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12 Days In Ireland: 56 Detailed Itineraries To Choose From

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

Yep, we have 56 12-day Ireland itineraries ready and waiting for you.

Ehhhhhh… but why 56 you ask?!

The reason for the ridiculous level of detail is that we’ve tried to cover every  (I hope…) way of spending 12 days in Ireland.

Each of our 12-day itineraries was meticulously planned and:

• Follows logical routes we’re confident that you’ll love
• Has a detailed stop-by-stop itinerary
• Makes planning a trip to Ireland very easy

Below, you can pick a 12-day Ireland itinerary based on:

WAIT!   Please take 20 seconds to have a glance at the graphic above – it will help you pick your perfect Ireland itinerary below!

As you can see, we have 12-day Ireland itinerary guides that cover every angle imaginable.

To find your perfect itinerary, make sure to read section below carefully .

How to browse our Ireland in 12 days library

Photos via Shutterstock

The quickest way to find the best 12-day Ireland itinerary below is to click on your starting point from the list of places below.

We’ve used Ireland’s main airports and ferry terminals for our starting points. Simply click on one of them and you’ll be brought to itineraries that begin from that point:

12 days in Ireland from Dublin

This is a sample map. Each of our itineraries has one.

First is our 12-day Ireland itineraries that start in Dublin. This is one of the more popular routes, as Dublin Airport is where many visitors land into.

There are two sections below and they have been split up into on how you plan on getting around Ireland .

As we outlined in this graphic , ‘Fast Trips’ will suit people looking to see/do as much as possible and who don’t  mind moving accommodation frequently while ‘Slow Trips’ are ones where you’ll change hotel/B&B as little as possible.

For those using a car

• A 12-day slow trip for those with good fitness
• A 12-day slow trip for those with low fitness
• A 12-day fast trip for those with good fitness
• A 12-day fast trip for those with low fitness

For those using public transport

A speedy overview of this route.

You’ll spend the first couple of days in Dublin, where you’ll visit the likes of Trinity College , the Guinness Storehouse and some of the finest old-school pubs in Dublin .

You’ll then travel across to Galway for a couple of nights where you can explore the city and take a day trip to Connemara.

The route then takes you down into Clare and Kerry before cutting across to Cork and then back to the start point.

Over the course of your 12 days in Ireland you’ll:

• See many of Ireland’s top attractions
• Drive the Ring of Kerry
• See Kylemore Abbey
• Explore the Dingle Peninsula

12-day Ireland itinerary from Shannon

Shannon is another popular 12-day Ireland itinerary start point as it’s home to the popular Shannon Airport.

We’ve split the itineraries up into two sections – the first is for those of you with a car and the second is those of you relying on buses, trains and tours.

As we explain in this graphic , our fast 12 days in Ireland itineraries are for those who want to explore as much as possible and who don’t  mind moving about a lot.

Our slow itineraries are for those of you who want to move accommodation as little as is physically possible.

One of the reasons that I love Shannon as a start point is that there’s very little driving needed to get to a multitude of bases for your first handful of nights.

Our routes use Limerick City as a base for the first night (plenty to see here along with great pubs and restaurants) before continuing down into Kerry and on to Cork.

It then follows the coast around and up to Dublin where you’ll take day trips to Wicklow and the Boyne Valley before making your way back to your start point.

If you follow our route from Shannon, you’ll:

• See some of the best things to do in Clare
• Visit the largest of the three Aran Islands
• Explore Killarney National Park
• Take in some of the most notable castles in Ireland
• Visit the famous Blarney Castle and tackle the many things to do in Cobh

12-day Ireland itineraries from Belfast

If you’re spending 12 days in Ireland and you’re beginning your journey from Belfast, this section will be right up your street.

Belfast is a great start point for a trip to Ireland as it gives you plenty of options/routes to play with.

As we outline in this graphic , we’ve split up our itineraries below into two sections – 1 is for those with a car and another is for using buses, trains and organised tours.

We’ve given you several ways to spend 12 days in Ireland above, and they vary a lot based on fitness level and mode of transport.

If you’re fit and you have a car, you’ll be visiting the Mourne Mountains early in the trip. You’ll also see the likes of the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle in Antrim.

If you follow our itineraries from Belfast, you’ll:

• Explore the Causeway Coastal Route
• See some of the best places to visit in Belfast
• Explore Glendalough  
• Get a taste of the Glens of Antrim

12 days in Ireland from Wexford

If you’re spending 12 days in Ireland and you’re arriving by ferry, the chances are you’ll be landing into Rosslare in County Wexford.

Now, those of you following this route are going to see parts of Ireland that many tourists tend to overlook, including the wild Hook Peninsula .

As is the case with all of our itineraries, we split them up below by the mode of transport that you’re using.

If you’re confused about ‘Fast Trips’ and ‘Slow Trips’, refer to this graphic as it’ll clear everything up.

A disclaimer: This 12-day Ireland itinerary varies hugely depending on how you’re getting around.

The bus services around some of the more rural parts of Wexford make getting to some parts of the county impossible.

If you follow our itineraries from Wexford, you’ll:

• Explore the often-missed Hook Peninsula
• See the buzzy little town of Kinsale in Cork
• Tick-off many of the best things to do in Killarney
• See Kilkenny City, Waterford City and plenty more

12-day Ireland itineraries from Cork

Our 12-day Ireland itinerary guides that begin in Cork focus on the bottom half of Ireland, as you can see from the graphic above.

These routes take in a plethora of gorgeous walking trails, scenic drives and countless historical sites.

As usual, we’ve split them up for those of you with a car and for those of you without.

County Cork is a great start point for a road trip, especially for those visiting for the first time and looking to see Ireland’s ‘main’ attractions.

Our routes begin by giving you a taste of Cork City (English Market, Cork Gaol, etc.) before taking you through the wonders of wild West Cork .

You’ll then follow the coast right the way around to Kerry and up into Limerick before nipping across to the capital and then back down Cork.

If you follow our itineraries from Cork, you’ll see:

• The wild Beara Peninsula
• Many of the best things to do in Kerry
• A chunk of Limerick, Tipperary and Clare
• Plenty more

Ireland in 12 days from Knock

Up next is our 12-day Ireland itinerary guides that start and end in Knock in County Mayo. Now, there likely won’t be a huge number of you beginning your journey from here.

However, it’s a popular starting point for some, so here we are. This is one of my favourite routes as you’re thrown straight into a corner of Ireland that many tourists tend to miss – Sligo.

Although it’s wedged between the very popular county of Donegal, many visiting tend to overlook it. If you add it to your itinerary, you’re in for a treat.

Below, you can pick itineraries kicking off in Mayo based on trip speed, your fitness levels and how you’ll get around (we explain how to browse the itineraries in this graphic ).

Those of you kicking off your 12 days in Ireland from Knock are in for a treat, as it’s a stone’s throw from the best the west of Ireland has to offer.

This road trip starts with a bang, taking you straight to the scenic county of Sligo, where you’ll spend the first few days. You’ll then take in the glorious Mayo coast before moving down through a chunk of the Wild Atlantic Way.

You’ll then cut across to the capital, where you’ll spend a day exploring some of the many things to do in Dublin before taking a day trip to Wicklow and another to the Boyne Valley.

If you follow our route from Knock, you’ll:

• See the magnificent Achill Island
• Explore scenic ‘Yeats Country’
• Sample many of the best things to do in Mayo
• Discover the finest landscapes in Wicklow
• See some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland

12-day Ireland itinerary guides beginning in Donegal

The last of our 12-day Ireland itinerary guides begin in Donegal. For those of you with a car, you have a lot of flexibility, and you’ll make the most of it if you follow our itineraries.

For those of you using public transport, you’re much more limited as Donegal has very limited services in places.

As always, we’ve split the different itineraries up into sections for those of you with a car and for those without.

Right, a disclaimer – the car itineraries differ  massively  in comparison to the public transport itineraries. The reason for this is that public transport in parts of Donegal is  very  limited.

However, we’re confident that you’ll enjoy the routes we’ve chosen. For those of you travelling by car, you’ll explore a good chunk of Donegal, taking in the best of its scenery.

You’ll then move down along the coast and into Sligo, Mayo and Galway before spinning back up to Belfast and around the coast to a part of Donegal you missed at the start.

If you follow our route from Donegal, you’ll:

• See the incredible Slieve League Cliffs
• Tackle the Inishowen 100
• Explore Connemara and many of Galway’s top attractions
• Visit the lively town of Westport
• Tick off some of the best things to do in Donegal

FAQs about exploring Ireland in 12 days

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Is 12 days in Ireland enough?’ to ‘What route is best?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is 12 days in Ireland too long?

Definitely not. While Ireland is no where near as big as the likes of Canada, getting around it takes time. 12 days will give you enough space to explore a nice chunk of the island.

What to do in Ireland for 12 days?

It’ll depend on you and how you like to travel. If you want to see as much as possible, follow one of our ‘Fast-Trips’ above. If you want to take it slow, pick one of our ‘Slow-Trips’.

Where to spend 12 days in Ireland?

Again, this will depend on you and whether you’ve been here before and what you want to do. If it was me and I was visiting for the first time, I’d aim to arrive in Shannon and then explore the lower half of Ireland.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Then you’re in the right place!

If you think Ireland is all leprechauns, rainbows and pints of Guinness, it’s definitely time to book a trip to the Emerald Isle.

This beautiful island made up of two countries (the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland ) is full of lush landscapes, friendly faces, and rich history.

Whether you’re visiting Ireland for the first time or the fiftieth, we’ve got you covered with plenty of travel tips.

Located just west of Great Britain, Ireland has something to offer every type of traveler. Of course, there are plenty of sites you simply can’t miss during your trip.

In County Clare, you’ll find the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, a series of sea cliffs that run nine miles along the Atlantic Coast. Regardless if you see the cliffs by foot on one of the area’s many trails or by boat, you’re sure to marvel at one of the most stunning natural sights on Earth.

Up for some more cliffs?

Visit the Ring of Kerry, a scenic seaside road trip with incredible views of the ocean.

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If you’re really looking to get off the beaten path, head to the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, a top destination for its astounding cliffs and ancient Celtic sights.

And for a seaside escape on the mainland, Dingle in County Kerry is the place to be.

While in Ireland, you’ll also probably want to spend some time in the nation’s capital of Dublin. While here, explore Trinity College, home to one of the oldest manuscripts in the world, the Book of Kells.

You can also take a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green a gorgeous, tree-lined park that is also home to the Museum of Literature of Ireland (or MoLI). After your walk, head down Grafton Street to check out some of the local buskers and have a pint in one of the city’s many pubs.

Dublin also makes a great starting point for those looking to explore Ireland by car or train.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Ireland in Europe.

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Ireland Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Ireland .

Q: What is the best month to travel in Ireland?

May is probably the best month to visit Ireland as it offers many of the perks of peak season (June through September) with smaller crowds.

While the weather won’t be quite as warm (expect temperatures near 60°F), it’s pleasant enough to comfortably explore everything the country has to offer.

On the other side of the peak season, late September through early October is also a great time to visit Ireland.

Q: How should I prepare for a trip to Ireland?

There are a few important things to know when preparing for a trip to Ireland.

First off, you should know that there are two countries on the island of Ireland: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.

It’s a good idea to read up on the history of the two Irelands a bit before your trip. You can travel freely between the two countries but be prepared to use two different currencies if you do: the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro while Northern Ireland uses the British Pound.

Ireland is also well-known for its rainy climate and you will almost certainly encounter some showers while you’re there. Pack accordingly; a good raincoat or jacket, a travel umbrella, and good shoes are highly recommended.

When you’re out exploring, dress in layers, as the weather can change at any time. And if you’re visiting in the fall or winter, be sure to pack some warm clothes.

If you want to venture a bit off the beaten path in Ireland, rent a car . This will allow you to explore the country without the constraints of a train or bus schedule and check out small towns and sites that might not be on the main route. Just be aware that drivers use the left-hand side of the road in Ireland as opposed to the right side used in the U.S.

Trains are also a good option for exploring Ireland but can be pricey. If you want to see the country by rail, be sure to book your tickets early online. You’ll find some good discounts when you book in advance.

Q: How many days do you need to see Ireland?

Most experts recommend planning about 7 to 8 days for a trip to Ireland. This will allow you to spend a few days in Dublin and enough time to venture out to destinations like Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, and Kylemore Abbey.

A longer trip will allow you to spend more time in each destination. If you want to make a full loop around the island, plan for 10 days or more.

Q: Is Ireland expensive to visit?

Ireland can be a bit pricier than other European destinations, particularly if you’re traveling during peak season. Goods imported into the island can be more expensive than in other countries and taxes on certain products can be high. The average traveler spends about $132 USD per day in Ireland on accommodations, food, transportation, activities, and more.

Of course, there are ways to stretch your budget while visiting the Emerald Isle.

For example, spending less time in Dublin — the most expensive city in the country — will save you some money, as will avoiding touristy areas and pubs with cover charges.

You’ll also spend less on accommodations by booking multiple nights in a hotel or bed and breakfast over one-night stays in different places.

And of course, there are plenty of hostels available in cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork.

Q: How safe is Ireland?

Ireland is generally quite safe for travelers. Violent crime rates are low throughout the country. Petty crime and theft are more common in tourist-heavy areas so be sure to stay vigilant and keep any valuables close and out of sight by using pickpocket-proof clothing .

If you’re renting a car, make sure to keep it locked whenever it’s unattended and keep any personal belongings out of view. Secure parking lots and structures are your best bet for parking when available.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in Ireland?

Most tourist visas will allow you to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days without engaging in any professional activity during your stay.

Q: Do I need an Ireland travel visa?

Travelers from the United States, Australia, Canada, and numerous other countries do not need a visa to visit Ireland for a period of fewer than 90 days.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Ireland International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General of Ireland.

Q: Where is Ireland?

Ireland is an island in northwestern Europe.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Ireland?

Credit cards are widely accepted around Ireland, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Ireland?

In major cities, you can usually drink tap water, though in rural areas you may want to stick with filtered water.

Q: What is the local currency in Ireland?

The Republic of Ireland uses the Euro while Northern Ireland uses the British Pound.

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Home » Europe » Ireland » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Ireland Travel Guide 2024

Welcome to the land of cheeky leprechauns, misty green mountains, haunted castles, frothy black beer, dramatic glaciated coastline, and gold standard humour. Backpacking Ireland is a treat for any traveler.

It has the perfect combination of natural beauty, fascinating history, pumping cities, and friendly locals. Ireland is the perfect travel destination, whether you’re a newbie backpacker or a veteran who want to get off the beaten path.

But Ireland isn’t cheap if you don’t know the tricks. So I’ll show you how to backpacking Ireland on a budget.

This is the only backpacker-oriented Ireland travel guide you will ever need. Get Ireland travel tips and honest advice on where to go backpacking in Ireland: backpacker accommodation, suggested Ireland itineraries, top things to do in Ireland, how to travel the country, daily travel costs, best hikes, Ireland budget travel hacks , and much more…

This is the ultimate travel  guide to backpacking Ireland …

Let’s do it!

Why Go Backpacking in Ireland?

Jaw-dropping emerald mountains dotted with castles, glaciated lakes, bogs, and dense forests define Ireland’s natural interior landscapes. The Irish national park system has done well to protect the country’s natural wonders. Wicklow Mountains, Connemara, Killarney, and Glenveagh National Parks are among the most scenic places in all of Europe.

If all of that wasn’t enough, you have the Irish coast to contemplate. Ireland is an island (who knew?) and enjoys 900 miles (1,448 km) of coastline.

Well, actually, depending on who you ask, it might be more like 3,000 km. Anyway, there is a lot of Irish coast!

The Irish coast is famous for the mind-blowing scenes found at Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher . Apart from these popular coastal landmarks, a majority of the Irish coast is wild and prime off the beaten track territory.

By the end of this backpacking Ireland travel guide, you’ll get acquainted with the top places to visit in Ireland as well as the lesser-explored hidden gems of the country.

Now, let’s look at some of your itinerary options for your backpacking Ireland adventure.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Ireland

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Ireland is full of wonderful places to explore. But sure, I’m going to give you my best recommendations for an Ireland backpacking itinerary.

Nothing’s too far away in Ireland so it’s easy to mix it up, do it back to front, fall in love and never leave. Backpacking Ireland itineraries become badass when you travel off route a little too.

Visiting Ireland for a month or more really opens doors to new opportunities. For your itinerary, you can combine a few of the Ireland routes mentioned above into one giant trip, if you have the time.

7-Day Travel Itinerary for Ireland: Northern Ireland, Castles, and Whiskey

If you are backpacking through Ireland, Northern Ireland is a fascinating part of the island and you should take the time to visit. Northern Ireland is in fact not part of the Republic of Ireland. For better or worse (depending on who you ask), Northern Ireland remains a part of the UK.

The Northern Irish national identity is complicated. But be sure – the folks there are extremely proud to be Irish all the same.

The great city of Belfast has great things to do . It’s an easy port in and out too. From Belfast head north along the coast towards the Giant’s Causeway .

Make time for a stop at the legendary Bushmills Distillery ; it’s a day boozing hard kinda place. Even for me at that time in my life, that was way too early to start sampling whiskey – but what the hell. It makes for an interesting rest of the day (as long as you’re not driving). 

The Antrim Coast to (London) Derry is the next logical route on your Northern Ireland Roadtrip. Check out Dunluce Castle . 

Game of Thrones fans, get stoked because you might recognize a place or two. Hint: Mussenden Temple .

If you want to branch out a bit, head towards Enniskillen . Devenish Island is worth a look if you fancy a short boat trip to see it.

