Ireland Tours & Vacations

Don’t forget your umbrella! Although the wettest time of year is from October to April, rain is pretty much a guarantee year round. Summer, June to August, promises better weather, and the long days are welcome even if the sun isn’t shining. May, June and September are great months to holiday in Ireland, as there are fewer tourists, more daylight and it’s usually relatively warm for Irish standards). July and August are the country’s busier months, but the festivals, events and good craic that take over the country more than make up for the increase in tourists.

Read more about the best time to visit Ireland

Early history

Tumultuous is a good word to describe Ireland’s often troubled and sorrowful history, which is filled with invasion, repression, deadly conflict, religious discrimination and emigration. Ireland’s history dates back to 8000 BC, and progressed from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural one. Christianity came to the island in the 5th century, replacing the old tribal and Druid societies, though many of the Celtic traditions were preserved. In the 800s, the Vikings started invading and regularly raided and plundered the island for upwards of two centuries. They set up settlements (most notably Dublin), but were eventually pushed out of Ireland by the Irish king Muirecán. (Ireland was then made up of many small kingdoms, who fought each other for dominance of other counties and the entire island.) Then came the Normans. When an exiled Irish king sought help from (English) King Henry II, he sent Norman forces to (successfully) recapture the Irish King’s counties. This event established Norman lords in Ireland, who soon ruled big tracts of Iand. This worried Henry II so much he invaded in person in 1172. Now it was not only Irish lords that were battling for control of the country, but Norman and English ones as well. 

Fast forward to 1536 and Henry VIII, who tried to conquer Ireland and extend English law over the country. This was met with fierce resistance, especially when he tried to convert the Irish Catholics to Protestants. This opened up a brutal few centuries, where the endeavor for Protestant rule over Ireland led to many atrocities and battles. In the 1600s, land was confiscated from Catholics and given to Protestant settlers (known as the Plantations), triggering the first wave of mass Irish emigration. Remaining Catholics were subject to persecution, with their rights becoming less and less as time went on.

The Irish Rebellion of 1798, led by the republican United Irishmen (who wanted to overthrow British rule and have a non-sectarian republic) was brutally quelled and Irish self-government was abolished. From 1845 - 49, Ireland suffered the Great Famine, which saw over a million people die from starvation and disease, and a million or more emigrate. Understandably, relations between the Irish people and the British got worse, as the government had many means to stop the severity of the famine. Another tragedy was that this period (along with other factors) contributed to English largely replacing the Irish language. From this time until 1912, there were many attempts at reinstating home rule (Irish self-government) and a number of rebellions were instigated but failed. It was also when two distinct groups emerged: the Irish nationalists (who wanted Ireland to be independent and governed by the Irish) and Irish unionists (who considered themselves British and wanted to remain in the union).

Recent history

In 1922, after the Irish War of Independence and many years of fighting, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed and Ireland was divided into Northern Ireland (six counties) and Southern Ireland (26 counties), known as the Irish Free State. This lead to the Irish Civil War, fought between those who wanted a unified Ireland and those who wanted to keep Northern Ireland under British rule. The Irish Republican Army (IRA) lost, and Northern Ireland remained ruled by Britain.

The Irish Free State was a predominantly Catholic state and the Roman Catholic church had a massive impact on the formation of the country, as it had over much of Irish history. In 1949, the Republic of Ireland was established and left the British Commonwealth. Up until the late 1990s, the economy of Ireland struggled and emigration was an ongoing problem. Unfortunately the economic boom of the 90s and 2000s has faltered, and economic troubles have once again returned. That said, the conservatism of the Catholic church has lost its grip over society, with many social reforms that would have once been unthinkable being implemented in the 90s.

After the division of the counties in 1922, Northern Ireland became a predominantly Protestant state. Years of violence between pro-British Unionists and pro-Irish Republicans have marked its history, which is a complicated and bloody beast woven with political, ethnic and religious differences. It is as fascinating as it is heartbreaking, and worth reading about in a sphere that can do it justice. See our list of recommended books for books detailing this period.

1. Leprechauns

They are Ireland’s most well known mythical characters. They are male faeries who take the form of an old shoemaker and are depicted with mischief in their eyes. Leprechauns are the source of practical jokes, have the ability to grant wishes and have untold riches buried away.

