kitchen, it was the perfect home away from home. While we did need to take a taxi to and from town, it was affordable and didn’t bother us since we spent most of our days out exploring. Our host was incredibly kind, providing great recommendations and always being available when we needed him. If you’re traveling with a larger group, I highly recommend this rental—our group of 5 felt right at home!

Hostels

Dingle

Hotels

Airbnbs/Rentals

Limerick

Hotels

The George Hotel – We stayed here for one night, and the hotel was conveniently located in a central area, making it easy to get to. While parking wasn’t free, they offered us a discounted rate. The hotel features both a restaurant and a bar, which is a nice touch. Since it’s a newer property, all the rooms are modern, spacious, and well-appointed, making for a comfortable stay!

Airbnbs/Rentals

Hostels

Castles

Where to Eat:

Dublin

Gallaghers Boxty ($$-$$$) – A friend recommended this restaurant, and it did not disappoint! Serving classic Irish dishes—some with a creative twist—the food was absolutely delicious. While its location in Temple Bar might seem touristy, the quality of the meal proved otherwise. What truly made our experience unforgettable was our waitress—she was an absolute delight, keeping the energy high and making the night even more enjoyable. If you’re looking to try Boxty and sip on some fantastic cocktails, I highly recommend adding this spot to your itinerary!

Patrick Guilbaud ($$$$) – We wanted to experience a Michelin-star restaurant during our trip, so we saved a special dinner for our last night—and it turned out to be an unforgettable fine dining experience. It was our first time indulging in this level of dining, and we were pleasantly surprised by the impeccable service. Each dish was thoughtfully presented, with detailed explanations of its ingredients, flavors, preparation, and even the proper silverware to use. While the final bill was on the pricey side, it was a truly unique and memorable way to wrap up our time in Ireland!

Recanto Brazil Café ($-$$) – We stopped here for a quick bite before exploring Dublin for the day. This café was a local spot as people poured in to grab a coffee, a bite to eat, and chat. The Brazilian café had a small selection of food for breakfast, but it was delish, and the coffee was amazing!

Terra Madre ($$) – An Italian spot for the best pasta in Dublin. You can only make a reservation by calling, and they did not have any room for us during our Dublin portion of the trip. Make sure you book as soon as you land in Ireland!
POG ($$) – A popular brunch spot in Dublin if you slept in a little late and are just getting the day started.
Note ($$$$) – A Michelin Star Restaurant, we contemplated reserving a table for two until we found out they could only accommodate two of us. Also has great reviews and is opting to splurge a little for a delightful meal.
Slice, Stoneybatter ($) – This is a great spot to grab some brunch and coffee.

The Church Restaurant ($$) – Exactly the way it sounds, this church-turned-restaurant is a popular destination to visit in Dublin as the food is not only great, but they pour a great pint of Guinness too!
Butlers Chocolate ($$) – Stop here to get coffee and delicious chocolate treats! You can sit here or take away, but with every purchase, you get a free chocolate truffle!
The Bank ($$)
Fallon and Byrne ($$-$$$)
The Winding Stair ($$)
Fire Steakhouse and Bar ($$$$)

Galway

McDonagh’s Fish and Chips ($) – You can’t visit Ireland without trying fish and chips, and McDonough’s serves the best I’ve ever had—no exaggeration. The fish was incredibly fresh, lightly fried, and full of flavor. We also shared some fried shrimp, which was just as delicious. What made it even better was the price. It was affordable, and you can grab a cold beer to enjoy with your meal!

Ard Bia at Nimmos ($$-$$$) – One of my favorite restaurants of the trip! Located right on the water in Galway, this charming spot offers a seasonal menu that will absolutely blow you away. While the menu is limited, don’t be fooled—every dish is incredibly delicious and cooked to perfection! I recommend coming here for brunch if you’re unsure about what kind of meal you’re in the mood for. The ambiance is so cozy and inviting, it felt like we were sitting at home enjoying a home-cooked meal. Vegan Options!