2-Week Travel Itinerary for Ireland: Highlights and Culture

So let’s say you got 2 weeks for your backpacking Ireland itinerary. It’s still not heaps of time but you can cherry-pick some highlights of Ireland.

First hit the world-famous Cliffs of Moher to immediately have your mind blown upon arriving in the country. It’s popular – but worth it – so plan accordingly!

It’s just south of Galway , if you have time (or curiosity) for it. Take a short ferry to Dunguaire Castle or see the Aran Islands across Galway Bay. 

The next stop is Killarney in the south. This is down to Killarney National Park. The park is within walking distance from the Old Town. Go for an epic hike at Ross Castle .

From Killarney, take the best short road trip in Ireland along Ring of Kerry road: the quintessential Ireland experience. Take in gorgeous views of coastal cliffs, postcard pastoral landscapes, and charming villages. 

If you’re heading to Dublin , and don’t have time for Ring of Kerry, Limerick makes a great stopover. You’ll be overloaded with awesome things to do but a weekend in Dublin is enough time.

1-Month Travel Itinerary for Ireland: Culture and National Parks

Finally! With a month, you can plan the ultimate Ireland road trip itinerary that revolves around visiting national parks. Take your time to stop, go for hikes, camp, and explore at your leisure.

You can begin this trip in either Belfast , Dublin , or Galway . For ease, let’s say you start in Dublin.

Your first stop after a weekend in Dublin is Wicklow Mountains National Park . Wicklow is Ireland’s only national park not found on the West Coast. This national park is a dreamy place to enjoy mountains, lakes, trekking, and camping.

After Wicklow, head southwest to Killarney National Park . A truly spectacular lake and mountain scenery await.

Burren National Park, south of Galway, holds some of the most unique rock formations and landscapes to be found in all of Ireland. Connemara National Park , north of Galway, is something special still. Dense peat bog forests make up the majority of the flatlands surrounding the impressive Twelve Bens mountain range .

That leaves us with Ballycroy and Glenveagh National Park in the far northwestern corner of the country. Hopefully, you’ll have time left on your Ireland itinerary for these.

For such a small country, Ireland offers up a vast variety of awesome regions to explore. There’s Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and more! You won’t be short on options when deciding where to stay in Ireland .

Ireland is home to quaint villages, where cosying up to a pint of Guinness by the fire while being serenaded by local troubadours is the main activity. For many travellers, including myself, it is Ireland’s wild places that are the main attraction.

In contrast, bustling cities like Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and Galway offer up a taste of modern Irish life. Ireland’s urban centres feature booming nightlife, world-class museums, impressive architecture, and plenty of free attractions to enjoy. Then there is the beer…

• Backpacking Dublin

After living in Europe for some time now, I still say that this is one of my favourite cities. Visiting Dublin is a special experience.

Dublin truly has something for every backpacker. You could easily spend a week here checking out historical attractions, Dublin Castle, impressive museums, pub hopping, and eating delicious food. It’s all here.

I wouldn’t normally advise people to check out a post office, but the  General Post Office  on O’Connell Street in Dublin. The first seeds of the Irish Republic were planted here after a bloody struggle in 1916. It’s pretty cool to see while you’re saying in Dublin .

Some of the libraries in Dublin might as well be museums. They hold one-of-a-kind treasures of Irish history and national identity. The Library at Trinity College Dublin is something quite special.

I recommend checking out The Book of Kells , a 9th-century masterpiece of great historical significance and one of the national treasures of Ireland. The grounds at Trinity College are a great place for a picnic too – weather permitting, obviously.

The Temple Bar is a bit of a tourist trap and so is the Guinness Brewery . But honestly, I recommend them. I learned a lot about Irish beer and they are very impressive.

Plus, you have never had a Guinness this good. The beer barely travels from the keg to your lips. Perfection.

Special shout out to the Dublin pub (I won’t say which one) and the owner who closed down his place at 2 am and let us hang out inside until the wee hours. I might add he was even kind enough to gift us a chunk of hash (which we promptly smoked inside the pub). You’re the man.

These places to visit in Dublin are where the magic is. This is why I love Ireland: people are genuinely kind and thoughtful.

Need help deciding between Dublin vs Belfast ? Check out our helpful guide.

Backpacking Galway

If you thought Dublin was easy on the eyes, then you are really going to fall for County Galway.

It has one of the most attractive urban city centres in Ireland and there are loads of things to do in Galway. All of the attractions are within close proximity to the city. And there are many attractions…

If you are backpacking Ireland without a car then Galway is the logical place to base your day trips. There have been many a song written about Galway Bay and it’s a no-brainer to see why.

No matter where in Galway you stay, you can easily walk to the bay and Dunguaire Castle from the city. Be sure to catch a sunset here if you can. The colours explode across the water and cast epic shades of tangerine and purple along the castle walls.

The Galway Museum is a great spot for travellers to get to know local history. For centuries, Ireland was very regional so the Museum in Galway will shine a light on local customs and traditions not found in other parts of Ireland.

Dough Bros pizzeria on Abbeygate Street is sure to crush any hunger you have built up during your urban or coastal explorations.

If you happen to pass through Galway on a Saturday, a visit to the centuries-old Galway Street Market is a must. This is the area with some of the best hostels in Galway too.

Backpacking the Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher , in County Clare, are one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. Odds are, folks who are backpacking Ireland are going to want to visit them – whether on a guided tour or broke backpacker style.

The reality is, if you go in the summer, there will be swarms of people and enough flashbulbs going off to make you feel like you are at a rave. If you are here visiting in the off-season (really anytime not June-September) there might be very few people indeed.

The Cliffs of Moher are special and you should check them out. If you have your own wheels or doing it van life style , it’s easy.

Just come very early in the morning or just before the sun goes down. There is definitely a peak time of day when the gaggles of tourist buses roll through. Plan accordingly.

There are, in fact, other interesting things to do right around the Cliffs of Moher that are far less popular. Check out  O’Connors Pub i n Doolin for a pint and some fine Celtic folk music .  A tour of Doolin Cave is also bound to be an exciting adventure, though one you have to book and pay for.

Backpacking Limerick

As you walk around Limerick, the 13th-century King John’s Castle (entrance fee €13) certainly makes a lasting first impression. Located right on the riverfront, King John’s Castle is a fine place to visit when it’s not crazy busy.

In summer, street food vendors line the boardwalk and offer up a wide variety of budget-friendly food. If the weather is nice, take picnic supplies and a blanket and head to People’s Park . For a good rainy day activity, check out Frank McCourt Museum (author of Angela’s Ashes).

The Milk Market is one of the best farmers’ market scenes in Ireland. There are usually a few talented musicians playing as well. Check out the selection of cheese and fresh produce.

The Milk Market is a good place to stock your cooler or pick up picnic supplies. There are also more than a few good hostels in Limerick .

Backpacking Killarney

Let the outdoor adventures begin. The town of Killarney is located just a stone’s throw away from Killarney National Park .

As you spend some time backpacking around Ireland, you will see these calendars and books for sale that all focus on one thing: beautiful doors found throughout Ireland. Yes, you read that right – doors .

There are some great areas in Killarney with gorgeous colourful buildings (and doors ;)), cool cafes, homey pubs, and a really badass castle nearby. The 15th-century Ross Castle was recently restored and now welcomes visitors. Rent a bike and explore the surrounding area too.

You can hire a cheap kayak and take a tour of the lake. Lots of hostels in Killarney offer good value Ireland backpacking tours – even if you (like me) usually hate them.

If you have an inexplicable draw towards the occult or supernatural ghost stories, take a Killarney ghost tour. Be warned that those of fragile constitution may pee their pants in fear.

Now the really good bit: Killarney National Park was the first national park in Ireland (est. 1932). Basically, some rich Irish dudes donated a portion of their sprawling estate, and voila , insta-park.

Check out the impressive Muckross Abbey (formerly part of the Muckross estate). The building features beautiful stone architecture and has an all-around haunted sort of a vibe.

The Torc waterfall is the most heavily photographed waterfall in Ireland. Beyond where the average tourists tread, however, is Torc Mountain . Fantastic views await you at the top.

The even less explored Gap of Dunloe is a must-visit area. Misty mountains, almost-fake greenery, and a chilly bubbling river all make the Gap of Dunloe a special trek.

The main 7-mile trail runs along a series of connected lakes from Kate Kearney’s Cottage to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. More on hiking in Killarney National Park later in the guide.

Backpacking the Kerry Road

For those backpacking Ireland in a car or campervan, the Kerry Road is one road you need to visit. The Kerry Road is a 179km loop that can be done in two or three days; it’s ideal for backpackers tackling a 7 day Ireland itinerary.

The road takes you through a diverse cross-section of landscapes. Pastoral scenes straight out of a W.B. Yeats poem mixed with stunning coastal views dotted with cute AF seaside villages.

The UNESCO World Heritage,  Skellig Islands , is just 11 kilometres from the  Iveragh Peninsula . Catch a boat to check them out from  Valentia or Portmagee .

Portmagee is the quintessential southern Irish postcard port town. Be sure to grab a beer and some tunes at the Bridge Bar (music Friday and Saturday).

Just down the Kerry Ring Road is the town of  Ballinskelligs in County Kerry, a place where the Irish language is still alive and well. It makes a fine spot to rest up for the night.

Backpacking Cork

Cork is another booming Irish university city in the south of the country. It’s all things cosmopolitan, liberal, and hipster. If you’re thirsty, Cork boasts a huge selection of fine pubs and eateries.

Like music? You can find live music in town every night of the week.

It is kind of like the Paris of Ireland in the sense that there is a coffee shop on every corner. Well, in fact, that is the only comparison.

The English Market in the centre of town is the perfect spot to start your day and a great rainy day activity. Browse amongst the vendors hawking fresh veggies, cheese, bread, and take-away food. There are tons of great places to eat in Cork , so save a little in your budget to snag something tasty.

Franciscan Well Brewery serves up tasty local beers and has a garden out back. They regularly have beer festivals too so keep an eye out when you’re in town.

Backpacking Kilkenny

Before heading for the mountains in Wicklow, Kilkenny makes for a good day or overnight stop. This medieval city is home to the remarkable  Kilkenny Castle . The castle was built in 1195 (!) by Norman colonists.

Many well-preserved churches and monasteries, like the dramatic St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey Dominicane , are worth a look too. Both structures are from the 13th-century and come with a laundry list of associated history.

Kilkenny is famous throughout Ireland for being the city of craftspeople. The key to getting the most from Kilkenny is choosing where to stay carefully.

Artisans line the streets selling beautifully produced pottery, art, and, jewellery. If they haven’t been run out of town, try to avoid shops selling cheap knockoffs obviously made in China.

Backpacking Wicklow Mountains National Park

Picturesque woodland, mountains, moors, and a crystal clear lake? All tied together with a fine system of trail networks? Sounds pretty damn good.

The Wicklow Mountains are simply beautiful. Trekking and camping opportunities abound and surprisingly not too far from Dublin. There are also plenty of more-than-ideal spots to park your campervan throughout the park.

Many people choose to summit Great Sugar Loaf Mountain from which you can (on a clear day) see for miles in every direction. This volcano-shaped mountain is not an actual volcano, but it is steep and conical so be sure to bring plenty of water along.

Honestly, though, you’ll want to get a bit deeper into the park to really enjoy the spectacular natural landscapes. Another great spot is  Lough Tay , a.k.a. “the Guinness lake”. If Guinness wasn’t a beer in Ireland they would probably call it “Black Tea Lake” or “Black Water Lough”.

I’m sure the whole Guinness thing is a subliminal marketing attempt. Didn’t work on me! Who wants a beer?

For those of you with a little more time on your hands, I strongly recommend that you tackle the Wicklow Way Trek.  This 80-mile (129 km) hike takes you through the very heart of the park. If you are hiking the Wicklow Way in the summer, make sure to NOT do the hike when the ultramarathon is happening.

Backpacking Belfast

In the limited amount of time I spent in Belfast, I really enjoyed it. Belfast is home to attractive streets, a buzzing nightlife, and a fiercely proud population. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Ireland by train.

Depending on where in Belfast you stay , you find that locals here are really proud to be Irish. Their identity is deeply entwined in Irish culture and they often don’t talk too kindly about being part of the UK or about their British neighbours. This is especially relevant after Brexit…

Have a pint at Belfast’s oldest pub, Kelly Cellars .

Visit the peace walls ; another surreal yet interesting part of this city is the fact that there are massive walls separating communities from the days when Protestants and Catholics were at each other’s throats.

It is hard to believe that in a modern European city in the 21st century that such walls exist. Rumour has it that these walls will be taken down in the next decade or so.

Get chatting with people in the hostels in Belfast . Then, to seal the deal on Belfast, check out a rugby game at the famous Ulster stadium.

If you love food (who doesn’t), consider taking a Belfast Food Tour to get to know some tasty local faire.

Backpacking the Giant’s Causeway

Another  very popular but equally mind-blowing destination in Ireland is the Giant’s Causeway . The Giant’s Causeway is an area of roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption.

Of course, the Irish turned the whole natural phenomenon thing into a looney legend about some guy named Finn who used the massive basalt “steps” to go to Scotland for a rendezvous battle with his rivals. Thus the legend of Finn McCool.

He wussed out before the fight and came back by the way. Finn Mc-not-so-Cool . I couldn’t help myself.

The Giant’s Causeway is another spot where timing is key. Come early in the morning or for sunset after a few drinks at the Bushmills Distillery  nearby (roughly 10 mins).

If you’re visiting Ireland for more nature spots, consider staying at a vacation rental in the Irish countryside near Giants Causeway for a truly authentic experience.

If you’re really keen to get away in nature and do some inner healing, then you might want to consider a yoga retreat in Ireland .

Backpacking (London) Derry

Two things vividly stand out in my memory about Derry. The first is that I really enjoyed it and ended up having some excellent conversations with locals over about six(?) pints of beer. The second is before those six beers were shared those same locals almost killed me.

Well, not really but they were super pissed when I told them (purely out of ignorance) that “I really like this town, London Derry.” One dude grabbed me by the shirt and said, “Aye! It’s Derry boy-o ye can be surrre ove-it.”

In the end, it was fine and we got drunk and all was well.  Peadar O’Donnell’s Pub is where it went down if you want to visit the place yourself. They have some pretty rowdy music sessions most nights of the week.

Point is, the name “London” Derry aught not be used lightly, as it is clearly a very sensitive topic. Locals, I gathered, do not like to remember that they are indeed a part of the United Kingdom.

Like I said I enjoyed the town and there are some cool things to do. Be sure to visit Derry’s ancient fortified city walls  (9 meters thick!).

The food at Pyke ‘n’ Pommes down by the Quay will make your tongue dance pirouettes of happiness. Try the pulled pork sandwich. It would make my North Carolina friends proud…

Derry is Irish AF, ye can be surrre ove-it .

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Ireland

Ireland is one of those countries where the VAST majority of people who visit it only see the same dozen or so places. There is most definitely a tourist route. That leaves a huge amount of Ireland which is, essentially, off the beaten track.

In my experience, once you are out on a trail hiking for just a couple minutes, most tourists don’t follow. If the bus is out of sight, they suddenly become incapable of advancing any further.

That is not to say that travelers and locals alike are not out in the mountains. They certainly are, just far fewer than one would think after seeing all of the tourist traffic on the roads.

Hike and camp in remote places as much as possible. Really get to know the Irish national park systems and the tiny villages hidden within them. Explore some of the less-visited stretches of coast in the far south east and west of the country.

Head out to some of the lonely islands found off of the  Dingle Peninsula . Take your Irish road trip from the Kerry Ring Road and check out the  Skellig Ring Road and Enniskillen in County Fermanagh.

Get to know Ireland’s five least visited counties :

• Laois & Leitrim
• Offaly & Roscommon

Backpacking Ireland is all about finding what you like to do. If you have the ambition there is an untold number of hidden gems just waiting for you to go and find them…

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Where do I start with fun things to do in Ireland? Once you drag yourself out of the pub, you can explore the mystical land that Ireland is really famous for.

Here are some top things to do in Ireland :

1. Drive (or hitchhike) the Dingle Peninsula Road

Hailed by many as the best short road trip in Ireland, a drive down the Dingle Peninsula takes you on a journey. Stopover in some of Ireland’s best hostels in Dingle or experience van life in the country’s most stunning southerly landscapes and whimsical Irish-speaking villages.

2. Take in a Sunset at the Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is already one of Ireland’s most inspiring places. Seeing it through the filter of west coast sunset light is something further special. Bring along a beer or two and soak it all in.

3. Try the tipple

Don’t mind if I do? Alcohol is one of Ireland’s most popular non-natural attractions… and for good reason. Trying real Guinness in Ireland is essential and it’s definitely worth paying a visit to the Guinness brewery.

If you’re a whiskey drinker then you have to take the Jameson tour. I personally think Whiskey takes like piss but I still had a great time.

4. Hike the Wicklow Way Trail

This is worth packing some hiking gear for. The hike will take you three or four days – nothing crazy. But along each step of the way, you will discover why the Wicklow Mountains are one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.

5. Stay in a (haunted) castle

There are loads of stunning castles in Ireland to see. You can even stay in many – some are even budget-friendly.

If you’ve got the cash, you can find fancy rooms and superior service to make your trip to Ireland even more unique. Castles are often looking for volunteers too (wink, wink).

Leap Castle, in County Offaly, is Ireland’s most haunted structure. I am sure there are many haunted castles in Ireland, so don’t stop here. The hunt is on.

