Ireland Travel Guide

Last Updated on 26 January 2026 by Johan

Ireland is an island nation in north‑western Europe. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Irish Sea to the east, and the Celtic Sea to the south. Northern Ireland lies to the north and is part of the United Kingdom. Ireland is famous for its green landscapes, rugged coastlines, and lively cities. Its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it one of Europe’s most attractive destinations.

Explanation of the name: Ireland

The name “Ireland” comes from the Old Irish word “Ériu,” the name of a goddess in Celtic mythology. Over time this evolved into “Éire” in modern Irish and “Ireland” in English. The name reflects both mythological heritage and cultural identity. Today “Éire” is still used officially in Irish, while “Ireland” is the internationally recognised name.

History: Ireland

Celtic tribes settled the island between 600 and 150 BC. Viking invasions began in the late eighth century and ended in 1014 when King Brian Boru defeated the Danes at the Battle of Clontarf. From the twelfth century English invasions led to centuries of conflict.

The Easter Rising of 1916 sparked a struggle that culminated in independence in 1921 for 26 southern counties, while six counties in Ulster remained part of the UK. In 1948 Ireland left the British Commonwealth and in 1973 joined the European Community, now the European Union. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 and the St Andrews Agreement of 2006 established frameworks for peace in Northern Ireland.

Modern Ireland is a parliamentary republic with 31 local authorities across four provinces: Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster. Dublin is the capital and largest city, while Cork, Galway, and Limerick are major regional centres.

Tourist information: Ireland

Ireland offers diverse landscapes and cultural attractions. The west coast features the Wild Atlantic Way with cliffs, beaches, and fishing villages. The east is home to Dublin, with its Georgian architecture and lively cultural scene. The south includes Cork and Kerry, known for mountains and coastal drives. The midlands are rich in lakes and historic sites.

Attractions

  • National Museum of Ireland is located at Kildare Street, Dublin 2. It holds collections on archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history. Visitors can see treasures such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. The museum is free to enter and offers insight into Ireland’s past.
  • Little Museum of Dublin is located at 15 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. It tells the story of the city through donated artefacts. Exhibits include memorabilia from U2 and items from everyday Dublin life. The museum is small but engaging and ideal for families.
  • EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is located at the CHQ Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1. It explains the story of Irish migration worldwide. Interactive displays show how Irish people influenced culture and politics abroad. It is modern and accessible, making history easy to understand.
  • Guinness Storehouse is located at St James’s Gate, Dublin 8. It explains the history of Ireland’s most famous beer. Visitors can learn about brewing and enjoy views from the Gravity Bar. It is one of Dublin’s most popular attractions.
  • Kilmainham Gaol is located at Inchicore Road, Dublin 8. This former prison played a key role in Ireland’s independence struggle. Guided tours explain the lives of prisoners and the history of rebellion. It is a moving and educational experience.
  • Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is located at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Road, Dublin 8. It houses contemporary art in a historic building. Exhibitions change regularly and include international and Irish artists. The gardens are also worth visiting.
  • Boyne Valley and Newgrange are located at Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Donore, County Meath. Newgrange is a prehistoric tomb older than the pyramids. Its passage aligns with the winter solstice sunrise. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers guided tours.
  • Cliffs of Moher are located at Liscannor, County Clare. They stretch for 8 km and rise to 214 metres above the Atlantic. O’Brien’s Tower offers panoramic views. The cliffs are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction.
  • Connemara National Park is located at Letterfrack, County Galway. It has walking trails and mountain views. Visitors can see bogs, heaths, and native ponies. The park is ideal for hiking and nature lovers.
  • Killarney National Park is located at Killarney, County Kerry. It covers 26,000 acres of mountains, lakes, and woodlands. Muckross House and Gardens are highlights. Native red deer roam freely in the park.
  • Skellig Michael is reached from Portmagee, County Kerry. It is a monastic site on a rocky island. Monks lived here from the sixth century. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers dramatic views of the Atlantic.

Museums

  • National Museum of Ireland at Kildare Street, Dublin 2, is the main museum for archaeology. It showcases treasures from the Bronze Age and Viking period.
  • EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum at Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, is interactive and modern. It explains migration and Irish influence abroad.
  • Irish Museum of Modern Art at Military Road, Dublin 8, focuses on contemporary art. It hosts exhibitions and events.
  • Little Museum of Dublin at St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, is small but rich in local history. It is ideal for visitors who want to learn about Dublin’s culture.
  • Kilmainham Gaol Museum at Inchicore Road, Dublin 8, is both a museum and historic site. It explains Ireland’s struggle for independence.

Events

  • St Patrick’s Festival takes place in Dublin from 14 to 17 March 2026. Parades, concerts, and cultural events celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. Address: City centre Dublin.
  • Galway International Arts Festival runs in July 2026. It features theatre, music, and visual arts. Address: Galway city centre.
  • Cork Jazz Festival takes place in October 2026. It attracts international musicians and jazz fans. Address: Cork city centre.

Culinary destinations

Irish cuisine includes soda bread, Irish stew, and seafood chowder. Galway Bay is known for oysters. Midleton Distillery in County Cork produces whiskey. Kerry is famous for butter. Modern restaurants in Dublin and Cork offer creative takes on traditional dishes.

Fun things for children

Families can enjoy Dublin Zoo at Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. Fota Wildlife Park near Cork offers open enclosures with exotic animals. Tayto Park in County Meath combines rides with wildlife. Interactive museums such as Imaginosity in Dublin are popular. Outdoor activities include pony trekking in Connemara and boat trips on Lough Corrib.

More information on TravelguideEurope about Ireland:

Sources

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