The Dough Bros ($-$$) – I know what you’re thinking—pizza in Ireland? Really? Yes, really! I was skeptical too after seeing multiple TikTok videos recommending this place, but let me tell you, there wasn’t a single pizza I didn’t love. We even considered going there two nights in a row! Not only can you enjoy a personal pizza, but you can pair it with a beer or cocktail. There are several locations in Galway, and while we dined at the Middle Street location, it’s said that the best spot is behind O’Connell’s in the Beer/Pizza Garden. Trust me, this is a must-try! Vegan Options! (And they have the cutest merch if you wanna take something home for the memories!)

Moran’s On the Weir ($$-$$$) – Just outside of Galway, there’s a charming cottage-turned-restaurant by the weir, serving some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste! We stopped here on our way to Galway from the Cliffs of Moher, and it was the perfect pit stop. They also offer chicken tenders and fries for those who aren’t fans of seafood, so if you can convince your group to eat here, I highly recommend it—don’t miss out on this hidden gem!

Cava Bodega ($$-$$$) – We ended up here on a whim since almost every restaurant we wanted to try in Galway was fully booked for a Thursday night. Just like the other places we dined at, this restaurant was as delicious as we could have hoped! It was fun to order a variety of dishes for the table, allowing us to try a little bit of everything. The charcuterie board was a must-order, as were the croquettes. Each of us also ordered a small plate for our “entrée,” making it the perfect way to sample the menu!

Kai ($$$$) – Having Sushi in Galway is a must if you are into seafood, as it is so fresh! Kai is a great spot to indulge in some expensive, tasty fish and eat at a Michelin Star restaurant!
Ruibin ($$) – A contemporary spin on Irish food

Killarney

Cronin’s ($$) – We dined here on our first night in Ireland, and what a treat it was! The food was absolutely delicious, and we couldn’t get enough. With a mix of dinner favorites and traditional Irish dishes such as Shepherds Pie and corned beef and cabbage, and Sunday roast. We were thrilled with our first meal of the trip—it set the perfect tone for the rest of our time in Ireland!

Bricin Restaurant ($$) – Rated as one of the best traditional Irish restaurants in Ireland, I was so disappointed to find out that they’re closed for most of February, meaning we missed out on some truly delicious food. On the bright side, they offer vegan options, so everyone in your party can enjoy a great meal!
Harrow ($$) – Another great restaurant that is closed during the off-season! Rated highly among travelers

Porter House ($$) – This steakhouse came highly recommended on multiple apps and by a coworker, so we had to give it a try—and we were not disappointed! While I didn’t have the steak, the appetizers were fantastic, and I still had a delicious meal. The girls who went for the steak were thrilled with their choice, and we all left feeling completely satisfied. And can you believe this steakhouse even has vegan options? Definitely a place worth visiting!

Café Du Parc ($-$$) – This popular brunch and lunch spot is located inside a hotel. I did not like it as much as the internet and our Airbnb host raved about it, but some of our meals were good, and the remaining were just okay. I did enjoy the wellness shots they made! Vegan Options!

La Petit Delice ($) – This small French bakery was so adorable, and the options and coffees made me feel like I was in a French bakery in the middle of Paris. They had Parisian groceries imported that you can purchase and bring home. Whether you need a quick bite to go or want to sit and enjoy a fresh brew and yummy croissant, I would definitely stop here for a daily fresh treat!

Dingle

Paidi O Se’s ($) – Great spot to grab a bite for lunch and some pints of Guinness!

The Diner ($) – In the main town is an establishment called “The Diner,” and as a born and raised Jersey Girl, I was a little skeptical about eating there, but we were starving and it didn’t disappoint! There were many lunch and breakfast options to choose from, as well as some tasty coffee!

Out of The Blue ($$) – Great restaurant to order seafood.
The Fish Box ($$) – This was unfortunately closed during our visit, but has such great reviews. I was disappointed we couldn’t eat here
Murphy’s Ice Cream ($) – Although you can find Murphy’s in every major city you visit in Ireland, it is best to have it in the place where it was created! You can find multiple locations throughout the town to grab a sweet treat as you explore or followed by a nice meal.
Caife Na Tra ($$) – Located on the Dingle Peninsula, this is a great place to rest from driving and enjoy a coffee, snack, and a beautiful view! We did not drive the Dingle Peninsula as we didn’t have enough time, but this is a must-do when I visit Ireland again. The views are breathtaking! Make sure to check if it is open before driving to this café, as they are closed during off off-season!
Kruger’s Pub ($) – Great fish and chips spot

Other Options:

Paper Boys, Cork ($$) – This small but bustling restaurant has a seasonal and monthly menu, getting its customers to come back for more every month! The food here was so delicious and different, not to forget their kitschy option names. Great spot for brunch or late lunch.