6. Travel Ireland by campervan

Travelling Ireland from the comfort of a campervan is the way to go if you can afford it. You have almost unlimited freedom of where you can go and park up. Love it.

7. Stay in a Mountain Hut

Spread through Ireland’s national parks are a system of well-maintained (some more so than others) mountain huts. An overnight stay in a mountain hut is a definite part of the experience of trekking in Ireland.

8. Go to the pub…

Hey… This is Ireland. Go to the pub!

There’s nothing like pub food after a long hike Oh, gwon then, 1 pint… we’re on ‘oliday.

Pubs spread a special kind of energy. Although alcohol is part of it, it’s not all about it: it’s about recuperation and socialising. Enjoy it.

9. Catch the Sunrise from Carrauntoohil

Carrauntoohil is the tallest mountain in Ireland (1,038 meters). Many people tackle it during the day when the sun makes a rare appearance.

A sunrise hike here means few if any people and epic views (hopefully) for as far as the fog will let you see. All the better if you camp somewhere on the mountain.

In the off-season, you will likely be alone. In cold months, expect snow.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Ireland has one of the best networks of hostels in the UK . Unless you are in the absolute furthest corners of the country, odds are you can score a cheap place to stay on your Ireland backpacking adventure.

If you bring along a  good camping tent  and a sleeping bag, in addition to renting a car or van, your experience while backpacking Ireland will be far more fun and unique than sleeping in a hostel every night. Decisions, decisions.

Although sometimes you just need a warm, dry place to shower up and sleep. One of my favourite ways to meet interesting locals and save some cash is to use  Couchsurfing . Couchsurfing truly is one of the best tools available if you’re wondering how to stay in Ireland on a budget.

If you’re travelling with friends, renting a cottage in Ireland can even be cheap. The average price for a hostel bed in Ireland is location-dependent. But, in general, you can find a dorm bed for as low as €10 and as high as €30+.

The Best Places To Stay in Ireland

I have to suggest some incredible hostels in Ireland . Big up to those guys for making an adventure unforgettable! Here is some serious accommodation to consider:

Backpacking in Europe is never going to be as cheap as backpacking in Southeast Asia, for example. Staying in hotels every night, drinking like a fish, dining out, going to pubs all night, and booking last minute trains will certainly destroy any budget you might have hoped to keep.

Worried about spending too much money on your Ireland trip? Don’t worry too much – there are plenty of tips and tricks to keep your Ireland travel costs low.

While backpacking in Ireland, shit adds up quick if you’re not careful! Visiting Ireland on a budget ain’t easy: the country is damned expensive to stay in. Eating and drinking out can easily be more than $50 a day too.

Considering this, a  comfortable Ireland travel budget is between $100-200 USD a day. Of course, you can make it cheaper, but this is one of those places you have to really work for it.

Here is what you can expect to spend on a daily basis (excluding car or van hire):

A Daily Budget For Ireland

Money in ireland.

The currency in Ireland is the Euro = € EUR

The currency in Northern Ireland is the British Pound Sterling =  £ GBP

ATMs are widely available in just about every place in the country. When visiting rural areas in Ireland, it is always best to deal in cash. If you want to stop at a farm and buy some cheese, veggies, meat, etc. you will need cash.

If you bring heaps of foreign currency to exchange, expect to get a poor exchange rate at the airport. Find out whether or not your bank in your home country has fee-free international withdrawal. If so, activate it for your trip or for whenever you travel abroad.

Once I discovered my bank card had that option, I saved a huge amount in ATM fees! When travelling to Ireland on a budget, every dollar (euro) counts, right?

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker recommends Wise – the artist formerly known as Transferwise ! It’s our favourite platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods.

Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks. But the real question is… is it better than Western Union? Yes, it most certainly is.

Travel Tips – Ireland On a Budget

• Camp : With plenty of stunning mountains, lakes, sprawling farmland, hidden castles, and remote coastline in Ireland, camping saves you money and can help you get off of the beaten path.
• Cook your own food: Travel with a  portable backpacking stove and cook your own food to save some serious cash whilst backpacking across Ireland. If you plan to do some overnight hiking trips or camping having a backpacking stove will be ESSENTIAL to your success.
• Planning ahead: Sometimes it’s nice to be spontaneous. But if you can, booking your transport and accommodation ahead will save you a tonne of money.
• Budget-friendly Tours: If you go on any guided tours, you can pay them off in instalments. Global Work and Travel have the broke backpacker in mind with this one. You can even choose the amount per instalment! The highlights of Ireland tour is sure to tickle your fancy.

Travel to Ireland with a Reusable Water Bottle

Plastic washes up in even the most pristine places… So do your part and keep our planet beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel, you can see the full extent of the global plastic problem. So I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

The “best” time to travel to Ireland certainly depends on what you plan to do. Like most places in Europe, Ireland is crazy busy during the summer.

If you can, try to avoid coming between June – August. Backpacking Ireland simply isn’t as fun when the roads are slammed with buses and every place you visit is just as crowded.

When to visit is tricky because the weather in the mountains is best during the summer as well. Sublime, dry hiking weather is (more) possible in the summer.

That said, if you bring the right gear, a solid rain jacket , a warm down jacket, and a badass sleeping bag, the cold and wet won’t really affect you. You’ll just deal with it and have a grand time.

Winters are cold, grey, dark, and very wet. Winter is actually a great time to come, but you’ll end up spending more time snuggled up to a fire in a pub than actually seeing the country.

So that means early spring and late autumn. In my opinion, early March – April and October – November are the best months to visit Ireland.

Irish Cultural Festivals

St. Patrick’s Day, March –  You know… St. Patrick’s day. There is an Irish pub in every country that parties St. Patrick’s Day with excessive alcohol and ridiculous green attire. Well, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is the craziest.

Easter, March or April – For Catholics, Easter and the month leading up to it is a big event in Ireland. Even if people aren’t particularly religious, Easter is still an excuse to get together with family and friends, eat, and have a good time.

Traditional Irish Music Festivals (Trad Fests), All year – Really, there are a ton of traditional folk fests happening in Ireland throughout the year. Any journey backpacking Ireland should involve some Irish folk music.

What To Pack For Ireland

When you’re packing for an adventure , there are some things that are top of the list:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Since the car bombs and sectarian violence subsided decades ago Ireland has become one of the safest countries in Europe. You should never feel unsafe whilst camping in rural areas or walking about in big cities.

That said, we live in the modern world. Sadly, no one ever knows where or when some shit might go down.

Whilst travelling in large cities and crowded public spaces, always keep your guard up. Pickpockets and petty thieves are just part of modern urban life. Always keep an eye on your stuff when riding the metro, eating a meal, or visiting a busy market.

Drunk, alone, and lost when it’s late at night is a recipe for trouble anywhere in the world. Always follow your usual travel safety procedures , especially when knocking a few back.

If you plan on swimming in the ocean, beware of very strong currents and rip tides; both of which kill tourists every year. This sea here is a special kind of ice-cold that makes your balls shrivel into little raisins. It also means it can be pretty dangerous, especially after a drink.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Ireland

The obvious drug of choice in Ireland is alcohol. No matter where you are in the country you can always find a pint and someone to share it with. Most social interactions in Ireland, for better or worse, revolve around drinking, music, and chatting.

Weed can easily be found, though in hash form. Expect to pay about €15-20/gram.

Cocaine and other hard drugs are available but I can’t say I recommend them. For one, any cocaine you find will have come from a very long distance away and will have been cut more times than a person in a jailhouse fight.

There is a thriving club scene in big cities like Dublin and Cork. If you are after some sort of a party drug or a little weed, odds are you can score there. People are generally very friendly too: ask around, hostels and pubs are a good place, and someone will probably know someone.

Be aware that all drugs with the exception of alcohol carry harsh penalties in Ireland. Be smart about how you buy and how you consume your party favours.

Modern Ireland is increasingly pulling away from its conservative roots – much to the despair of the Catholic Church. There is a booming LGBTQ+ community in all of the major cities in the country. Ireland joined the list of European countries with legalized same-sex marriage back in 2015.

Travel Insurance for Ireland

When you’re travelling, you can’t always prepare for everything. But if you get good travel insurance for Ireland , you’re setting yourself up well.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Ireland is served by five main international airports – Dublin being the biggest. The other options are Cork , Shannon , Knock , and Belfast Airports.

I personally flew in and out of Shannon, which meant I could start my trip near Galway. If you are coming from elsewhere in Europe or the USA, flights into Dublin are likely to be the cheapest.

If you book early, you can find tickets from major cities in Europe (Paris, London, Madrid, Frankfurt) for less than $25(!). That’s dollars not Euros. Usually, the budget airlines like Ryanair or Easy Jet have strict baggage restrictions so plan accordingly or plan to pay a bit more to bring a large backpack.

It is also possible to take the ferry from Cairnryan, Scotland or Liverpool, England to Belfast (2 hr 15 mins). If you are bringing a vehicle over to Ireland from the UK it doesn’t actually cost that much more on the ferry.

If it were me I’d only take the ferry if I was intending to bring my vehicle over. Flying is cheaper and more convenient although it does pose the question of how sustainable it is .

Entry Requirements for Ireland

The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are NOT  a part of the Schengen Area of Western Europe. This is a big win for non-European travellers backpacking Europe who want to come to Ireland after visiting the Schengen Area in Europe.

Basically, if you are not a European resident, you only have 3 months (out of every 180-day cycle) in which to spend in Europe’s Schengen states. This can be a real pain in the ass if you are wanting to stick around Europe for longer than three months.

Like the UK, Ireland is an opt-out of the Schengen Area. You can spend 3 months in Europe and 3 months backpacking Ireland without any hassle.

Passport holders from Australia, the US, and Europe do not need a visa in advance to enter Ireland. In fact, many nationalities are not required to obtain a visa prior to arrival.

Normally a tourist visa valid for 3 months is issued upon arrival. If you are from a country not on the visa-free-entry list, you will need to apply for a visa through the Irish embassy in your home country.

You do not need to get another stamp when entering Northern Ireland. The border is open and you can normally pass right through in a car or on the train.

For getting around Ireland there are many options.

Getting a car rental is easy. Booking in advance is the best way to ensure you score the lowest price and your choice of vehicle.

Often, you can find the best car rental prices when you pick up the rental from the airport. Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

Travelling by Public Transport in Ireland

With regard to public transport, Ireland is very well connected by both public/private bus and by train.

Whether you are backpacking around Europe or just Ireland you should consider buying a Eurorail pass . It’s the best and cheapest way for train travel in Europe . If you plan on taking multiple train rides on an extended backpacking trip, a Eurorail pass is the way to go.

The Eurorail website is configured based on your location and currency. Europeans and UK citizens have special options for train travel .

There are different For Eurorail options for people from the Americas .

Bus Eireann and Citylink are the most common low-cost bus companies. Generally speaking, it is easy to find buses between major cities in Ireland.

As you begin to get more rural, finding local connections gets more complicated. Since many of Ireland’s attractions are in rural places, bus travel in Ireland can feel quite restrictive as a primary.

Buses are best for trips like getting from Dublin to Galway or Belfast to Dublin. Certainly, you can see the whole country by bus. But I offer a word of warning to those considering travelling Ireland exclusively  by bus: you will not be able to get off the beaten path much, if at all.

You can find some pretty cheap car rentals in Ireland. I would strongly recommend renting a car for at least some of the time you plan to travel here.

Campervanning in Ireland

By far the best way to get around Ireland is by campervan. Campervans are great because you are travelling with a mobile shelter and kitchen that is capable of parking just about anywhere for the night.

Whilst campervan rentals in Ireland are not cheap, you do end up saving money on accommodation and cooking for yourself. The biggest win for going the campervan route is unprecedented freedom. The list of benefits to renting a campervan in Ireland goes on and on.

Really enjoy a place you went for a day hike and want to sleep there? Easy.

Interested in parking super close to a popular attraction so that you can be the first one to arrive in the morning? Sorted.

Want to snuggle up with your lover, sip tea, and read whilst it is pouring rain outside? No problem.

Curious to know if a castle is really haunted at night so you need to park close to it? Bam.

Hitchhiking in Ireland

I did not personally hitchhike in Ireland, but I have been told by friends that they had a fair bit of success. The sight of two people with massive backpacks in tow is a harder sell for people with small cars or lots of gear already themselves.

I would NOT try to hitchhike in or around major cities. When accepting a ride, ALWAYS have your spidey senses firing. 

If a person sketches you out, fuck ’em; you have time. Be polite, don’t say fuck ’em , but turn the ride down all the same. Better to wait for a ride that makes you feel 100% comfortable.

For people backpacking Ireland for a couple of months, hitchhiking is a great option because you are in no real rush. Big smiles and the right hitchhiking spot will go a long way towards your ultimate success (or failure).

Onwards Travel from Ireland

As Ireland is an island, your options for onward travel are somewhat limited. Basically, you are flying or taking the ferry to the UK. To find the cheapest flights or ferry tickets, book as far in advance as possible.

If you’re still not over the rolling green hills and too many sheep, then travelling the UK is an easy choice. Scotland and Wales in particular are highly recommended. Getting to the rest of Europe is no great task either.

If you are flying out of the European continent from Ireland, you may find it cheaper to fly to London first and take a plane to where ever you’re going from there.

Living costs in Ireland are problematically high when compared to wages so it is not exactly an ideal place to seek your fortune. Despite this, Ireland does remain popular with migrant workers from Eastern Europe.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Work Visas in Ireland

Citizens of the UK and EU can live and work in Ireland freely. Everybody else will need a work and residency permit.

If you are looking for a short term solution, and are of the right age, you could even try out a working holiday in Ireland .

Volunteer Work in Ireland

Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. There are lots of different volunteer projects in Ireland which you can join ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much anything!

Of course, Ireland is a wealthy nation that doesn’t rely on backpacker volunteers in the same way less-developed countries do. That being said, there are still a number of different opportunities for travelers to offer up some time and skills.

From farming in county Mayo to gardening in Galway, there are plenty of options for the green-fingered backpackers out there. Other options include animal care and nannying. Ireland offers a short-stay visa for volunteers staying less than 90 days; anyone staying longer should apply for a Volunteer Visa.

Want to find some awesome volunteering opportunities in Ireland? Then signup for Worldpackers , a platform that connects local hosts with volunteer travelers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Programs run through reputable work exchange programs , like Worldpackers, are generally very well-managed and highly reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

Ah, the Irish. What’s not to like? The Irish people I have met over the years have all been super fun, cool, genuine folks.

Irish people are highly intelligent, sensitive, or should I say attuned people with strong characters and a desire to show you a good time in the nation that they are fiercely proud of. Despite the heavy boom in tourism over the past decade Ireland and its population still remain down to earth people.

You know by now how important the Irish pub is in Irish society. Not just for the beer or cocktails mind you. For many communities (urban or rural), the pub is the place to meet.

The Irish are vibrant storytellers, cheeky gossipers, and quicker to slap a joke on you before you can say  Carrauntoohil .

Music, all-night debates, poetry nights, comedy shows, community meetings, and countless other activities all take place in the pub. Even for people who don’t drink, the pub is a quintessential part of the Irish experience.

Useful Travel Phrases for Ireland

English is the official language of Ireland. In certain parts of Ireland, however, the Irish language (Gaeilge), is spoken. Almost without exception, local folks will speak English, and Gaeilge is not awfully useful language to learn .

What is useful however is knowing some slang words! Once you can use some of these, you’ll really get respect from the locals.

• Craic – banter, gossip, or general fun
• Eejit – idiot, a total fool
• Boyo – boy, youngster
• Crack on! – Get going!
• Donkey’s years – a long time
• Grand – fantastic, really good
• Gobshite – a person who runs their mouth
• Bucketing down – raining a lot
• Thanks a million – thank you very much
• Feck off – you can probably guess this one

What To Eat In Ireland

If stereotypes dominate your perception of Irish cuisine, then you’re probably thinking “Right, Irish food. You mean potatoes?” Well, yes – but give me a chance here.

While nobody is debating that the Irish have more gastronomic prowess than France, the Irish still offer up a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes to try. I didn’t find the food in Ireland to be super diverse but they are good at what they do cook. And yes, traditional Irish cooking mostly involves some form of meat and potatoes .

Ireland is becoming a more diverse country all the time. Thousands of immigrants come to Ireland every year to make it their new home.

With them, they have brought the cuisines of their home countries. Thank god! In my opinion, this is an absolute blessing for the Irish and backpackers alike!

If you get sick of meat and potatoes, there is always Indian, Thai, Pakistani, Kebab, Falafel, Italian, and American food somewhere close by. Note : I am aware that falafel and kebab are not nationalities.

Must-Try Dishes in Ireland

Here are a few of my favourite dishes native to Ireland:

• Coddle – A hearty stew with rough layers of sausages and fatty bacon with potatoes and onions.
• Cottage pie – A cafe classic. A beef, gravy, and vegetable mess topped with mashed potatoes.
• Soda Bread – A type of bread made with baking soda instead of yeast. Try the one with raisins
• Irish Breakfast – Closely linked to its brethren in the UK, the Irish breakfast is something you will not walk away hungry from. Eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and a number of side dishes are common place.
• Fish and Chips – When you want basic but still delicious, fish and chips is the classic. You can find it everywhere in Ireland.

A note on Irish  s andwiches – I need to sneak this in here. Don’t buy the god-awful pre-made sandwiches they sell in gas stations, rest stops, and all over Ireland in various places. They are expensive and all utterly disappointing.

For some reason, I always thought the next one would be better. They were all almost inedible. Don’t repeat my mistake…

Drinking in Ireland

Ireland is the land of beer and whiskey.

