Ireland

Why Ireland

There are destinations that keep their promises right away, with no time to adapt. Ireland is one of them. In less than two hours' flight from Paris, the Cliffs of Moher fall into the Atlantic at a height of 214 metres, Connemara unfurls its peat bogs as far as the eye can see, and in a Galway pub a traditional music session begins without warning, with musicians taking their instruments out of their coats as if they were taking out a notebook.

What distinguishes Ireland from a green postcard is the coherence between the landscape and the people. Irish kindness is not a tourist service: it precedes mass tourism and will outlive it. The concept of craic, that good humor shared in conversation and music, has no satisfactory translation into any other European language, which says a lot about its originality.

The Republic of Ireland is a country of the European Union, Eurozone, with no exchange rate constraints. A useful clarification: Northern Ireland (Belfast, Giant's Causeway) is part of the United Kingdom and has now required an ETA since 2025. This guide focuses exclusively on the Republic, from Dublin to Killarney.

When to go

The high season runs from May to September, with a peak in July-August. The months of May and September are the best balanced: mild temperatures (15-17°C), long days, reasonable crowds and still affordable prices. June is beautiful but accommodation is often fully booked weeks in advance on the west coast.

July and August reach 19°C in Dublin and in the West: this is the Irish maximum, pleasant but never stifling. Rainfall remains present all year round (between 50 and 80 mm per month in Dublin), which maintains the intense green that is the country's signature. Always bring a light raincoat, even in the middle of summer.

March is worth a visit for party lovers: St. Patrick's Day (16 March, National Day) turns Dublin and all the cities into a stage of celebration for several days. Winter from November to February is cold, rainy and very short-day: not for urban travellers attracted by fireside pubs and Christmas markets, not for hikers.

How much does it cost

Ireland is a medium-high cost destination on a European scale. Dublin is one of the most expensive capitals in Western Europe for accommodation; the west of the country is much more affordable. Expect to pay between 80 and 140 euros per person per day for an all-inclusive self-catering trip, including B&B accommodation or 3-star hotel.

An organized tour of 7 to 8 days from Paris starts at 780 euros per person, flight included for all-inclusive packages. A return flight from Paris to Dublin costs between 50 euros (Ryanair, low season) and 220 euros in high season. Everyday life in pubs: a pint of Guinness around 6-7 euros, fish and chips 12-15 euros, a gastropub meal 18-25 euros.

Car rental is almost a must for the Wild West: count 40-60 euros per day. The Irish Rail provides efficient connections to Dublin, Cork and Kilkenny for city breaks.

Where to go

Ireland can be discovered in two main ways of travelling: the cities of the east coast (Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork) accessible by train and rich in culture, and the wild West (Galway, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry) which requires a car but offers the most spectacular landscapes of the island.

Dublinremains the natural entry point to any tour. The Irish capital can be experienced as much in its free museums (National Museum, National Gallery) as in its pubs in the Temple Bar or on the Georgian banks of the Liffey. Two to three nights are enough to grasp the essentials without the saturation.

Galway, 2 hours and 15 minutes from Dublin by bus or car, is the most endearing city in Ireland after the capital. Its cobbled alleys, colourful garlands of flags and live music pubs give it a permanent party atmosphere. In July, the Galway International Arts Festival (13-26 July 2026) makes it the most vibrant cultural scene in the country.

Le Connemaranorth-west Galway unfolds its landscapes of bogs, loughs (dark water lakes) and rocky ridges. Kylemore Abbey, a nineteenth-century neo-Gothic castle reflected in its lake, is the most emblematic image. The Sky Road in Clifden offers one of the most dizzying coastal panoramas on the island.

The Cliffs of Moher, south of Galway in County Clare, are Ireland's most visited natural site: 8 kilometres of cliffs up to 214 metres high, with views of the Aran Islands on a clear day. Depart early in the morning (before 9am) to avoid tourist buses.

Killarneyis the ideal base for the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometre scenic route around the Iveragh Peninsula. Killarney National Park, its three lakes and Muckross House form a set of rare elegance. The Gap of Dunloe, a mountain pass accessible on foot or by jaunting car, is an experience in its own right.

Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, is worth at least one night for its English Market (1788), colourful quays and food scene that has become one of the best on the island. Cobh, the port from which the Titanic sailed, is 25 minutes away.

Kilkennyis the best-preserved medieval town in Ireland, with its 12th-century Norman castle, narrow streets and craft breweries. Perfect as a stopover between Dublin and Cork.

Our itineraries

In pictures

Practical advice

Formalities

French nationals enter Ireland with their valid passport or national identity card, without a visa. The stay is free for up to 3 months. Ireland is not a member of the Schengen area but is part of the EU: no particular constraints for Europeans.

Important: If your itinerary includes Northern Ireland (Belfast, Giant's Causeway), this region is part of the United Kingdom and requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation, approximately £10) since April 2025. This guide covers the Republic of Ireland only.

The country is on normal vigilance according to the Quai d'Orsay (March 2026). No vaccine is required or recommended specifically for Ireland beyond the usual vaccinations (DTP up to date).

Getting around

In Ireland, you drive on the left. If you rent a car (essential for the West), allow 30 to 45 minutes to adapt on rural roads that are often very narrow, with high embankments that block the view. A GPS is strongly recommended.

Irish Rail serves Dublin, Cork, Galway and Kilkenny with comfortable and punctual trains. The Éireann bus completes the network to the small towns. For Connemara and the Ring of Kerry, only the car allows real freedom.

Taxis are available in all cities; the Free Now and Uber apps work in Dublin. The coach (Bus Éireann, CityLink) connects Dublin to Galway in 2h30 for about 15 euros.

Culture and uses

Pub culture is at the heart of Irish social life: people don't just go there to drink, but to converse and listen to music. Traditional music sessions (uilleann pipes, fiddle, bodhran) are often improvised and free. Just ask if it's a session tonight.

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants: 10-12% is the norm. In pubs, no tip on beers, but sometimes the bill is rounded up.

The weather changes quickly and several times a day: the Irish say that you can experience all four seasons in an hour. Dress in layers, waterproof always within reach.

On Sundays, many shops close earlier than in France, and some museums have reduced hours. Plan accordingly, especially outside Dublin.

Frequently asked questions