Vegetarian/Vegan Recommendations:

Dublin – Many Restaurants in Dublin offer vegan or vegetarian options. It is a food allergy-friendly city!

It’s a Trap ($-$$) – A Coffee shop that offers a variety of vegan lunches
Glas Restaurant ($$$) –A Restaurant that serves vegan and vegetarian options
The Saucy Cow Food Track and Restaurant ($$)
Cornucopia Restaurant ($$-$$$) – vegan-friendly and gluten-free friendly
1837 Bar and Brassiere ($$-$$$) – Offer vegan and vegetarian options
Bambino Pizza ($-$$) – NYC-style pizza with vegan options available

Galway – I would consider Galway to have a lot more vegan and vegetarian establishments than Dublin! Major Irish pubs and restaurants will also cater to any food allergy.

Greens & Co ($$-$$$) – Plant-Based Restaurant
Lighthouse Coffee ($$) – Vegetarian-friendly café with many vegan choices on the menu
Sweet Nothings ($$) – Can be closed during the off-season, so make sure to look at the availability when you are traveling! Part grocery store, part café
56 Central ($$) – Serves Irish vegetarian or vegan-style meals

Killarney – Surprisingly has many vegan options here and places where you can customize the dish to be vegan! Many of the restaurants I ate above had vegan options on the menu.

Castlelough Restaurant & Lakeside Bistro ($$$) – Has a dedicated vegetarian/vegan menu.
Cellar Oen ($$-$$$) – Vegan options on the menu.
Manna Café & Bistro ($) – Has many vegan options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Castlelodge ($$) – You don’t have to miss out on an Irish breakfast when they serve a full vegan option here!

Dingle

Nourish Café ($$) – Mainly a popular spot for soup!
Puca ($$) – Not only is this restaurant a vegetarian cafe, it is also one of the few spots where you can get a full Irish vegan breakfast!
Seed and Soul ($$)
My Boy Blue ($$-$$$)
Solas ($$)

What to Do:

Activities/Museums

Dublin

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour – In every city, this is the easiest way to explore a city in a short amount of time

St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Two of my friends attended mass on Saturday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and walked around, but found it to be very touristy. I think we are spoiled with the beautiful church on 5^th Avenue, but they said it was great to see the original.

Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College – Book readers and lovers alike need to come to one of the oldest libraries in the world and learn about the Book of Kells. This self-guided tour was really amazing and we paid extra for the Gaia experience which was well worth it. The Books of Kells is in the middle of Trinity College so you can walk the campus afterwards!

Guinness Store House– Not going to lie, our group spent a total of three hours here. I enjoyed this experience a lot more than the Heineken tour in Amsterdam. We learned not only how the Guinness Family created the tastiest beer ever and how it’s made, but the tour also included how the family gave back to the community and treated their employees. We paid extra for the “Learn To Pour Guinness” experience, which is also well worth the money, but if you are not interested you can buy a regular ticket or pay for a “Stoutie” which is a selfie of you on the foam of your very own Guinness Pint!

Dublin Castle – Make sure to take the tour of this castle, we missed out on it which I regret but a friend did the tour and was amazed at its beauty!
Jameson Whiskey Museum Tour & Tasting – For all of our Jame-o loves, this one’s for you. Similar to the Guinness Storehouse, you can take this tour to learn about the history and making of Jameson and get to taste a sample of it as well!
EPIC Irish Immigration Museum – If you are Irish and always wanted to know where in Ireland your family is from, or your family’s history, this is a great museum to visit! I wish I had Irish heritage to visit and learn about my family….Greece should take some notes.