Sadly more teenagers in the western world can probably identify the Guinness logo before they could point out a tomato plant in the garden. Point being, Irish beer is world-famous. And it’s tasty…

Ireland is also home to one of the world’s oldest whiskey distilleries, Bushmills. It is a marketing myth that Bushmills is the  oldest distillery in Ireland.

The distillery at Kilbeggan is in fact the oldest licensed distillery in the country. But who is counting?

Here is a list of some more of Ireland’s tastiest and best beers :

• Murphy’s Irish
• O’Hara’s Irish Wheat
• Smithwick’s Irish Ale
• Porterhouse Brewing Co. Oyster Stout
• O’Hara’s Celtic Stout
• Beamish Irish Stout

Best Whiskey in Ireland

Whiskey is another animal altogether. Ireland has a long tradition of producing quality whiskey and right now that still rings true.

The world of whiskey  aficionados is far above my pay grade, though I can appreciate a whiskey that is not the generic Jack Daniels or Jim Beam. In fact, many Irish people would argue that those aren’t even real whiskeys.

The really nice whiskey being produced in Ireland is way too expensive to even think about trying if you’re backpacking Ireland with any sort of a budget conscience. That said, there are still plenty of fine whiskeys to be had that don’t cost a few hundred bucks a bottle.

Here are some of the best whiskeys to try in Ireland :

• Clontarf 1014 Irish Whiskey
• Knappogue Castle Single Malt Irish Whiskey
• Teeling Trinity Range

A Brief History of Ireland

To put it lightly, Ireland had a pretty wild ride in the 20th century.

Independence (from the UK) was gained after much struggle and bloodshed. 1916–1921 was marked by political violence and upheaval, ending in the partition of Ireland and independence for 26 of its 32 counties. The struggle was far from over, however.

In 1949, the state was formally declared a republic and it left the British Commonwealth.

The 1960’s and 70’s were pretty insane in Ireland.

Protestants vs Catholics in Ireland

The level of historical hatred, violence, clashes, and deaths resulting from Protestant-Catholic relations, or lack there-of, is at the heart of the major conflict that swept Northern Ireland during this time period.

We all know about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We know about the level of hatred that exists between the two groups.

I don’t think it is too difficult to consider the former Protestant-Catholic issue as any less powerful or significant, at least in its heyday.

The Protestant State and the IRA

As the civil rights movement of the United States gained worldwide acknowledgement, Catholics rallied together to achieve a similar socio-political recognition in Ireland. This resulted in the formation of various organizations such as the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) in 1967 and the Campaign for Social Justice (CSJ) in 1964.

Non-violent protest became an increasingly important factor in mobilizing Catholic sympathies and opinion, and thus more effective in generating support than actively violent groups such as the IRA.

In October 1968, a peaceful civil rights march in Derry turned violent as police brutally beat protesters. The outbreak was televised by international media, and as a result the march was highly publicized which further confirmed the socio-political turmoil in Ireland.

A violent counter-reaction from conservative unionists led to civil disorder, notably the Battle of the Bogside and the Northern Ireland riots of August 1969. To restore order, British troops were deployed to the streets of Northern Ireland at that time.

The violent outbreaks in the late 1960s encouraged and helped strengthen military groups such as the IRA, who posited themselves as the protectors of the working class Catholics who were vulnerable to police and civilian brutality.

During the late sixties and early seventies recruitment into the IRA organization dramatically increased as street and civilian violence worsened. Shit was crazy: car bombs were going off constantly, killing loads of people.

Riots, stabbings, shootings, and police beatings were all part of daily life during this time. Most of the violence took place in Northern Ireland, but some also spread to England and across the Irish border.

Modern Ireland

Modern Ireland is a good place to be. Ireland’s economy became more diverse and sophisticated than ever before by integrating itself into the global economy.

The Catholic Church, which once exercised great power, found its influence on socio-political issues in Ireland much reduced. Irish bishops are no longer able to advise and influence the public on how to exercise their political rights.

As I mentioned before, same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015.

On May 26th, Irish people turned out in droves to vote in favour of legalizing abortions. In a major victory for progressives and more importantly for women, the country celebrated in the streets in typically Irish fashion. Go Ireland!

Beyond the main tourist attractions in Ireland are hidden opportunities to make the most memorable memories. You won’t be disappointed to find that backpacking Ireland is way beyond what you expected.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Wild Camping in Ireland

You should have gathered by now that there are a million and one place to camp in Ireland.

Want to wake up to some of the most epic views of your life? Whilst backpacking Ireland, consider camping as much as you can. If a bit of sun or a dry spell is forecasted, all the better reason to get out there and pitch your tent. You’ll save heaps of cash too by camping. Win win.

Always obey “no camping” signs. Respect farmers property, and when in doubt always ask permission BEFORE setting up shop. The last thing you want is some half-sober gun-wielding farmer pissed off because you are squatting on his (or her) land.

Get familiar with  “ leave no trace principles ” and put them into practice.

If you are in the market for a solid, lightweight, and reliable tent, I highly recommend the MSR Hubba Hubba 2-person tent . This compact tent is up to the challenge of battling Ireland’s uncooperative weather.

Trekking in Ireland

If you have been paying attention you know that Ireland is an amazing place to come for trekking and hiking.

Ireland is home to national parks, reserves, nature parks, and plenty of green belts. There are awesome day hikes and/or challenging multi-day treks to get into in most regions of Ireland.

Ireland is full of mind-blowing human achievements. Castles, art, forts, ancient walls, churches, cathedrals, villages, cities…Ireland has them all in abundance.

Whilst they are impressive and important to Ireland’s history and culture DNA, the real magic of the country lies out in its wild places…

Best Hikes in Killarney National Park

• Carrauntoohil – Devil’s Ladder route : 12 km /4-6 hours – Good for experienced hikers wanting to tackle Ireland’s tallest peak. The views are magnificent.
• North Kerry Way : 48km/3 days – One of the best multi-day coastal hikes in the country.
• Lough Googh Loop : 10km/5 hours – Not as challenging as Carrauntoohil, but still features plenty of epic views and a few treacherous drop-offs.
• Mount Brandon : 10 km/4-5 hours – A good hike for beginners. Well-marked and easy to follow route means it can be hiked in any weather

Best Hikes in Connemara National Park

• Big Baun : 9km/4 hours –  climb the biggest mountain of the 12 Ben mountains.
• The Lettergesh Circuit : 10 km/ 2-3 hours – Hailed as one of the top hikes in all of Ireland. Good for beginners. Very scenic.
• The Maumeen Mountain Pass : 13km/ 6 hours – Maumeen Mountain Pass is home to an ancient pilgrimage site. Legend has it that Saint Patrick visited the same spot. There are some epic mountain views as well as a tiny church dedicated to the saint.
• The Diamond Hill Trail : 10 km/ 2-3 hours – A demanding loop through misty bogland and open hill country.

Best Hikes in Ballycroy National Park

• Letterkeen Loops : 6-12 km/ 2-5 hours – There are several route options to choose from, each varying in difficulty and distance.
• Bangor Trail : 40 k/ 10 hours+/2 days – The main route through the park is the Bangor Trail which starts in Bangor Erris and finishes in Newport. The Bangor Trail is an old road through the Nephin Beg mountains in north-west Mayo. As always whilst backpacking Ireland, bring good rain gear!

Best Hikes in Glenveagh National Park and Donnegal

• Glen Walk : 22 km/7-9 hours – A great long-ish hike for novice hikers looking to take in the diversity and beauty of Glenveagh. Pack plenty of food and wet weather gear!
• Bluestack Way : 64.3 km/3 days+ – Starting in Donegal Town, the trail weaves its way through Banagher Hill and the Eglish Valley.
• Bunglas to Glenties : 67.5 km/3-4 days – Supposedly this trek is the first part of the International Appalachian Trail, which I don’t fully understand, having hiked a good portion of the original AT myself. The idea behind the IAT is if you continue hiking up through the state of Maine (US), into Canada, and pretend the Atlantic Ocean wasn’t there, the trail would pick-up in Ireland. There you go. Oh and there are cool pubs with crackling fireplaces along this route too.
• Arranmore Way : 14 km/ 6 hours – Catch the ferry boat to Arranmore, Donegal’s largest offshore island and enjoy epic coastal views featuring jagged sea-stacks, caves, and a colony of Petrels.

Hiking the Wild Atlantic Way

The true hiking crown jewel of Ireland is the  Wild Atlantic Way . Well, let’s call it a fucking arduous, stunningly beautiful, epic walk of a lifetime. The trail is 1,600 miles (2600 km) long!

The trail runs north to south (and vice versa) along Ireland’s exquisite West Coast.

Nobody just stumbles upon this trek. It takes careful planning, and months of mental and physical preparation. Not to mention a massive time commitment.

You can be sure that a thru-hike attempt will be one of the greatest and most challenging undertakings of your life.

The Wild Atlantic Way is among the world’s premiere long-distance hiking trails. If you have the will and the 3-5 months it takes to complete it, good on you and best of luck.

Joining an Organized Tour in Ireland

For most countries, Ireland included, solo travel is the name of the game. That said, if you are short on time, energy, or just want to be part of an awesome group of travellers you can opt to join an organized tour .

G Adventures  is a solid down-to-earth tour company catering to backpackers just like you, and their prices and itineraries reflect the interests of the backpacker crowd. You can score some pretty sweet deals on epic trips in Ireland for a fraction of the price of what other tour operators charge.

How much does backpacking in Ireland cost?

A comfortable Ireland budget is between $100 – $200 per day. Hey, it’s not a cheap place to travel. It can absolutely be done for less. You just have to pull out all your best cheap travel tricks.

What is the best month to visit Ireland?

March – April and October – November are the best months to travel to Ireland. You’ll also find these are the cheapest months. Although summer is amazing, there are much more tourists and inflated prices.

Is Ireland good for backpacking?

Is the Pope Catholic? Yes! Ireland is the ultimate adventure. Stunning scenery, incredible people, hiking galore – this is one you’ll never forget.

Are leprechauns real?

You know they say: every time someone asks that another leprechaun dies.

Well, there you have it, boyo.

I hope you find my backpacking Ireland travel guide helpful! It was a pleasure to write.

Awesome adventures (and a little debauchery) await you in Ireland. During your time backpacking around this mystical and powerful land, don’t forget to take a look around now and again. You might find a pot of gold.

The Irish are proud people. They don’t let just anyone into their circles. But when they do, you’ll find them to be one of the warmest nations of people on the planet.

Best of luck on your journey! Have a cold one for me when you get there.

• Where to stay in Ireland
• Complete packing list for Ireland
• Things to do in Dublin

*Special thanks to  Kyle Murphy  and  Erin Wolf  for their contributions to this article. If you liked some of Kyle’s photographs and want to work with him or to learn more about what he does, check out his website  www.kmportraits.com  and follow him on Instagram  @briskventure .

You can find Erin Wolf on Instagram at  @wolfpackqueen .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Appreciate your pro tips on traveling in Ireland! I’m thinking wild camping might not be as easy as in Scotland? Still planning to backpack in both countries so will scrub down more deets on wild camping in Ireland. Thanks again for a well written resource. Cheers!

Awesome, thanks.

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Europe , Ireland , Scotland , Travel

The perfect scotland and ireland itinerary.

Trips to Ireland and Scotland are some of my favorites to help plan. Both countries are some of my favorites and they can be easily combined. This Scotland and Ireland itinerary will help you plan the best trip!

This post contains affiliate links.

• Should I go to Scotland or Ireland?

I often get asked by my readers which trip they should take, Ireland or Scotland? While both destinations are amazing and beautiful with so much to offer, and I always try to help them make the right choice for their needs, I don’t think this has to be an either-or choice. If you’re really struggling with the Ireland vs Scotland debate, why not choose both? When you use this itinerary to travel to Ireland and Scotland you’re getting the best of both worlds within two weeks.

Here's a Short Cut

Best Time to Visit Ireland and Scotland

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The best time to visit Ireland and Scotland is usually off-peak in shoulder season between April-May and September-October. If you go to Ireland and Scotland during these times you’ll avoid the crowds, but still be able to enjoy nicer weather than in the winter.

Getting Between Scotland and Ireland

Trips to Ireland and Scotland offer the best of both worlds and can be done affordably too. Getting from Ireland to Scotland is easy and affordable. There are many companies that offer Ireland and Scotland tours that are great, or you can choose to take the trip on your own.

There are plenty of cheap flights from Ireland to Scotland and from Scotland to Ireland. You can fly with Ryanair for as little as $21 USD! Honestly, that’s cheaper than the cost of a nice dinner! So if you really are having a hard time deciding between Ireland and Scotland, go ahead and do both!

Learn how to find cheap flights to and from Ireland and Scotland by reading my   guide to flying for cheap or nearly free here.

If you have your own car or are using this itinerary as part of a larger European trip, you might also consider taking the ferry from Ireland to Scotland or vice versa. This would also work if you’re planning to fly in and out of the same airport. However, if you are flying into Scotland or Ireland and plan to fly out of a different airport, I would not recommend taking the ferry. Especially since flights between Scotland and Ireland are so cheap! If you do decide to go for a rental car in one country and leave it in the other, it will cost you at least $1500 USD ($500 for a cross border fee and $500 for a one-way rental fee). And then you have the cost of the ferry on top of that which is a few hundred dollars. While sailing across the North Chanel is truly beautiful, It’s not worth the expense if you will be renting a car.

Visiting Ireland and Scotland can seem a little daunting on your own and tours can be a great way to go if you’re feeling a little nervous about it. These are some great Ireland and Scotland tours that will help you get a great overview of these two destinations:

This interactive map should help you plan your Ireland and Scotland itinerary. You can click on each destination to find more information.

I outline a great Ireland and Scotland itinerary below, but if you want to skip all the planning and simply use this downloadable, printable, detailed itinerary , you can find it here.

Get the Full Itinerary I’m giving you a detailed day-by-day Ireland and Scotland itinerary. You can do this itinerary in any order you wish, but this seemed the most logical to me. This itinerary begins in Ireland and ends in Scotland, where you can choose to fly home from, or simply fly back to Ireland for a round trip ticket. The choice is yours. I recommend flying in and out of wherever you can   get the best deals .  I generally find Ireland cheaper to fly to from the United States but have occasionally found great deals to Scotland as well.

Ireland could literally take you years to explore! So if you’re planning a trip to Ireland , I’m giving you just a week in this itinerary of things to do in Ireland , but I think it will show you some of the best places to visit in Ireland in a short amount of time. If you’re interested in a longer, more detailed trip to Ireland, you can check out my full  Ireland Itinerary. 

For the first day of your Scotland and Ireland vacation, arrive in Dublin airport and adjust to the time change. Dublin is Ireland’s capital city, so you’re sure to visit places while you’re here. Keep yourself awake until a reasonable hour (between 8 pm and 11 pm) and wake up early the next morning.

Now that you’re hopefully feeling well-rested and not too jet-lagged, it’s time to explore the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Don’t miss these stops in Dublin:

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Dublin Castle
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Trinity College Library
• St. Stephens Green
• Lunch at Avoca Wool Shop & Cafe
• Little Museum of London
• Take a   Bus Tour   of Dublin
• Howth Cliffs
• Phoenix Park

Take an entire day to explore the west of Ireland. If you’re self-driving it will take about 3.5 hours to get to the west coast known as the Wild Atlantic Way. If you’re feeling nervous about driving in Ireland there are several great day trips from Galway that will take you to the west for this 2-day trip.  This amazing tour   explores the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and Killarney National Park, with an overnight stay in Dingle.

Don’t miss these stops on your trip to the West:

• Killarney National Park (learn more about   Killarney   here.)
• Muckross House & Traditional Farm
• Muckross Abbey
• Killarney Town
• Cliffs of Moher
• Blarney Castle

Spend a day in the beautiful County Wicklow. Be sure not to miss these:

• Powerscourt Estate: Dating back over 200 years, these are some of the most beautiful gardens in all of Ireland
• Glendalough: Beautiful lakes surrounded by stunning mountains!
• Silver Strand Beach: A beautiful and secluded beach
• Wicklow Gaol: This old jail is a great place to learn some interesting and sad Irish history.
• Wicklow Town: Adorable Irish town

Spend two days in beautiful Northern Ireland! You can take the three-hour drive yourself or take  this great two-day tour   that will take you to all the best sites. Be sure not to miss these:

• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Giant’s Causeway
• Dark Hedges

In between your exploration, make sure you also visit the city center and get to experience local dishes and listen to traditional Irish music while you’re in town!

Now that you’ve enjoyed a full week in Ireland, it’s time to hop over the Irish Channel and visit the beautiful and rugged Scotland! Most flights will take you into Edinburgh where you can either rent a car or spend a few days in the city then do some tours in the highlands. If you want to experience a great overview of the country, you can do my full  Scotland Itinerary.

I normally like to advise people to get out of the big cities and explore the countryside, but Edinburgh has so much to offer that I think it’s worth spending at least 2 days here. You can learn about what to do in Edinburgh in  my detailed guide here,   but be sure not to miss these top spots:

• Edinburgh Castle
• Holyrood Palace
• The Royal Mile
• St. Gile’s Cathedral
• Scott Monument
• Grass Market
• Princes Street Gardens
• Take a    Harry Potter Walking Tour
• Visit the Elephant House Cafe where JK Rowling ate
• Victoria Street
• Hike Arthur’s Seat
• Calton Hill
• Cairngorms National Park

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a castle, be sure to check out these awesome castle hotels in Scotland.

