Compare Ireland holidays

Ireland’s cultural reputation far outweighs its small size – Dublin alone has produced the likes of Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and WB Yeats – and the same holds true for the country’s attractions. Despite its dimensions, this is a hugely diverse destination.

A short break in Ireland can involve anything from raucous weekends of live music in Galway City or castle-spotting in County Cork to languid boat trips on the River Shannon or exploring sleepy fishing villages along the Wild Atlantic Way. Plus, if you’re clever about when and where you go, a break in Ireland can be cheap, too.

Where holidays in Ireland are concerned, the weather can be unpredictable (to put it mildly!). June to August are the warmest months, but also the busiest in terms of tourist numbers. Spring and autumn can therefore be excellent alternatives, while the benefit of a short break in Ireland during winter is that you can often find cheap rates – although be aware that some attractions shut between October and Easter.

If you’re coming to Ireland in peak season, book well ahead to source the cheapest deals.

St Patrick’s Day: The undisputed daddy of the annual events calendar is St Patrick’s Day on March 17, when Ireland lets its hair down, turns even greener than usual and enjoys the party of the year.

• Currency: Euro (€)
  
  
• Capital city: Dublin
  
  
• Languages: English, Irish
  
  
• Key phrase to learn: Sláinte! (Cheers!)
  
  
• Time difference: Ireland is in the same time zone as London
  
  
• Average flight time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  
  
• International phone code: +353
  
  
• Emergency services number: 112 or 999
  
  
• Public holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), St Patrick’s Day (17 March), Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday), Easter Monday (Monday after Easter Sunday), May Holiday (May 1), June Holiday (first Monday in June), August Holiday (first Monday in August), October Holiday (last Monday in October), Christmas Day (December 25), St Stephen’s Day (December 26).
  
  
• Link to FCO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ireland