Shop Grafton Street – This is a major shopping area from small boutiques to fast fashion favorites. Situated right in Temple Bar you can go from the pub to the store in just a few minutes.

Catch a game at Croke Park – This is a great activity to do if you have never seen a game of Gaelic Football and know that it is the country’s sport!
Vicobaths – If you are traveling in the summer and want to go for a swim make sure to stop here.
Dubhlinn Gardens – Located in Dublin Castle and is the birthplace of Dublin

Day trip to the Wicklow Mountains
George’s St. Arcade – Street market with local shops and vendors.
Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Burren, and Galway Day Trip from Dublin
Visit Love Lane – A Hidden gem in Dublin that is a little hard to find, but once you arrive the lane will make your heart melt
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Dublin

Galway

Walk and Shop Eyre Square

Walk around Latin Quarter and Quay Street for shopping and museums
- Visit Thomas Dillion for the original Claddagh Ring, Aisling Book Shop
, Charlie Byrnes Bookshop, Aran Sweater Market (wool sweaters), Weaver’s of Ireland

Sheep Dog Herding Demo – I saw this suggestion many times on TikTok and if I had enough time I would have totally picked this activity! Who doesn’t love a cute dog and fluffy sheep?

Day Trip to Cliffs of Moher – We decided to stop here on our way to Galway, but if you aren’t renting a car many tour companies will take you to visit Ireland’s iconic attractions from Galway or even Dublin!

Visit Spanish Arch – When we visited the Spanish Arch there was a lot of construction to help restore it so it wasn’t as fascinating as we hoped but I bet it is beautiful during the summer when you can walk along the water.
Shop Quay Street – Whether you want to shop locally or check out the fashion retail of Ireland, this is a great spot in the city to get all of your shopping or window shopping done.
Tribe Gin School in Salthill – Make sure to visit this locally owned spot and make your very own Gin!

Galway Cathedral – We walked here from the main square and this church was probably the biggest one I have visited and is so beautiful! I loved the stained-glass windows. This is open to the public to visit.

Day Trip to the Aran Islands – A highly recommended spot from many friends who have traveled to Ireland in the warmer months that unfortunately we were not able to partake in. The islands are so beautiful and you can ride an electric bike around to enjoy the views, stop at different areas and enjoy some Irish island time. You can get here by ferry or by plane.
Drive to Kylemore Abbey – Another reason for me to revisit Ireland is because I missed Kylemore Abbey which looks absolutely stunning and was recommended by almost everyone I talked to who visited Ireland. They do day trips for Galway here if you do not have a rental car.
Galway City Museum – This is free and not only do you learn more about the city but they have extensive information on the famous Claddagh ring.

Killarney

Horseback ride through Killarney National Park – We did this on our first full day in Killarney and it was such a fun and unique way to see the national park! We opted for the 1-hour tour but you can ride the horse around the park for 1-3 hours. All experience levels are welcomed, and the staff was so friendly. We still talk about our horses and how much fun we had (and maybe how much we miss the horse we each were assigned)

Walk around Killarney Town – The town has many cafes, shops, and restaurants to explore. It is fairly small and can be done in a couple of hours!

Visit Killarney National Park – Whether you walk, take a tour, a horse and carriage ride, or whatever fancies you for your trip, the park is so beautiful and a must-do no matter the weather!

Torc Waterfall – The hike to the waterfall is short and incredibly easy! We parked in the designated lot and followed the trail, which led us straight to the stunning waterfall. The surrounding forest made us feel like we had stepped into a fairytale! While you have the option to hike the full trail, you can also simply enjoy the waterfall and head back to your car. This walk is very beginner-friendly—we even saw a family with young kids enjoying the experience!

Drive the scenic Gap of Dunloe – Very similar to the Torc Waterfall, this is also a park and hike attraction which we had to skip.

Take a Boat trip in the Gap of Dunloe – If we knew the weather was going to be beautiful and not windy we would have done this tour! If you are traveling off-season make sure these tours are running!

Muckross House and Garden – We drove to the Muckross House and Gardens and the house was very interesting! We did a self-guided tour, but there were workers there to give us some information on the rooms and the history of the owners. You can also walk the Gardens (open to the public) and there is even a hiking trail that will lead you to the Torc Waterfall!