Spend day 4 exploring the highlands of Scotland. Visit Inverness and try and find the Loch Ness Monster! You can drive here or take   this easy day tour from Edinburgh.   Be sure to read my   guide to the highlands   and don’t miss these sites:

• Urquhart Castle
• Fort William

You can’t visit Scotland without taking a trip to visit the breathtakingly beautiful Isle of Skye. It’s rugged beauty and history combined with its rugged island charm is sure to win your heart! Driving to the Isle of Skye can be a little scary if you don’t know what to expect. The roads are one lane so you must share the road with oncoming traffic. If you’re not comfortable driving in those conditions, it might be a good idea to take a tour to the Isle of Skye.

Rabbie’s does an amazing 3-day tour that comes with your own comedic  kilted tour guide to take you through the Isle of Skye while learning all about its interesting past and natural wonders. You can find the  tour here. 

Be sure to read   my complete guide to the Isle of Skye   before going.

Whether you decide to drive to the Isle of Skye on your own or take a tour, don’t miss these sites:

• The Quiraing 
• Old Man of Storr
• Neist Point
• Dunvegan Castle
• Fairy Pools
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Museum of Island Life & Flora MacDonald’s Grave

On the last day of your Scotland and Ireland vacation, travel back to Edinburgh and either fly home from there or fly back to Dublin to fly home.

I hope this itinerary will help plan many trips to Ireland and Scotland. They are both such amazing destinations and I know you’ll love them! If you need help planning, please feel free to reach out  Facebook   or  Instagram , or send me an email me  [email protected]

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The Cost of Travel in Ireland (2024): A Detailed Budget Breakdown

Ireland was one of the first countries I ever added to my travel bucket list.

Perhaps it was the hopeless romantic in me thinking I’d meet a handsome man, like in P.S. I Love You , or maybe it was the sheer number of beautiful photos that left me captivated. 

Either way, I was deeply drawn to Ireland’s culture and natural landscapes from a young age. So much so that I was determined to get there as soon as I possibly could, so when the opportunity arose for me to study abroad in Ireland, I was filling in my application form within minutes.

Yes, I achieved my lifelong goal of visiting Ireland and before I knew it, I was taking my first steps in this beautiful country, pinching myself that I was actually living there now.

I didn’t want to squander that opportunity, which is why I spent almost every weekend exploring the Emerald Isle from top to bottom. It wasn’t a surprise to discover that travelling across Ireland didn’t come cheap, but I wouldn’t say it was overly expensive either. I averaged around €156/$ 170 per day while I was travelling across the country, with most of that money being spent on accommodation and food.

One of the best ways to see Ireland and save money is to rent a car and drive around at your own pace, but I joined plenty of bus tours, too. Taking tours cost more, but it meant I didn’t have to worry about driving or navigation either. In the end, these were some of my favorite weekends — and definitely worth the money. 

Whether it was driving along the winding, postcard-worthy clifftop roads that had me feeling like I was on the edge of the world or drinking with locals in a teeny-tiny pub in Dublin, Ireland was all that I dreamed it to be and more.

After my most recent trip last year, I decided to finally sit down and share exactly how much you can expect to spend while travelling in Ireland, so let’s get started.

What’s Included in this Post 

This budget breakdown covers how much I spent on accommodation, transportation, activities, and food while I travelled around the country.

I’ve not included my flights into and out of Ireland as this is going to vary significantly based on where you’ll be arriving from.

The amounts in this guide are listed in Euros and U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of readers of this site are from the U.S. and close to a million Americans visit Ireland each year.

How to Save Money on the Cost of Accommodation in Ireland

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer.

Couchsurfing  exists in Ireland and allows you to stay with a local for free , usually sleeping on their sofa and enjoying a local’s insight into life in their country. It’s not the most comfortable of living situations, but if your budget’s tight, it’s worth sending out a few requests to hosts to see if anything comes of it. You can browse through the 80,000+ Irish hosts on  the Couchsurfing site .

Housesitting  is a great option for  free  accommodation. This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees: you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you  do  have that freedom, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while. I have friends who have housesat in castles before! For free!  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting, as they have the highest number of listings.

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

I will make a quick note, however, that post-pandemic, the cost of hostels in Dublin is obnoxiously high. As in, while looking for a hostel in the city for July 2023, the cheapest price I could find was €100 for a dorm bed or €200 for a private room .

Yes, really. It’s something I’ve encountered in numerous countries since the pandemic, but it did seem to be particularly bad in Dublin.

Away from the capital and outside the peak summer travel season, though, hostels in Ireland  are more sensibly priced. You can expect to spend around  €40 a night for a dorm bed  for a well-reviewed hostel in Ireland, with the price increasing to slightly about  €60 a night  for the absolute best of the best.

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you can expect to spend around  €120 a night  for a clean, basic room in a good location, so if you’re travelling with a friend or partner, there’s not always a lot in it compared to two dorm beds. €150-190 a night  will get you an exceptionally well-reviewed private room in a hostel or hotel.

I use  HostelWorld  to find the cheapest hostels, as they tend to have the greatest number of listings at the lowest prices.

And, of course, there are always hotels, which are usually priced about the same as a private room in a hostel, but typically have a few more comforts. You’ll pay  €120-200 a night  for a decent, clean, mid-range property in a central location, depending on where you are and when you’re traveling. I always use  Booking , as they have the most accommodation options for the cheapest prices.

The Cost of Accommodation in Ireland 

There’s lots of wonderful places to stay in Ireland — from B&Bs to castles to hotels and hostels. 

If you’re even toying with the idea of staying in a castle (I know: the ultimate fairy-tale dream) then you’re looking at around $200-$600 a night for the higher-end, luxury versions. Honestly, I think Ireland is a fantastic place to splurge on accommodation if you can afford to. 

I always like to share the accommodation I stayed in on my travels, as well as recommend alternatives when mine weren’t so wonderful. Everywhere I recommend below has excellent reviews and offers great value for money.

Here’s my list of my favourite accommodation options in Ireland:

Dublin: Staycity Aparthotels Mark Street ( €180 a night )

Dublin is unbelievably expensive right now, so I really felt like I lucked out when I discovered this modern hotel. Not only is it in the best location in town — within walking distance of Temple Bar and all the main tourist attractions — but the staff are wonderful and the rooms comfortable. The heating and air conditioning worked well, the rooms were silent, and it felt as though we were staying in a brand new hotel. It’s one of the cheapest accommodation options in Dublin while also being one of the best reviewed. I wouldn’t consider staying anywhere else!

Galway: The Stop B&B ( €219 a night )

As far as I’m concerned, Galway is a must-visit destination on any trip to Ireland. Its lively atmosphere, vibrant street busking, and brightly colored buildings make it one of my favorite cities: it’s one of the places I always revisit whenever I’m in the country. I stay at the Stop B&B when I do: it’s easily one of the best-rated options in town that’s still in a great location a few minute’s walk from the city centre. The rooms are absolutely spotless, stylish and modern without feeling generic, and Russell (the host) couldn’t have been more welcoming. Shoutout to the delicious included breakfast as well: it was better than what I had in most restaurants!

Cork : Hotel Isaacs Cork City ( €169 a night )

I really enjoyed my stay at Hotel Isaacs for the couple of nights I spent in Cork. It’s one of the more affordable hotels in the city, but is still in an ideal location, just a five minute walk from the centre and ten minutes from the bus and train stations. It’s nice and quiet despite being right in the heart of things, and my room was bigger than many I’ve stayed in in Ireland. There’s a good onsite bar but in the end I didn’t spend much time there: the staff’s recommendations for traditional pubs nearby were so good that I spent my evenings there instead!

Dingle : Murphy’s Pub and Bed & Breakfast ( €135 a night )

The stunning Dingle Peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of the country; I don’t think I’ve ever seen such vibrant shades of green anywhere else on the planet! You’ll need at least a couple of days to fully explore the area, and I’d recommend staying at the delightful Murphy’s Pub in Dingle overnight while you do. Right in the middle of town and on the waterfront, you couldn’t ask for a better location to explore the town from. Not that you even have to leave the building if you don’t want to: one of the big benefits of staying in a pub is only having to walk a few steps to dinner, and that’s equally true here! My room was large, spotless, and very quiet considering it’s above the bar, and the included breakfast was super-tasty and set me up for the rest of the day. I really enjoyed my stay at this cozy family-run pub: I just wish I’d had another night there!

Belfast (Northern Ireland) : Citi North Guesthouse ( €94 a night )

Belfast is one of the most interesting cities I have been to. It’s deeply cultured, rooted in history and close to some of the most stunning natural landscapes I’ve ever seen. And if you’re planning a stint in Belfast, you need to stay at Citi North. Not only is it one of the most inexpensive guesthouses in town, but it also offers up one of the best breakfasts in the city — included in the price, of course. And it’s the small touches that really make the difference here, whether it’s having your bed made up and linens replaced while you’re busy hitting the streets of Belfast, receiving local recommendations on how to make the most of your vacation, or sleeping on a bed so comfortable that it feels like lounging on a cloud. It’s also in particularly handy location for boarding the  hop on hop off tour  or meeting up with one of the  black taxi tours .

The Cost of Transportation in Ireland 

Transportation around Ireland isn’t just a way of getting around, it’s an attraction in and of itself. For the most part, I used buses to get around the country when I hadn’t rented a car.

Bus and Train — The bus will probably be your main way of getting around if you don’t have a driver’s license. I found the bus system in Ireland to be very reliable and easy. and it covers pretty much anywhere you’re likely to want to go. The buses are quite comfortable and modern, they almost always leave on time, and most even have free Wi-Fi on board! And because Ireland is a pretty small island, the costs are actually quite reasonable. 

The main bus companies are Bus Éireann, Citylink, Aircoach, and Go Bus. Bus Éireann is the biggest and best of them, with reasonable prices and routes that cover the entire country. Plus, WiFi, power sockets, and comfy seats!

If trains are more your thing, they can also be a good way of getting around, especially on routes that go mostly along the coast: there are some epic views to be had! Tickets do tend to cost a bit more than the equivalent bus trip, though, and the trains don’t run as often as the buses or to as many places.

That said, shorter trips are still quite cheap: I paid €8.35 for a walk-up ticket from Enniscorthy to Rosslare, which wasn’t a lot more than the bus.

You can buy tickets on the day from self-service machines and ticket counters, or in discounted advance tickets from the Irish Rail website . You just collect your ticket from the machine when you get to the station.

Here are some of the typical bus and train route cost breakdowns, booked a few days in advance: 

• Bus from Dublin to Galway: €15/$17
• Bus from Dublin to Cork:  €15/$17
• Bus from Dublin to Belfast: €11.50/$14
• Train from Cork to Killarney: €12/$13
• Train from Killarney to Galway: €17.33/$19

City Travel — This mostly pertains to getting around Dublin. I found the city centre to be compact enough that you could easily walk places (if you’re wearing comfortable shoes of course!). Unlike most European cities, Dublin doesn’t have an underground system, so your best bet is to use the extensive public bus network. 

If you’ll be using public transport a lot, pick up a LEAP card: you can buy and top up at ticket offices and most convenience stores. You’ll save up to 30% on the regular single ticket cash price, although note that the card has a €5 deposit and €5 minimum topup.

With your card, you’ll pay a €2 for most bus trips in Dublin, with a daily cap of €5.60 . You can also use your LEAP card towards the train, tram, or Dublin bike rental. It’s worthwhile if you’re traveling beyond Dublin as well: you can use it in other cities like Limerick, Galway, and Cork. 

Car Rental — Like I said earlier, if you have a driver’s license and you’re comfortable driving on the left side of the road, then this is by far one of the most cost-effective and flexible options. Renting a car and driving around Ireland is one of the best ways to explore the vast countryside on your own timetable. Prices start at €26 ($28) per day for a simple, economy car. This is a great option if you’re traveling with friends or a partner because you can split both the costs of the rental and gas. 

Keep in mind that car rental prices do change depending on the time of year and how high the demand is. Typically the further you book out, the better prices there will be. I always use RentalCars.com to find the best deals for car rentals, as they always seem to find cheaper options than I can score by going direct.

The Cost of Food in Ireland 

Irish food feels like coming home. It just invites a feeling of sitting by the fireplace in a cozy cottage on the water, surrounded by friends and family. Whether it’s seafood chowder, cottage pie, or classic fish and chips, hearty, feel-good food is everywhere in this country. If you’re eating out for all your meals, though, you’re definitely going to notice a dent in your budget. 

If you want to start your day off with a lot of food, look no further than the traditional Irish Breakfast. Similar to the Full English from across the channel, you’ll end up with some combination of bacon, sausages, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, black and white pudding, and toast. You’ll pay around €15 ($16.50) for it, although it’s not uncommon to see half-sized versions on the menu for those who’d like to save a bit of money (and their arteries).

You don’t have to go the traditional route, though, at least not when you’re in a major city. Especially in Dublin, but elsewhere as well, there are plenty of brunch-style cafes with a wide range of healthier options. I’ve had everything from shakshuka and granola bowls to salmon and eggs and the ubiquitous avocado on toast, paying €12-15 ($13-16.50) each time.

Pub meals typically offer the best value, especially outside the tourist areas of major cities. There, it’s not hard to find a delicious, filling meal of rich Irish stew and soda bread, fresh fish and chips, or tasty burgers for around €15-20 ($16.50-22) per person. A similar meal at a more upscale restaurant will be more like €20-25 ($22-27) . 

It’s worth looking out for restaurants that offer lunchtime or early bird specials. Often during the middle of the week, at certain times before the dinner rush, restaurants will offer full meals at a discounted rate. 

If you’re staying at accommodation with shared kitchens, this is a fantastic way to save money on food. When I spent money on groceries, I usually paid around €60 ($65) per week, or €8.50 ($9.50) per day for basic things like pasta and vegetables. 

If the place you’re staying at includes a free breakfast, I’d definitely suggest taking advantage of it. Especially if it’s a cooked breakfast, but even if it’s a lighter continental option, it often means you can get by with something small like a sandwich or wrap for lunch while you’re out exploring, and then opt to cook dinner in the evenings. Then you’ll average around €20 ($24) per day. 

Fancy a pint of Guinness or my personal favorite, Smithwick’s Irish Red? You’re looking at around €6 for every additional bevvy that you tack on, which you’ll be tempted to do at many points! I’d suggest going easy on the drinks in Temple Bar and other major tourist spots, though: prices there can be a lot higher than elsewhere! 

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in Ireland 

The activities in Ireland are so much fun! The rich history, incredible landscapes and quirky attractions will make memories to last a lifetime. I found most activities and entrance fees to be reasonably priced, at least compared to some other places in Europe. 

Without a doubt, my favorite experiences were taking a tour of the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula Tour. These are spectacular drives, with incredibly lush mountains and ocean views that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from. I went with Paddywagon for my tours, and felt very taken care of. All I needed to do was sit back and enjoy the drive: it was nice to be able to just gaze out the window and let someone else do the driving! They made sure to stop frequently so we could get out, take pictures, and see everything up close. 

I also enjoyed seeing the Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, experiencing the Guinness Storehouse and kissing the Blarney Stone. When I think about my time in Ireland, these are always the first activities that come to mind. 

Unless you’re a huge history buff, I personally thought that seeing The Book of Kells in Dublin was overrated and overpriced. But everything else is worth it!

Here’s a breakdown of some of the costs you might expect for the top attractions in Ireland: 

• Blarney Castle and Stone: €22/$24 (online discount)
• Guinness storehouse in Dublin: €20/$22 (online only)
• Cliffs of Moher: free
• The Book of Kells and Trinity College Dublin: €25/$27
• Giant’s Causeway: free
• Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge: €15.50/$17
• Connemara National Park: free
• 3-day tour of southern Ireland (Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, and Galway): €389/$422 (including accommodations, entrance fees, and breakfasts)  

If you’re like me, and love to make the most of time, then tours are really a great way to experience a country. I recommend hoping over to Get Your Guide for a range of activities and tours, like the Wild Wicklow Day Tour from Dublin ( €30/$33 ), Tour of Connemara National Park ( €35/$38 ), Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Cruise ( €70/$76 ), or a Game of Thrones studio tour ( €34.50/$38) . 

The Cost of Travel Insurance in Ireland

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Ireland. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re way cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Ireland? 

It’s time to tally up all of my expenses to see my total travel costs!

• Accommodation: €159/$172 per day between two (€79.50/$86 each)
• Transportation: € 20/$22 per day
• Food: € 34/$37 per day
• Activities/Entrance Fees: € 23/$25 per day

Average amount spent in Ireland: € 156.50/ $170 a day!

What do you think? Are the costs to travel in Ireland about what you expected, or is it more or less expensive? Let me know!

Author bio: Born and raised in Toronto, Lydia has found “home” throughout her travels around the world. She’s a passionate storyteller and writer and you can usually find her dreaming about new adventures or having a deep conversation with a friend.

Related Articles on Ireland 💰 The Cost of Travel in Dublin: A 2024 Budget Breakdown ☘️ The Absolute Best Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Hi Lauren- thanks for this info. You want to check your math on these $ to pound conversions above; many are reversed (or leftover from when this was originally written perhaps and the pound was higher than the dollar?)

Hi LeeAnn! There aren’t any pound amounts in this article — do you mean Euros? I’ve double checked all the numbers and the exchange rate is still accurate as of today. The only thing I can think of is that you’re interpreting my Euro (€) prices as pounds (£)!

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Scotland vs. Ireland: Which should you visit?

Home » Blog » Europe » Scotland vs. Ireland: Which should you visit?

If you’re debating whether you should visit Scotland vs. Ireland, this guide can help you decide which is the best choice for your travel style and preferences.