2. Banshee

A banshee is a female faerie who is said to emit an other-worldly wail when someone is about to die. While usually heard rather than seen, reports of sightings range from the sight of a beautiful woman who utters a low, pleasant singing to a crone who emits a soul-chilling shriek.

3. Selkies

They are creatures that are seals in the water but are human once they shed their skin on land. They are often linked with tales of ill-fated romance, where either a human has stolen the selkie’s skin so they can’t return to the water (and must marry the human) or a human is taken to the depths of the ocean to be their spouse.

4. Dullahan

A dullahan carries its head under its arm and rides a black stallion – and sometimes drives a wagon made out of skeletons! Its mission is to claim souls, stopping only to call out the name of the person who will die. Those who try to watch him will endure a bucket of blood thrown at them or a whip made out of a spinal cord. Only gold can scare it.

5. Merrow

A merrow is the Gaelic version of a mermaid/merman – a half-human, half-fish creature with an amiable and benevolent nature. They are known to lure handsome men to live under the sea, but are also capable of living with humans and marrying them. They have a special hat called a cohuleen druith, and can’t return to the water if they lose it.

1. Cliffs of Moher

Take your Irish holiday to a level that’s as high as the Cliffs of Moher themselves as you peer over the brink of these monolithic edges. Both vertical and abrupt in stature, these cliff faces provide monumental views over Galway Bay and out to the Aran Islands. Listen to the powerful waves crash against the sandstone far, far below and let the salty smell of the sea breeze calm your mind and lift your soul.

2. Aran Islands

Just when you thought Ireland couldn’t get any more spellbinding, the Aran Islands with their staggering cliffs, Celtic churches, and World Heritage Listed sites, peak out above the waters of Galway Bay to prove you wrong. Follow your local leader as you explore, not only the rugged coastline but also the ruins and remains of both the Bronze and Iron Ages for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

3. Ring of Kerry

From the tranquil sound of Torc Waterfall to the imposing monument that is Staigue Fort, the Ring of Kerry only adds to Ireland’s collection of unspoiled natural wonders. Stop in at bucolic villages such as Killarney, Beaufort, and Kenmare on the 179km circular journey and continue to adventure through ‘the Ring’ by private vehicle to see some shepherds in action on a local farm visit.

4. Dublin

 To be sure you get the full Irish experience you can’t go past ordering a pint of Guinness at a local pub in the republic’s capital of Dublin. Wandering through the cobbled streets of this electric city is thirsty work and you only need to stop in at one of the many refreshment-ready establishments to get your liquid fill. With a bitter, roasted taste and a texture that goes down (a little too) smooth, you’ll be ordering another round in no time.

5. The Wicklow Way

Known as the oldest, long-distance trail in Ireland, the Wicklow Way offers a whole heap of scenic experiences from passing through open moorland and forested heaths to walking beside fast-flowing mountain streams. If those views aren’t enough to convince you of Ireland’s beauty, then exploring Glendalough Valley’s monastic settlements and peering into deep, sapphire-coloured lakes ought to do the trick.

6. Ballysaggartmore Towers

If you’re wondering what your next stop is on your journey to find some of Ireland’s most magical places, then let us introduce you to the Ballysaggartmore Towers. Created in a gothic style, these towers are both imposing and idyllic, situated in a fairytale-like wooded area that’s perfect for picnics. Join your tour on a walk of the grounds and imagine what it would have been like to roam the ornate stone halls.

7. Killarney National Park

While the small and charming town of Killarney is well worth a visit in its own right, it’s the dramatic and rugged mountain range that sits alongside it that elevates this scenic spot to the top of any ‘must-see’ list. Featuring the highest peak in Ireland in McGillycuddy’s Reeks and some of the world’s most recognizable lakes and waterfalls, this national park deserves to be explored. And admired. And loved. 

Figuring out which country to travel to can be hard, especially when there are countries right next to each other that seem so similar! So you don't have to roll the dice or pick your next destination out of a hat, we've put together a comparative guide on all things culture, cuisine, and cities (among things) to make your decision a bit easier.

Scotland or Ireland?

England or Ireland?