Drive the ring of Kerry – This drive is so beautiful and scenic! We drove half of the ring as we didn’t have enough time to make the full trip, but it was still stunning and we got to stop at a lot of sites along the way. You can also take a guided tour!
Day Trip to Dingle – If you want to see the Dingle Peninsula there is a day trip from Killarney that will take you to all the top attractions (I wish we knew to do this, but you live and learn)
Boat Trip on the lakes of Killarney
Tour The Ross Castle
Visit Muckross Abbey and see the Yew Tree

Dingle

Inch beach – we passed by here on our way to Dingle from Killarney. It is one of the biggest beaches I have seen! Hoping to come here during the summer one day to enjoy the weather and a dip in the ocean.

Hold a Baby Lamb – The prime time to hold a cute baby lamb is March- September at this small farm off the Dingle Peninsula.

Drive the Conor Pass – this is a very narrow road on the way out of Dingle. You will see tourist shops “I Survived the Conor Pass” trinkets and small gifts to buy. We did not do this as we had to drive to Limerick and the Conor Pass is on the route to drive the entire Dingle Peninsula.

Visit Dingle Bookshop – Nestled in the small fishing town is a bookshop filled with unique books. I bought an Irish Folk and Myths book here to read post-trip and a postcard! The shopkeeper was very sincere and it was pretty busy for being midday on a Tuesday.

Shop at The Strand House – Great place to buy Aran Wool sweaters and they have a cute cafe on the second floor to have a break and sip on some coffee

Ce Dhun Chaoin – The most beautiful view of cliffs and water.
Dingle Skellig Spa

Dingle Sea Safari – If the weather cooperated with our tour, this would have been the first excursion I booked visiting Dingle. During all my research for this trip, almost all blogs and videos recommended this trip, especially if you are an animal lover.

Sea Wild Life Tour – This is more specific than the sea safari tour. If you are looking to see some whales and dolphins, make sure you book a boat tour!
Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium – If you are not a fan of boats, but would like to see some wildlife, make sure to stop at Dingle’s very own aquarium!
Visit the Beehives
Visit Gallarus Oratory
Drive the Scenic Slea Head drive
Walk Dunquin Pier
Drive to Coumeenoole Bay and visit the beach

Other Notable Attractions

Cork, Visit the oldest English Market in the World (closed on Sundays) – Arriving in Cork and finding out this was closed was super disappointing, so make sure you come here on a weekday! It is right in the middle of the city where all of the shopping is located.

Cork, Visit Blarney Castle and Kiss the Blarney Stone – Another popular attraction that we didn’t have enough time to visit and explore. Kissing the stone for good luck and love is one of the many reasons tourists come to explore this castle!
Cork, Jameson Irish Whiskey & Midleton Distillery Experience – Unlike the tour in Dublin, this is the actual distillery in Ireland!
Visit the town Cobh – Located south of the City of Cork is a picturesque town called Cobh. If you plan a driving trip, it is worth visiting this town and going towards the shore as the landscapes are said to be breathtaking

Bunratty Castle Medieval Dinner – Call us crazy, but this was the second-best part of the trip (partly because of our inside jokes). A friend who has also visited said she took her family, and it was a very fun experience. We learned the history of the castle, got to take a tour, and there were performances all throughout our meal and after. This attraction is a little out of the way from traditional Ireland Road Trips and is the main reason why we decided to stay in Limerick, but I do not regret it at all. The food was delicious, the cast was talented, and we had a night that we will never forget.

Nightlife

Dublin

Pubs

The Brazenhead – The oldest pub in Ireland! This pub is mostly outdoors, but in case the weather is a little wet (which let’s face it, it usually is in Ireland), they cover the open areas with a retractable roof! This pub is so charming with its decorations and its walking distance from the Guinness Storehouse, so make sure you stop here before or after your tour!

The Blind Pig Speakeasy – Make sure you book a reservation here in advance as they give you the location and how to get into the speakeasy. We had to pay 10 euros a person to secure our reservation. It is a cool spot to have a drink or two at but we weren’t impressed and did not spend much time here.