We’ve taken road trips in both Scotland and Ireland , and I can tell you (from personal experience!) that both countries are absolutely worth exploring .

In fact, I’d say they both are on our list of best road trips in the world. 

How do they compare, you ask?

If I’m totally honest, I feel like Scotland and Ireland are very similar.

During our recent Ireland road trip , we couldn’t stop comparing it to our road trip through Scotland . Around every turn, we’d say, “That view reminds me of Scotland,” or “This pub brings me back to Scotland!”

There are definitely differences between Scotland and Ireland too, but the good news is that if you like one, you’re nearly guaranteed to like the other!

Wondering where to travel: Scotland or Ireland?

If you’re looking for a short and direct answer, here it is: No matter which you choose, you will have an incredible time.

However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth comparison between Ireland and Scotland , we can do that, too… 

In this article, we’ll discuss the similarities Scotland and Ireland have, as well as what makes them different. 

We’re going over everything from the food to the weather to the landscapes (as well as which country we’d name the winner for each category) so that you can determine where you’d prefer to travel.

Spoiler Alert: If you want to just jump straight to the point and see our personal pick between Ireland vs. Scotland , click here !

Scotland or Ireland: Where should you travel?

• Similarities & Differences
• Hiking  
• Things to Do
• Small Towns
• History & Culture
• Accommodations
• Which is more family-friendly?
• How much time do you need in each?
• Our opinion: Ireland or Scotland

Similarities & differences between Scotland and Ireland

Before we dive into personal opinions, let’s go over the facts and compare the similarities and differences between Ireland and Scotland.

• Scotland: pound sterling (£)
• Ireland: euro (€)

Fun fact: If you travel to the north of Ireland, you will be using pounds instead of euros.

Scotland and Ireland are relatively similar in size.

Scotland is slightly bigger than the Republic of Ireland. However, if you compare the island of Ireland (including Northern Ireland), it is roughly 2,500 square miles larger than Scotland.

• Scotland is 30,090 square miles (77,933 km 2 ) 
• Republic of Ireland is 27,133 square miles (70,273 km 2 ) 

Even the two countries’ populations are similar. The Republic of Ireland and Scotland have roughly the same population. 

• Scotland: 5.5 million people
• Ireland: 5.1 million people (7 million on the entire island, including Northern Ireland)

When you factor in the size of each country, you’ll find that Ireland is more densely populated .

Also, the major cities in Ireland are bigger.

Ireland’s largest city (Dublin) has twice the population of Scotland’s largest city (Glasgow).

• Glasgow: 600,000 people
• Dublin: 1.2 million people

English is the most widely-spoken language in both Ireland and Scotland. However, each country also has pride for their native language.

The native language of both Scotland and Ireland is a form of Gaelic. While they have similar origins, each language is distinctly different. 

• Scotland: Scottish Gaelic
• Ireland: Irish Gaelic

In our experience, we found that Ireland has much more Gaelic across the country (on signs and menus) than we saw in Scotland.

• Scotland: majority Church of Scotland
• mix of Protestant and Catholic in the north of Ireland

Weather in Scotland vs. Ireland

Both Ireland and Scotland are known for drizzly weather and gray, gloomy skies. 

It’s a vibe – lean into it , pack correctly, and you’ll be fine!

This is anecdotal, but we had great weather in both Scotland and Ireland. In fact, when we traveled to Ireland for 2 weeks in early June, we only had (slight) rain one day. ONE DAY. We even had to buy new clothes while we were there because what we had packed was too warm.

The weather between the two countries is relatively similar, and you could get really lucky or really unlucky with either choice. 

If you’re comparing the countries as a whole, Ireland tends to have milder weather and slightly less rainfall than Scotland. 

Scotland weather stats

• Average annual rainfall: 59 inches (1,500 mm)
• Summer temperatures: 52º-66º F (11°-19°C)
• Winter temperatures: 34º-45º F (1°-7°C)

Learn more: Best time to visit Scotland

Ireland weather stats

• Average annual rainfall: 48 inches (1,230 mm)
• Summer temperatures: 60°-70°F (15°-20°C)
• Winter temperatures: 40°-46°F (5°-8°C)

Learn more: Best time to visit Ireland

Compare those rainfall amounts to our hometown of Bend, Oregon , which averages just 12 inches annually, and it is easy to see why both countries are known for being so rainy!

Our winner: Ireland

We wouldn’t recommend choosing Ireland over Scotland based just on weather because you can get lucky or unlucky anywhere. However, if you’re purely looking at the stats, Ireland is slightly more mild and has a bit less annual rainfall.

Food in Scotland vs. Ireland 

This is a toughie… both Scotland and Ireland are known for cuisines that are, well, heavy on the meat and potatoes.

While I love a good comfort food meal every now and again, it’s certainly not on the list of my favorite cuisines (like Thai food or Mexican food ) .

Scottish foods to try

• Haggis (there are also vegan options)
• Cullen skink (fish chowder)
• Fun fact: Chicken tikka masala is said to have originated in Glasgow, and this dish can be found on pub menus even in the countryside

Irish foods to try

• Botxty (like a potato pancake meets a savory crepe)
• Irish whiskey

In recent years, the foodie worlds of both Scotland and Ireland have been growing and elevating. And what were once thought of as – dare I say – bland cuisines have gotten facelifts in pretty major ways.

In the larger cities, you’ll find world-class dining where chefs are taking traditional foods to the next level while still honoring their roots. And in seaside towns of both Scotland and Ireland, don’t miss the seafood, it is incredible.

We had fantastic food experiences in both Ireland and Scotland and we think you will, too.

Good to know: We found vegetarian and vegan options readily available in both countries.

Our favorite food experiences in Scotland

• Taking a food tour in Glasgow
• Fresh langoustines at The Seafood Shack in Ullapool
• Going on a boutique distillery tour
• Afternoon tea in Edinburgh

Love food? Check out our guide to Scottish cuisine , which is packed with tons of tips!

Our favorite food experiences in Ireland 

• Fresh seafood with a lake view at The Misunderstood Heron food truck
• Fresh oysters at Morans Oyster Shack
• Lunch at The Bulman Bar & Restaurant (just outside of Kinsale) was one of our most memorable meals in Ireland
• We splurged on a nice dinner at the super cozy Ard Bia in Galway and loved every bite!

While I think it partially comes down to the restaurants we chose, we personally would pick Ireland as the winner. Almost every one of our meals in Ireland was excellent. ( Psst! I did TONS of research to choose the best restaurants, which I share in our perfect Ireland itinerary !)

Budget for Scotland vs. Ireland 

Overall, we didn’t find the prices to be too drastically different in Ireland vs. Scotland.

If I had to say which is more budget-friendly, I’d probably choose Scotland, but not by much . I think you could travel to either country with the exact same amount of money and be just fine. 

If you’re on a tight budget, then we’d recommend you limit your time in the big cities, as Dublin and Edinburgh are by far the most expensive places in each respective country.

Good to know: The Republic of Ireland uses the euro while Scotland uses the pound. If you’re traveling from the USA, the euro has a slightly better exchange rate.

Our winner: Scotland

While we found Scotland to be a tad more affordable, I wouldn’t solely make your decision based on budget, because like I said, the costs aren’t all that different.

Landscapes in Scotland vs. Ireland

Rushing waterfalls, rugged cliffs that drop into the sea, white sand beaches with turquoise waters, deep blue lakes flanked by towering mountains, thick forests where the fog clings to the treetops…

Do you think I’m describing Ireland or Scotland?

Whichever one you answered with is correct because you can truly find all these landscapes in both places.

Overall, the types of landscapes are somewhat similar. 

But if you pushed me to further contrast the two, I’d tell you that Scotland is more rugged . More remote. The mountains are higher, the coastlines more removed.

On the other hand, Ireland is greener and has some of the most spectacular seaside cliffs we’ve ever seen. So it depends on your preferences, really.

Our winner: Scotland 

Scotland has more varied and dramatic landscapes. Think higher mountains and more remote coastlines.

Hiking in Scotland vs. Ireland

If you love hiking as much as we do, you’ll want to be sure to pack your boots for your trip regardless of whether you choose Ireland or Scotland. 

While Scotland has higher peaks, both countries have a slew of incredible adventures to be had. From coastal trails to long-distance routes to steep-but-rewarding climbs, you’ll find your hiking bliss in both Ireland and Scotland.

Our favorite hikes in Ireland:

• Diamond Hill
• Keash Caves
• Slieve League
• Secret Waterfall
• Giant’s Causeway
• Benwee Head (on our bucket list!)
• Slieve Doan (on our bucket list!)

Our favorite hikes in Scotland:

• Finnich Glenn
• Old Man of Storr
• Happy Valley
• Fairy Glenn
• Steall Waterfall

Our winner: Tie!

We think both countries have amazing hiking opportunities. Personally, the hikes we did in Scotland were a bit more epic, but that was based mostly on our route and the amount of time we had. We think Ireland has just as many great hiking trails.

Castles in Scotland vs. Ireland

If you love castles, then you’ll be pleased to know that you’ll find plenty in both countries. Truly, you might even get a little sick of them because there are so many.

After some digging, I found that there is no exact count of the number of castles in each country. However, it is estimated that Ireland is home to more than 30,000 castles (and ruins), while Scotland has more than 3,000. 

Psst! Check out our list of the best castles in Scotland !

That means there are quite a lot more castles in Ireland than Scotland . That actually surprised me because I personally felt like I saw more in Scotland, but the numbers don’t lie!

Our winner: Ireland 

There are more castles in Ireland; but if I’m honest, you’ll see more than enough in either country.

Fun things to do in Scotland vs. Ireland

Which has more to do: Ireland or Scotland?

Oh, gosh, I don’t think I can answer that question fully. I think both have endless adventures to be had and many ways to get off the beaten track.

We had truly incredible and action-packed trips to both Ireland and Scotland. And we still have huge bucket lists for each country because we didn’t get to it all. (You never can!)

Instead of choosing a winner for this category, I’ll leave you with some of our favorite activities in both Ireland and Scotland:

Best things to do in Scotland

• Trek into Cairngorms National Park to see reindeer.
• Road trip around the Isle of Skye.
• Have afternoon tea in Edinburgh.
• Watch the sunset from the beach on the northeast shore of Loch Ness.
• Go hiking in Glencoe.
• Keep reading our whole list of amazing things to do in Scotland!

Best things to do in Ireland

• Road trip around the Dingle Peninsula on Slea Head Drive.
• Marvel at the cliffs around Ireland (Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League, Kerry Cliffs, and more!)
• Enjoy live music in an Irish pub.
• Take a black taxi tour in Belfast.
• Watch a sheepdog demonstration.
• Keep reading our entire list of fun things to do in Ireland!

Like I said, both countries will keep you plenty busy with all sorts of fun things to do!

Cities in Scotland vs. Ireland

I’ll get straight to the point: We’re not big city people.

When we travel, cities aren’t our main focus. We almost always love the smaller towns and countryside much more than the big cities.

However, we couldn’t very well go to Scotland without seeing Edinburgh, now could we? And same with Dublin in Ireland.

In both Scotland and Ireland, our favorite places were in nature. That said, we really were blown away by the big cities in Scotland. I could live in Edinburgh!

While we didn’t dislike the cities in Ireland per se, we liked the cities in Scotland more. 

Our favorite cities in Scotland:

Read more: We have a whole list of the best places to visit in Scotland .

Our favorite cities in Ireland:

• Dublin 

Read more: We have a whole list of the best places to visit in Ireland .

We liked the cities in Scotland more than those in Ireland. While we didn’t dislike Dublin or Belfast, we really loved Edinburgh and Glasgow (each for different reasons).

Smaller towns in Scotland vs. Ireland

Not to confuse you, but if we change the parameters to small towns, our winner is now Ireland. Again, not by much, but we found so many charming small towns in Ireland that we adored.

Our favorite small towns in Scotland:

Our favorite small towns in Ireland:

There’s just something about the villages in Ireland that beg you to stay!

Culture & History in Ireland vs. Scotland

Both Ireland and Scotland have a shared Gaelic culture, and you can find oodles of historic places and cultural attractions in each.

It’s hard to compare because each country has a vivid and complex history which you can learn about on your trip. 

We personally felt like the pub culture is stronger in Ireland than in Scotland. It’s not by a ton, but noticeably more, which we expected. Irish pub culture and folk music is legendary, after all.

Additionally, in Ireland we felt like there was more Gaelic pride visible to outsiders, as it is on all signs along with English in the Republic of Ireland (we didn’t notice it as much on signs in Northern Ireland).

With more visible Gaelic pride and a stronger pub culture (as well as nightlife, if that’s what you’re into), you can just feel the culture in Ireland.

Driving in Ireland vs. Scotland

We rented motorhomes in both Ireland and Scotland , so we have quite a bit of personal driving experience to speak from. 

Left-hand side of the road 

In both countries, you drive on the left side of the road , so if you’re used to driving on the right (like we are), it can be a bit different at the start.

In both countries, the roads are quite well-marked in towns and cities. Ireland, especially, had a lot of “stay left” indicators.

After a little practice and some chanting (“left side, left side!”), you shouldn’t have too much of a problem remembering which side to stay on. 

Narrow roads

Both Ireland and Scotland have very narrow roads through the rural areas. You’ll quickly get used to single lane roads where you will pull out to let oncoming traffic pass.  

When passing small villages, your vehicle may brush the hedges. For this reason, we’d recommend choosing the smallest vehicle that will work for you in both Ireland and Scotland. 

Between the two, Ireland’s roads seemed narrower.

Driving in cities

Our least favorite part of driving in both Ireland and Scotland was in the major cities. 

Part of this is due to the fact that we were driving large vehicles in each, so maneuvering them on busy city streets in traffic wasn’t fun. 

Plus, parking in big cities can be difficult with a motorhome or campervan, as you can’t enter parking garages due to height restrictions.

With more stretches of open road, Scotland felt slightly easier for driving (especially in a big vehicle).

Accommodations in Scotland vs. Ireland

Both Ireland and Scotland have plenty of accommodation options, from traditional hotels and inns to unique Airbnbs and cozy glamping stays (we have glamping guides for both Scotland and Ireland !). We had memorable stays in both countries.

Where you stay is going to depend a lot on whether you’ve chosen to rent a car or a campervan (more on that in a sec!). 

With the exception of Edinburgh, Scotland’s cities tend to have slightly cheaper accommodations than Ireland’s cities. Both countries have budget, mid-range, and luxury options.

Psst! Make sure you read the secrets to how we never book a bad Airbnb – we’ve basically got it down to a science!

We’ll give this one to Scotland for having slightly better prices, but in terms of quality, uniqueness, and variety, it would be a tie.

Camping in Scotland vs. Ireland

As we mentioned above, we did campervan trips in both Ireland and Scotland, and had incredible experiences in both countries.

We’d highly recommend this as a way to experience both Ireland and Scotland, and we’ve got lots of tips for you if this is how you choose to travel:

• Renting a campervan in Scotland
• Renting a campervan in Ireland

Overall, the campgrounds are very similar in Ireland and Scotland. Sites are not exactly private or wooded like you’d find in much of North America. Instead, you’ll find parking spots and hookups with a range of facilities.

We found the quality of campgrounds was pretty similar in both Ireland and Scotland. We had a couple of really nice campgrounds as well as a few, let’s just say, rustic campgrounds. Prices were also pretty much the same.

Psst! We have detailed camping guides for both Scotland and Ireland !

On a similar note, it is legal to wild camp in both Ireland and Scotland (aka camp in a non-designated campground). If you’re in a self-contained vehicle and looking for a little adventure, then this can be a great option. We did a bit of wild camping in both places and had great experiences. 

Insider Tip: Park4Night is the best app for finding legal places to wild camp in both countries.

Again, this one is too close to call. Both Scotland and Ireland offer great opportunities for camping, as well as for getting a taste of #vanlife .

Crowds in Scotland vs. Ireland

Which is more popular with international tourists: Scotland or Ireland?

The data is understandably a little hard to read over the last few years, but in the last full year of truly “normal” travel (2019), Ireland saw more than three times as many tourists as Scotland .

• Ireland: 11.3 million international tourists (2019)
• Scotland: 3.5 million international tourists (2019)

While there are certainly crowded areas in both Ireland and Scotland, we definitely felt it more in Ireland . Well, except for the Queen’s funeral procession, which we just happened to be in Edinburgh for. But that was obviously a one-off thing.

We visited Ireland at the beginning of peak tourist season, but even still, it didn’t feel nearly as crowded as some European countries we’ve traveled to in the summer (I’m talking about you, Croatia !). 

The Cliffs of Moher were definitely the most crowded place we visited in Ireland. Most other places didn’t feel too terribly crowded, even on the weekends.

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, there are definitely places you can do that in both countries, but Scotland is less touristy overall.

Which is more family-friendly: Scotland vs. Ireland?

We found both Ireland and Scotland to be family-friendly. 

We traveled with our daughter to both places and found we didn’t have to sacrifice much.

Tips for traveling with a baby in Scotland or Ireland

We have tons of tips for traveling with a baby to make your family trips feel more doable! But here are a couple of tips specific to Scotland and Ireland:

• In both Ireland and Scotland, we found that some distilleries allow minors and some don’t, so this is an activity that you’d want to research in advance.
• We found many cocktail bars allow minors until a certain time (usually 6 or 7 p.m.). Pubs that serve food tend to allow children later, but it can be a good idea to reach out and ask if it’s a place you really want to go to.

Round-up of the winners: Scotland vs. Ireland

Are you keeping score? 

If you want to see how Ireland and Scotland compare on all categories in one place, here ya go:

• Weather: Ireland
• Food: Ireland
• Budget: Scotland
• Landscapes: Scotland
• Hiking: Tie
• Castles: Ireland
• Things to do: Tie
• Cities: Scotland
• Towns: Ireland
• History & Culture: Ireland
• Driving: Scotland 
• Accommodations: Scotland
• Camping: Tie
• Crowds: Scotland
• Family-friendly: Tie

Note: I hope you read the descriptions of each category so you can see why we chose the winner and what the differences are. In most categories, they are very close , and choosing a winner was hard.

How much time do you need in Scotland vs. Ireland?

We think 2 weeks is a perfect amount of time in either Ireland or Scotland. Even 10 days can still give you enough time to see a lot in each place. 

Our Personal Opinion: Scotland vs. Ireland

I’ll be honest and tell you we are terrible at choosing favorites. Of anything. 

Ask me my favorite foods and you’ll be in for a 5-minute conversation that you weren’t prepared for. I’ll ramble on about all my favorites and how it changes day to day because, well, I can’t just choose one. That would be crazy talk. 

Okay, now that you know me a little better ( hey, let’s be friends! ), you can understand why I can’t just give you a straight answer to the question, “Which is better: Ireland or Scotland?”

First of all, I don’t think you can ever definitively say one country is better than another. 

But I also know you came here to get some sort of answer, so I won’t just leave you hanging. If you’re wondering which country to travel to – Ireland or Scotland – here’s what I’d tell you:

• Ireland wins just slightly when it comes to culture and history.
• Scotland wins for landscapes that are more varied, and as Ben says, just a little more epic.

They are tied in many other categories and are both excellent choices, so honestly, don’t overthink it. (Easier said than done, I know.)

At any rate, I’ll leave you with this little gem… I hope it helps you make a decision (or at least makes you laugh!).

• Katie: “Hey Ben, let’s play a game.”
• Ben: *looks up from his computer, a little weirded out* “Okay…?”
• Katie: “Summer or winter?”
• Ben: “Summer.”
• Katie: “Hot dog or hamburger?”
• Ben: “Hamburger.” *kind of catching onto the game*
• Katie: “Apple or orange?”
• Ben: “Orange.”
• Katie: “Ireland or Scotland?”
• Ben: *long pause* “Umm… Scotland? Well, wait now…”
• Katie: “Ha. Got it! Can’t change it now!”
• Ben: *stares at me* “Why?”
• Katie: “Because those are the rules. And I need you to pick one because I can’t!”

Ben went on to defend his decision, “In terms of overall epicness, I think Scotland wins by 1%. The mountains are bigger… the coastal drives are… well, actually they’re equal. That’s why it’s only one percent. It’s the mountains!”

So there ya have it. And I kind of agree with him . If I had to choose, Scotland wins by 1%.

Please, no hate mail from our Irish friends. We love you and your country, and can’t wait to return!

Remember, both Ireland and Scoland are truly incredible places to explore and they make amazing road trips. Whichever you choose will be a fantastic choice, I can guarantee it.

And the good news is that if you love your trip, you know you’ll love the other country, so why not plan that as a next vacation!? 

We have quite literally all the resources you need for both trips, after all!

More resources for planning your trip to Ireland

We’re creating lots of resources for travel in Ireland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ireland Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Ultimate 2-week Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
• Essential Ireland Packing List: FREE Download!
• Best Time to Visit Ireland: When to Go & When to Avoid
• Places to Visit in Ireland You Can’t Miss!
• Unforgettable Things to do in Ireland: Ultimate Bucket List

More resources for planning your trip to Scotland

We have lots of resources on travel in Scotland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Scotland Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Ultimate 2-week Scotland Road Trip Itinerary
• Complete Scotland Packing List: FREE Download!
• Best Time to Visit Scotland: When to Go & When to Avoid
• Best Places to Visit in Scotland
• Unforgettable Things to do in Scotland

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We want to hear from you!

Okay, let’s hear it: what’s your opinion on this debate? Which would be your personal pick in Scotland vs. Ireland? Do you have any other questions for us? Leave your comments below and we’ll try our best to bet back to you!

Comments (2) on “ Scotland vs. Ireland: Which should you visit? ”

As a native of Dublin who lives in Glasgow I can tell you Glasgow is bigger than Dublin in size, Maybe you should research better you only need to use Wikipedia to see Glasgow is bigger your blog is very misleading.

Your article is interesting.

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American tourist who listed 'problems' with Ireland 'lacks common sense'

Many of the users on the Reddit thread were unhappy with the American tourist's criticisms of Ireland

• 12:27, 19 OCT 2023
• Updated 14:42, 19 OCT 2023

An American tourist who described Ireland as lacking spicy food and proper road infrastructure has been labeled as "lacking common sense." In a lengthy Reddit post, an American tourist recently listed their problems with Ireland . In total, the social media user listed five issues they had with the Emerald Isle , from the identical haircuts of teenage boys to the price of alcohol.

Despite writing that they thought Ireland was a "beautiful country" and that it was written as a bit of "fun", many people criticized the contents of the post. A common theme among the social media users' responses was confusion over why the American vacationer thought that Ireland, as a different country, would be similar to The United States .

"It’s almost as if we have a different culture with different haircuts, food, etc. We do have issues with drugs, but recent visits to US cities with tent cities makes me think we’re not in nearly as bad of shape. Have you been to San Francisco?," one person wrote. Another jokingly said: "American discovers other countries aren't exactly like America."

Read more: 'I got the last laugh over entitled power couple who tried to steal my plane seat'

Another person criticized the lack of common sense applied to some of the American's complaints. "yes and if you are on a narrow country road you don't have a "lane" but you do need common sense so I guess that was the struggle here", the person wrote.

Others, meanwhile, seemed to take issue with the post saying that - in the tourist's opinion - Ireland does not have spicy food. "Yeah, we do have proper SPICY foods, look harder next time. But I hope you enjoyed your experience apart from these points," one Reddit user wrote.

Finally, one Redditor provided a detailed explanation as to why many of the issues the American raised were wrong. The person also took exception to the food criticism coming from someone from a country "whose food is banned across the world."

"Please, stay in America so. We have some of the best "produce" in the world so I absolutely won't allow someone who's food is banned across the world to say otherwise," the detailed comment began.

"We have different tastes here so spicy food isn't the norm, however as someone who adores spicy food, I'm always satisfied and you just need to know where to look. We're not really a tropical country so it's expensive to import certain varieties of Peppers and chillies but go into any Asian supermarket and you will find them - you just need to know where to look.

"We have a massive housing and drugs crisis at the moment, but it is nothing like the states. You guys have literally homeless communities, we've a few lads in tents by the canal, but I will admit it's getting much worse.

"We, like Scotland, have a high tax on our alcohol and unfortunately, we export most of it and import it back in which makes it even more expensive however I believe our pints and shots are more to the ml. We are an expensive country. Country roads are country roads."

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .

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• Spain or Ireland?...

Spain or Ireland? You choose.

We just had a great trip to Italy in September. Traveled more in one country that any I have visited. Planning the next one now...it's fun to plan and dream.

I've never been to Spain, or Oklahoma, or Ireland for that matter. But for those who get the reference and have been to either of these countries...if you were plan another trip, to Spain or Ireland, after Paris (2017), London (2018), Rome/Amalfi/Florence/Bologna/Venice (2020 do over in 2022), which one would you choose and why?

Similar to our trips to Paris and London, we want to do longer stays in one place with side trips/day trips out and back; maybe one week here, the next week there, at the most, but not as much running around as we did in Italy...those cheap tourist hats marked us as tourists, but they saved us as well. It was hot in Rome!

What time of year do you plan to take the trip? That could matter a very great deal. And how long will the trip be?

You haven't told us what you like to see and do when on vacation, which is also important input.

I've lost track of how many times I've been to Spain; I've spent 4-1/2 months there since May 2016 and there are still cities I haven't gotten to that I want to see. I've never been to Ireland, which gives you an idea of my priorities. I prefer places that feel more "different" from my home, so non-English-speaking countries interest me more, in general. I don't rent cars in Europe (and they're often very helpful if not essential for fully appreciating rural beauty), I don't drink and I don't like Celtic music--all factors that tend to make Ireland less attractive-sounding to me. (I did like Scotland a lot.)

I would choose Spain--absolutely. We had our time in Ireland, and it was perhaps one of the most boring trips of all time--watching the sheep grow.

We have been along the Spanish coast in the Med. on a couple of cruise ships. The beaches were small (by our standards), and the cities were congested high rise condos.

Before Covid, we flew into Madrid, took a bus down to Granada and flew over to Barcelona. We found the cities very inexpensive and there was so many travel sights to see. We also found the Spanish people to be exceptionally beautiful & handsome.

Spain is a large country with vastly different regions. And it's like they have four different coastlines. It's a place that might require numerous trips. We'll certainly return to Spain soon.

Wow, thank you for the replies...I didn't think I'd get feedback so soon.

I like both but Spain has more blockbuster sights than Ireland and you need a car to explore the latter. Don’t under estimate Ireland though, it’s the most beautiful country I’ve traveled in and I’ve been to almost forty with the majority in Europe.

The timing of the trip would make all the difference to me. I would never go to Spain from April to September, I don’t like the heat. I would go to Ireland during those months.

Spain has a great variety of sights and cultures to explore. Ireland has natural beauty and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Our b&b hosts treated us superbly and made us feel so welcome. If you want to be going-going-going, Spain might be the choice. If you want to be more relaxed, Ireland May be a nice change of pace. Consider whether you want to rent a car, though. It’s recommended for Ireland.

Well, it seems you have hit some of the big cities, why not go for a change of pace in Ireland and see some quaint small towns and rugged, scenic coast lines. Ireland is more about folklore, and folk music, both of which I love so maybe I’m biased, but I certainly wasn’t bored. I felt very safe in Ireland travelling alone, and Irish people are very friendly and helpful. Don’t get me wrong, I would go to Spain if I got the chance, but the Celtic history and music are more attractive to me than Spain.

Well Anita, you are in luck because in the northwest corner of Spain is the region of Galicia, which is an ancient enclave of Celtic culture from before the Romans invaded Iberia. There you'll find rolling green hills, grazing sheep, Celtic crosses, ancient standing stones, and a passion for bagpipes. Outside of the language one would think you are in Ireland lol!

I think Carlos has found the key: Galicia, the Ireland of Spain! ;-) And the right-side driving will be easier too.

I visited both countries in recent years and had wonderful trips (yes, RS tours, but they would have been wonderful anyway). Both have beautiful scenery, fascinating (and related) histories, friendly people. I'd give Spain the nod for art, architecture, and food, Ireland the nod for the pub culture and English speaking that makes it easier for Americans to connect person-to-person. The time of year does matter -- southern Spain would be much better in winter than Ireland, Ireland much better in summer than southern Spain.

You wrote "it's fun to plan and dream," very true. So why not plan and dream about both? It doesn't really matter which is first or second, does it?

Spain is so diverse in cultures, landscapes, food, history, looks, languages (we have 4 official languages), climates...that you cannot talk about "one Spain". Ireland is more uniform practically all over the country, so you will have very similar everything anywhere you go. And food in Spain, anywhere, undoubtedly beats Irish food. And wine. And...

We liked Ireland and love Spain. You can’t go wrong with either but a lot depends on what you like to see and do. We visit Spain every couple years seeing different regions. We’ve been to Ireland once and will return.

Spain wins hands down everytime. I didn't enjoy the hostility I encountered in Ireland due to being English (despite having Irish grandparents but that serves only to highlight the ignorant bigotry) so I've never returned although I did pop over to Belfast last week to renew some passports and I received a much friendlier reception. Spain, for me, is far more interesting and the weather is better not to mention the food and wine.

Thank you everyone for a lot of great perspectives.

We're planning our next trip the ~ last week of April and the first week of May. The point about having to hire a car...that is something we've been able to avoid in our travels so far and we just don't want the responsibility. We don't really like tours, as we prefer to make our own schedules, but neither of us want the responsibility of driving, so thinking it's probably going to be Spain...when we get to Ireland, we'll either join a short tour and try to find places we can plan to reach by bus, train or taxi.

This was my first travel forum post, very impressed and interesting.

Big vote here for Spain. We just got back from 17 days there and loved it. Weather, food is great, friendly people, inexpensive prices. The food and the climate is a factor on why I have not visited Ireland. Old castles, sheep, green grass don't hold much draw for me. Lots to do in Spain - flamenco show, hammans, tapas.

Given the time of year/weather and your preference to not drive, Spain would be the best choice--particularly Andalucia. The train system is truly excellent. The only hard part is making selections because there are so many appealing places. But keep Ireland in your back pocket--especially since there are often great airfare deals. I was worried about the driving but it was totally fine. Given that you wish to use bases, you could make due with some day trip options. Honestly there was very little traffic (I was there in October) and it is just rural driving when you plan carefully.

Someone just posted a review of their recent trip to Spain and it might be interesting for you to read. Also.someone is in Granada now and posting you might want to follow that also. Best of luck. Have been to Ireland many many times and Spain about five times and if I had to.make a choice I honestly could not. Best of travel whichever you decide because both countries are not to be missed.

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These Notorious So-called 'Tourist Traps' Are Worth Visiting, According to Travelers

Travelers are speaking out to say these spots aren't half bad.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Alex Livesey/FIFA via Getty Images

Ah, the traveler’s debacle: To follow the crowd to major, must-see sights knowing they’ll be met with overpriced services, entertainment, food, and souvenirs — or to avoid these sites completely and search out hidden gems void of other tourists. To some, visiting Paris without going up the Eiffel Tower isn’t seeing Paris , while to others, the complete opposite is true. 

It’s a question — or way of traveling — that isn’t always black-and-white. Most of us want to see the major sites — preferably without giant tour groups and overpriced crêpe stands — and stumble upon authentic places that few others will get to experience. So when is it worth following the crowd to a site you really want to see, even though it’s probably a tourist trap?

One user on Reddit , u/MarathonMarathon, posed that question , noting that for them, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel in Shanghai was a tourist trap they ended up genuinely liking. “It's basically this short 5-minute tourist trap light show tram thing that takes you across the Huangpu River from the Bund to Pudong, with bizarre voice-overs. Sort of like some Disney attraction, but sadder, the very epitome of a kitsch tourist trap.”

The Reddit community responded, sharing the tourist-trap-inclined sites and tours that they genuinely liked and would recommend to others. Below are the “best” responses in order:

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour — Niagara Falls, U.S.

The 20-minute Maid of the Mist boat tour, which claims to be “the original Niagara Falls boat tour” — takes travelers to the foot of Niagara Falls where they can feel the power of 600,000 gallons of water crashing down and enjoy the resulting mist.

“You wait in line forever, the boat is packed, it seems cheesy ... and then you get up to the Falls and feel their power, you realize that the boat has the engine running at full power yet it struggles against the current and you realize that yeah, this is awesome,” said u/twoeightnine.

Original Sound of Music bus tour — Salzburg, Germany

The Original Sound of Music bus tour takes travelers through Salzburg, where "The Sound of Music" movie was filmed. The bus visits Mirabell Garden and Pegasus Fountain, where Maria and the children danced in the movie; Schloss Leopoldskron, the house, where the Trapp Family lived; and Church Mondsee, where Maria and Baron von Trapp got married, along with other sites.

User u/opuntialantana said the four-hour journey included, “Glorious views, drinks, snacks, and a Maria von Trapp lookalike leading us in singalongs as we drove from one filming location to the next. It was cheesy and it was perfect.”

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours — Matamata, New Zealand

At Hobbiton , visitors can walk through the lush pastures of the Shire and through the movie set used in "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" film trilogies. The part-bus, part-walking tour includes visits to the series’ most famous locations, including the Hobbit Hole where Bilbo and Frodo Baggins lived. 

The 2.5-hour tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn , where a free drink concludes the tour of Middle-earth.

Guinness Storehouse — Dublin

The home of Ireland’s most iconic beer offers daily self-guided tours that include entry to the Guinness tasting rooms and a pint of Guinness. If you’re a true beer or Guinness connoisseur, you can opt for a “ premium experience ,” like a guided tasting with storytelling or a tour through the brewery’s historic sites — including their famous underground tunnels.

“When anyone came to visit [sic] me I always took them there; it never got old! It’s a well-curated museum and of course, the tap room is always fun to go to. Also, all my Irish friends were happy to go with me when I first moved there so it seems to be well-liked among people that live there too,” said u/tcpower2.

Hofbräuhaus München — Munich

Reddit user u/Triple10X said they initially went to Hofbräuhaus München “just to say that we've been there.” But after visiting several smaller German beer halls they felt that Hofbräuhaus was the best. 

The three-floor beer hall has a Bavarian restaurant and ongoing shows that take place in a historic, 16th-century building. According to u/Triple10X, “The food we got was phenomenal, the beer was obviously good and the atmosphere was eclectic with multiple couples around us all talking to each other in different languages.”

When is Father's Day? Here's when it falls in 2024 and the history of the holiday.

From Mother's Day to Grandparents Day , there are several holidays throughout the year dedicated to our loved ones. While it's always important to show gratitude toward family, sometimes, the calendar gives us an extra special day to do so.

June brings the opportunity to honor the father figures in our lives. The first Father's Day was celebrated in 1910, but it took over 60 years for the holiday to become official.

Here's what you need to know about Father's Day, including when it falls in 2024 and some history on how the holiday came to be. 

When is Father's Day?

In the U.S., Father's Day falls on the third Sunday of June. This year, Father's Day is June 16.

Is Father's Day the same every year?