Temple Bar– I would only stop in here for one pint as it is very expensive compared to other spots in the city. Honestly, we came here for a picture outside the bar, saw the crowd, and left because it was so packed… even in the off-season!

Mary’s Bar & Hardware Shop – We passed this bar while walking around the city, and I am upset we didn’t stop in for a pint. It looked so cute and cozy, and it is where locals come to hang out.

The Old Stand – We stopped here for a quick pint (or two…or three) before our dinner reservations. This pub was so cute, and you could tell that it was a local spot as everyone knew the bartenders by name and stuck around for a while. The Guinness also went down so smoothly here!

Ryan’s Pub – A recommendation from my friend who visited Dublin in the summer. Unfortunately, we did not make it here, but she went two nights in a row!
Bar 1661 – Rated one of the best bars in Europe for a cocktail!
The Palace Bar (Temple Bar) – A bar that is popularly recommended on social media as well by friends.
The Stags Head
Bad Bob’s

Clubs

Camden – We came here one of our nights in Dublin as my friend recommended it and it was a huge club with a bar area and dance floor. The dance floor was packed, but everyone was dancing and having a great time. The only thing off about this place was that you had to pass through the dance floor to get to the bathrooms, which was a huge challenge. This music is between EDM, Pop, and Hip-hop. They also have a photobooth inside that you can pay for photos for a small amount.

Hang Dai – Make sure to go here if you are visiting on a Saturday!
378 Dawson Street – Not really a club but it is a crowded and popular spot so make sure to get here early.
Nolita – The party starts here Friday and Saturday at 11 p.m.
The Sugar Club

Galway

The Last Door – More of a fun dance pub than a traditional club, you will find a younger crowd at The Last Door. This multi-level and multi-room hangout spot plays upbeat throwbacks, pours a good Guinness, and has us going back for a second night. Make sure you get here early to find a good spot to sit, or else you will find yourself standing up all night, hopping from room to room or up and down the stairs!

The King’s Head – We stopped in here for a quick pint before heading back out to explore Galway. This is the oldest pub in Galway and has a great history as to why it’s called The King’s Head. This pub is massive and known for being not only an attraction in Galway but as a late-night spot that has traditional Irish musicians perform every day.

The Quays – Another late bar that we found ourselves coming back to again and again in Galway. The band played a variety of music and had a lot of people up on their feet dancing! Locals came to enjoy each other’s company, chat, and play card games.

O’Connells – The most recommended pub while planning our trip to Ireland. Located in the neighborhood of Salthill, this cozy bar has the most unique setup and décor I have ever seen. There are all sorts of utensils, items, trinkets, and anything you could ever imagine hanging from the wall, ceiling, or perched up on furniture. There is always a live performer, no matter the day of the week, and a bunch of tables for you to sit and enjoy your company and a drink!

Tigh Neachtain – Another pub recommendation that we did not get to check out, but multiple people suggested we stop in for a drink.
Garavan’s
Taaffes
The Skeff Bar

Killarney

O’Donoghue Public House – This was our first Irish Pub experience and I could not believe how many people were out and about enjoying their Sunday evening in the middle of winter. Everyone from all (legal) ages was at this pub listening to the live musicians, singing along, chatting it up, and sipping on Guinness.

Paddy Sheehan’s – Located directly next to The Killarney Grand Hotel, this pub is a hidden gem in Killarney. There were multiple live music acts while we hung out, enjoying many pints. Once the clock hit 12 a.m, the back doors opened into a club. You could enjoy the live music act in front of the pub or head to the back for a dance floor and bar area that has a DJ playing dance music, pop, and hip-hop. Not to forget, they had pyro as well,l making it feel like you were in an actual nightclub! It was an odd thing to experience, but we were not complaining as we wanted to keep the party going on a Tuesday night!