Since Father's Day is always the third Sunday in June, its date is different each year.

The date of Father's Day can vary depending on where you live. Across the globe, many countries have their own version of the holiday. For example, Father's Day in Italy is celebrated on March 19 , which is also the feast day of St. Joesph . On the other hand, South Korea observes the joint holiday Parents' Day on May 8 .

Other countries, such as  France ,  Canada and  Ireland , also observe Father's Day on the third Sunday of June.

Why do we celebrate Father's Day?

Father's Day was inspired by its counterpart, Mother's Day. Modern Mother's Day celebrations date back to 1908. In 1914 , the holiday was officially designated as the second Sunday in May by President Woodrow Wilson, according to the History Channel.

Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington wanted to create a similar holiday that celebrated fathers after attending a Mother's Day church service, the History Channel reports . Dodd was raised by a twice-widowed father who had 14 children. Dodd's upbringing inspired her to honor the " loving service " of fathers. 

She gained support from community members, including shopkeepers, churches and government officials, for her idea, leading to the first celebration of Father's Day on June 19, 1910 .

Father's Day eventually spread beyond Washington state, though it took a few years. In 1916, Wilson recognized the holiday, and by 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged states to observe Father’s Day, the History Channel reports .

It was not until 1966 that President Lyndon B. Johnson made the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day, according to the American Presidency Project . Father's Day was made a permanent holiday and officially signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1972 , the History Channel reports. 

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‘conan o’brien must go’ review: conan’s max travel series is smartly stupid fun.

In his four-episode show, Conan O'Brien meets with fans and has new experiences in Norway, Ireland, Thailand and Argentina.

By Daniel Fienberg

Daniel Fienberg

Chief Television Critic

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Max ‘s Conan O’Brien Must Go is a travel show with a twist.

Conan O'Brien Must Go

Related stories, jean smart to receive the hollywood reporter's trailblazer award at the seattle international film festival, 'hacks' season 3 trailer finds jean smart and hannah einbinder right back where they started.

Conan O’Brien Must Go is a smartly dumb show — or a stupidly smart show — focused (loosely) on what is essential about travel. It’s a series about arriving in a new place open to meeting new people, learning new languages, tasting new foods and experiencing uncomfortable new circumstances … and then making fun of them, when all the while you’re mostly mocking yourself and the fears people have about stepping outside of their comfort zones.

Or maybe it’s just a show about Conan O’Brien making fun of travel shows. However expansive or limited your perspective, and however expansive or limited O’Brien’s perspective, Conan O’Brien Must Go is a very silly and occasionally illuminating series that’s still finding its rhythms and its comic voice as the fourth episode concludes. That leaves the show’s biggest takeaway as “Wait, that’s it? I want more.”

Although O’Brien has done travel-centric material in the past — I’d argue that the international jaunts were the pinnacle of his TBS show — Conan O’Brien Must Go is more an extension of his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan .

Conan O’Brien Must Go finds the host heading abroad to meet with and provide assistance to listeners/viewers/fans from around the world. That gives the impression of something more structured than what actually occurs.

The visits — deemed “surprise visits” in some cases — really set a tone more than anything else, something along the lines of “playfully combative” in a vein that will be familiar to podcast listeners. O’Brien likes busting chops and admires people who are prepared to fight back. One of the things that O’Brien is best at is never seeming to be punching down — which isn’t easy on a literal level, given that O’Brien towers over his guests, but it isn’t easy on any level since O’Brien will always be a generally famous, Harvard-educated TV personality and his new friends tend not to be. It takes astonishing calibration to go to a foreign country, find somebody for whom English may not be a first language, and keep the joke from ever being as facile as, “Ha, ha, I’m making fun of you and you don’t get it.” Sure, that might be a layer of the humor at times, but the host is careful to situate himself and his own discomfort as the real target of the joke.

When O’Brien wants to have somebody he can make fun of mercilessly, that’s where somebody like longtime collaborator Jordan Schlansky comes in. Schlansky plays a key part in the Argentina episode, taking on the much more traditional role as the travel host who did his research and knows bits of trivia about nearly everything, so O’Brien ribs him mercilessly for doing his homework. Even then, the joke tends to be that Schlansky is right and Conan just doesn’t care.

O’Brien is an appreciator of the genre, and Conan O’Brien Must Go is an appreciative tweaker of the genre, in some of the same ways the host used to treat the talk show format back when he was a Young Turk. The Norway episode is dominated by O’Brien and company’s enthusiastic over-reliance on drone shots, going so far as to have him running around carrying the drone in Oslo, where flying such crafts is apparently illegal. There are multiple occasions — the street food scene in Bangkok and a butcher’s shop in Dublin — where O’Brien makes sure to sample “extreme” foods, while acknowledging that that’s what travel hosts do. I’ve seen more travel hosts than I could count navigating the floating markets of Thailand, but I’ve never seen a host do it with a squeaking rubber chicken and an Angry Birds hat, clutching a carved dildo.

And then sometimes Conan just wants to be really goofy! He performs a song on a popular Thai variety show, attempts the tango and Muay Thai boxing, and goes on a quest for Bono in a public park in Dublin. He’s game for anything as long as he can look ridiculous. Not everything works, exactly, but you can always sense O’Brien and his writers restlessly scanning the horizon for the next fun thing to do along their journey.

Or maybe that’s just not something Conan O’Brien Must Go aspires to. In that same Hot Ones segment, O’Brien described his goal, again disingenuously, as making viewers dumber after each 40-minute episode than they were when they began. He’ll have to settle for “more entertained.” Bring on season two.

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Expert: Judge may be “forced to take extreme measures” to protect jurors after Trump intimidation

Concerns over juror safety after trump "threatened and intimidated so many persons in the criminal justice system", by tatyana tandanpolie.

Seven jurors were sworn in on the second day of former President Donald Trump's New York hush-money trial, slotting in more than a third of the number of jurors and alternates needed to hold a trial in the state. Their seating, which occurred faster than anticipated, also has some legal experts preemptively sounding the alarm about jurors' safety. 

The selected Manhattan residents were pulled from a group of 96 prospective jurors who began the process Monday afternoon. Four of the jurors chosen thus far are men and three are women. Among those seated are two lawyers, an Upper East Side oncology nurse, an IT consultant originally from Puerto Rico, a Chelsea-based software engineer, a Harlem woman who works in education and a man originally from Ireland who resides in West Harlem, Politico reports . 

The jury will determine whether Trump is guilty of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment to an adult film actress who claimed to have had a sexual encounter with the former president in 2006. Prosecutors have accused Trump of depriving voters of important information about his conduct with women by executing the cover-up in the final weeks of his 2016 presidential campaign. After a break on Wednesday, the trial will resume Thursday morning with a new slate of 96 jurors. 

Once jury selection is complete — which could conclude by the end of the week — the trial will commence with the parties' opening arguments and evidence presentation. At the court's current pace, that could happen as early as next Monday, according to Bennett Gershman, a Pace University law professor and former New York prosecutor.

"After Monday, it looked like the jury selection process might take weeks," he told Salon, adding that he was "very surprised" by the number of jurors seated Tuesday and the increased "likelihood" that the required 12 jurors and up to six alternates could be selected by the end of the week. 

Dozens of people were dismissed from the jury pool upon telling presiding Judge Juan Merchan that they could not be impartial, according to Politico. Further questions led the judge and the parties to dismiss others for a reason, while a smaller few were removed by the prosecution and defense teams, who, Gershman said, are each entitled to 10 opportunities — called "peremptory" challenges — to cut prospective jurors without providing a justification. 

"The grounds for striking a juror 'for cause' typically is the juror’s expressed inability to be fair, impartial, and to able to keep an open mind whatever their politics or personal views," Gershman explained. "Some jurors may have demonstrated in their past strong views about Trump and the case. That would not necessarily be a ground to excuse them if they insist they could still be fair and consider the evidence objectively."

Even then a juror who has held "strong beliefs" either in favor of or against the former president but maintains she or he can be fair, he added, can still be stricken by either side in a peremptory challenge. 

Attorneys for the former president made clear Tuesday that they'd explored the depths of the prospective jurors' social media pages in search of potential signs of bias in years-old posts. Several potential jurors were removed after the judge examined their previous online musings.

Merchan dismissed one man after Trump lawyer Todd Blanche pointed to a social media post where the man wrote, “Good news!! Trump lost his court battle on his unlawful travel ban!!!” followed by a suggestion to "lock him up."

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In other instances, the judge rejected Blanche's attempts to give certain prospective jurors the boot, Politico notes, including one whose husband shared a post suggesting that "The Avengers" should take down Trump. 

When vetting prospective jurors for a trial, prosecutors and the defense have different qualities that they look for, former U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance explained in a Wednesday post to her Substack newsletter, "Civil Discourse."

"The defendant is looking for holdout jurors," she writes, adding later that the "goal" for Trump’s defense team is to seat "a jury that can’t reach a verdict, a jury that 'hangs,'” which could lead to the declaration of a mistrial. 

Prosecutors, however, given their task in order to obtain a conviction is having to "convince every juror that their evidence is proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt" are aiming to remove prospective jurors who "they believe won't them a fair shake," Vance said. 

As the selection process has gotten underway, juror profiles have also flooded the airwaves and the internet as media opine over the morsels of information about the individuals who will decide the former president's fate in the case. How detailed some of the profiles have been — coupled with Trump's earlier scolding by the judge over his  courtroom mutterings following a prospective juror's questioning — has also prompted some legal experts to highlight potential issues with juror safety.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter , Crash Course.

Asked about what jurors could be thinking after being chosen, former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori voiced concerns for the jurors' wellbeing in an interview flagged by  Mediaite . 

"First of all, I imagine it’s somewhat surreal, right? To be selected. I am wondering if some of them are a little unhappy with the amount of information that is being made public about them," Khardori told CNN's Wolf Blitzer Tuesday evening, emphasizing that the responsibility of guarding the information "resides with the DA's office and with the judge."

Khardori added that he does not think "this jury is gonna remain anonymous necessarily if they keep this up."

While only the judge, the prosecution and the defense team known the full identities of the jurors and whether the jurors need other protections now is "unclear," Gershman told Salon, the judge could later order "the trial to be held in such a way that the jurors could be shielded from being viewed by the public and the media" should it ever "reasonably appear that the jurors might be subject to threats and intimidation by Trump and his followers."

"Given that Trump has threatened and intimidated so many persons in the criminal justice system – judges, prosecutors, their families, witnesses – and was even berated yesterday by the judge for muttering angrily within earshot of a prospective juror – it is not inconceivable that the judge might be forced to take extreme measures to protect the integrity of the trial and the jury," he said. 

about Trump's criminal trial

• Trump's confession? Legal experts say his post-court rant could be a "big issue" going forward
• "No more games": Legal experts says judge already put "out of control" Trump's lawyers on notice
• Trump "looks furious" after judge chides him for muttering during jury selection
• Donald Trump was already a mess — now he's falling asleep during his own trial
• Legal experts: Trump's "whining and making faces and pouting" could badly "backfire" in court

Tatyana Tandanpolie is a staff writer at Salon. Born and raised in central Ohio, she moved to New York City in 2018 to pursue degrees in Journalism and Africana Studies at New York University. She is currently based in her home state and has previously written for local Columbus publications, including Columbus Monthly, CityScene Magazine and The Columbus Dispatch.

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Related articles.

• Champions League live stream quick links
• This week's free live streams
• How to watch with a VPN
• How to watch in the UK
• How to watch in Australia
• How to watch in the US
• Can I access Paramount Plus with a VPN?

Champions League quarter-finals: How to watch a free Man City vs. Real Madrid live stream from anywhere

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Last week's 1st leg match between these two produced one of the best games of the season so far, and we can't wait to see the conclusion tonight as the two titans of Europe fight for a place in the Champions League semi-finals. Better yet, we can help connect you to a free Man City vs Real Madrid live stream today, no matter where you are in the world. 

As mentioned in our regular guide to all the free Champions League live streams for games in every round, there are multiple options for tonight's game in the blue half of Manchester (that article also shows you how to watch this week's other matches for free, too). You can also watch for free in the US via a free trial promo.

If you want to watch any of the free Man City vs. Real Madrid live streams from outside the origin countries listed below, you'll hit a geo-block when you try to watch them. However, this is not the case if you use a VPN (virtual private network), which masks your location to get around region blocks and greatly improves your online security and privacy in general . You can use it for free access to the remaining knockout games and more.

• See also: NBA live streams | Concacaf Champions Cup live stream | Free MotoGP live streams

*Australian streaming service Stan includes a 30-day free trial for the required baseline tier (usually $10-$21 a month), but the Stan Sport add-on is billed at $15 immediately for a month's access.

Where to watch Man City vs. Real Madrid free from anywhere

As mentioned in the box above, the Belgian and Irish TV channels are showing the game for free today. But if you're not in those countries, you can still watch by using a VPN to mimic the required country for your viewing device and prevent the website from detecting your location and blocking you.

Don't have one? Right now, there's a fantastic offer on the best VPN we've tested and used for years to stream and protect our online devices. You can save 49% on the usual price of ExpressVPN and get three months for free. If you're unsatisfied, there's a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Still not entirely sure you need one? Take a look at our detailed ExpressVPN review to see why we rate it number 1. Then get stuck in and enjoy this free Champions League live stream.

How to watch Man City vs. Real Madrid live stream with a VPN

• Sign up for a VPN if you don't have one.
• Install it on the device you're using to watch the game.
• Set location required country for streaming service
• Go to RTL Club (Belgium) / Virgin Media 2 (Ireland) .
• Create a free account and sign in (if using the Belgian option).
• Enjoy the game today at 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. BST / 9 p.m. CET / 3 a.m. AWST.

With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that makes it exceptional. Better yet, you can save up to 49% and get an extra three months for free today.

Where to watch Man City vs. Real Madrid in the UK

There's a fair bit of change this season. BT Sport has been renamed TNT Sport and now comes under the Discovery+ service. If you've been accessing it as a part of a BT TV subscription, you might have had an email about the change, but generally, you should be able to carry on as usual.

If you don't have BT Sport/TNT Sport, you can sign up for Discovery Plus Premium (the cheaper tiers don't include live sport) for £29.99 a month . You can also select it as part of a BT broadband bundle.

If the idea of tracking another streaming service grinds your gears, you might prefer the simpler option of adding it to your Amazon Prime membership as an add-on . It's the same £29.99 a month, and you can cancel anytime. You might find watching it through Amazon Prime Video means you can enjoy Champions League live streams across more devices, as app support across TVs, consoles, and streaming sticks is much better for Prime Video than Discovery.

• Get TNT Sport with Prime Video

Pro tip: If you want a cheaper option, you might want to try Australia's Stan Sport, as you can subscribe with a UK bank account for less than half what it costs for TNT (we've tested this ourselves). You need a VPN to access the site and Champions League live streams outside Australia. It still works out cheaper, though. More details below. Or, if you just want the occasional free game, check out the latest free broadcasts mentioned above, which can be accessed with a VPN, too.

Where to watch Man City vs. Real Madrid in Australia

The Champions League is a Stan Sport exclusive in Australia and you can watch every game there. So you'll need to sign up for Stan and then add Stan Sport as an add-on. The cheapest setup is $25 a month (for Stan Basic at $10 and Sport at $15). Better yet, it comes with a 30-day free trial first for the baseline tier - you'll still pay $15 for the Sport add-on from the off, though.

Stan Basic only streams in standard definition, but Stan Sport's content will stream in up to 4K, even when paired with this cheapest tier, so you might as well go Basic if you're just getting it for sport. However, if you want to check out the TV shows and movies too, HD is $16 a month/$21 for 4K (then add $15 for Sport). All are on rolling one-month contracts, so there's no long-term commitment.

If you're eying up this option via a VPN as a cheaper alternative to your country's Champions League streaming service, we can confirm it will work . We were able to pay with a UK bank card (tested September 2023) and have full access to the streaming service. You could also use a travel card like Revolut to pay in local currency so you don't get a foreign transaction fee from your bank.

Where to watch Man City vs. Real Madrid in the US

This is where 'soccer' being so far down the rankings of the most popular sports in the USA really pays off for viewers who want to enjoy the most prestigious competition in club football.

You'll find every last Champions League game live streaming on Paramount Plus from just $5.99 a month or $59.99 a year (you wouldn't get two months of Champions League action for that annual price in the UK!). So yes, you can opt for the cheapest Paramount Plus tier and still get the Champions League despite it not having CBS, as the games will run via separate feeds. If you have CBS already, you'll find it airs some games, but nowhere near as many as Paramount Plus. 

Paramount Plus starts at $5.99 per month with ads, and new members can get a 7-day free trial. If you'd like to sign up for a longer term at a discount, you can get a year's access for $59.99. The free trial is available on both options.

Can I access Champions League on Paramount Plus with a VPN?

Yes and no. If you set up Paramount Plus while already living in the US and are traveling abroad, and want to keep watching, you're all set. A VPN will indeed let you tune in like you were still in the US.

If you have a non-US subscription, like in the UK, you won't be able to access the US version's content with those same login credentials via a VPN on the app or the US website, as they're essentially different apps and services in each country. Unlike Netflix, which will allow one login to work anywhere via a VPN. 

If you're outside the US and want a US account, Paramount Plus has recently made it difficult for outsiders to create one. That's because you'll need a US form of payment, and we've found international currency cards, like Revolut, don't count.

What about PayPal? You'll need to create a US PayPal account, which must be verified by a US mobile phone number. So, if you can get around all this, you can enjoy the best value Champions League live streams in the world.

Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.

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