J.M. Reidys – Closed on Mondays, but a great spot for a bite to eat and a pint of Guinness recommended by an Irish Friend.
Murphy’s Bar & Restaurant – If you want some Irish grub and live music, I recommend making a res and planting yourself here all night to eat, drink, and listen to great local tunes.
The Pink Room @ Ross Hotel – A cute lounge located inside the Ross Hotel, known for its cocktails. We were supposed to come here for drinks, but ended up spending the night inside a pub.
O’Connors Pub
Charlie Foley’s Bar
Celtic Whiskey Bar

Dingle

Dick Mack’s – The most popular pub to visit in Dingle.
Kennedy’s – This pub is located inside a house and set up like you are having a drink with the family that is living there…so cool!
Paddy Bawn Brosan’s – A must-stop pub for pints and live music.
Foxy John’s
Curran’s

Transportation:

Getting To Ireland

Airport – If you’re traveling from the U.S., the main airports to fly into are Dublin or Shannon. If your journey begins on the west coast of Ireland, Shannon Airport is the more convenient option, though flights may be slightly more expensive than those to Dublin. Alternatively, you can fly into another European city first and then connect to Shannon or other Irish airports, including Cork, Knock, or Kerry.

When returning to the U.S., you’ll go through U.S. customs while still in Ireland. Be sure to allow extra time for this process, as you’ll need to clear customs before reaching your departure gate.

While in Ireland

Public Transportation –

Train – Most cities offer a tram or train system. The Irish Rail called Iarnród Éireann , is the national train system that travels across the country and runs the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) in Dublin. Within some cities, there are tram options to get you around the city. You can buy tickets for the Irish Rail on their website, at the train station, or through a travel agent.

Bus – There are a few main providers and smaller bus companies that can get you around the country to popular destinations. The main bus provides Bus Éireann services to destinations like Cork, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, and more. You can buy tickets through the Bus Éireann website, at a bus stop, or on board with exact change.

Ferry – If you are traveling during off season, make sure to check if ferries are running as their peak season is June-August and there may be limited rides depending on the time of year. You will only be using the ferries as a means of transportation if you plan on visiting any of Ireland’s islands. Some of the popular journeys using the ferries are: Doolin to Aran Islands, Tarbert to Killimer, Greenore to Greencastle, and more. You can buy ferry tickets on Irishferries.com or popular sites like directferries.com or ferryhopper.co,m which I love to use when traveling in Greece!

Taxi/Uber/Private Car Service –

Taxis and Ubers are widely available throughout Ireland, making it easy to get around. If you use the Uber app, don’t be surprised if a taxi picks you up instead—Uber in Ireland is connected to local taxi services. You can also ask your hotel’s front desk to arrange a ride or find taxis waiting at designated stands in major cities. If you’re not comfortable driving on the opposite side of the road but still want the flexibility of a road trip, hiring a private car service is a great option. One of my friends had to go this route after accidentally renting a manual car and needing a quick solution to explore southern Ireland. Depending on your itinerary and group size, this can be a surprisingly affordable alternative.

Renting ATVs / Cars / Scooters – Most locals and seasoned travelers will tell you that the best way to see Ireland is by car. While adjusting to driving on the left side of the road took some getting used to, it was well worth the initial nerves! Our group of 5 comfortably fit in an SUV, which we picked up at the airport before embarking on our road trip across southern Ireland and back to Dublin. Car rental services are available throughout the country, but picking up your vehicle at the airport is the most convenient option. All major rental companies—Enterprise, AVIS, National, Alamo, and more—offer a range of vehicles in different sizes and transmissions. I highly recommend getting insurance to cover any dings, scratches, or surprises, especially if it’s your first time driving on the left! While we didn’t see many people renting scooters, biking is a fantastic way to explore certain areas. Scooters and bikes are readily available in popular destinations, making them a great alternative for shorter trips.

Ireland completely stole my heart. Not once did I second-guess our itinerary, the cities we chose, or the experiences we packed into this unforgettable trip. From the mouthwatering food and breathtaking landscapes to the warm and welcoming Irish locals and rich folklore, every moment left me craving more.

This adventure wouldn’t have been the same without the incredible recommendations from friends and fellow travelers—each tip led us to hidden gems, must-see sights, and some of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had. Whether it was watching endless fields of sheep roll by, driving the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, or exploring charming cities with my friends and sister, every experience was a memory in the making.

Another birthday trip in the books—and hands down, the best one yet. Until next time, Ireland!

Sláinte,

Ireland