Why visit
Ireland rewards slow travel. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ring of Kerry, Galway pubs, Cliffs of Moher, and Dublin's literary heritage. Weather changes hourly; that's part of it.
Country - Europe
Ireland
culturenaturefoodhistory
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Ireland works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Dublin as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Ireland.
At a glance
Location
53.0°, -8.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
70,273 km²
27,133 mi²
Country population
5.2 million
74/km²
Subregion
Northern Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+353
Languages
English, Irish
Demonym
Irish
Internet
.ie
UN
Member state
ISO code
IE / IRL
Where in the world
53.0° - -8.0°
Ireland
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- The entire island of Ireland has fewer people than greater Manchester.
- Halloween (Samhain) originated in Ireland as a Celtic harvest festival ~2,000 years ago.
- Ireland has no snakes: not because of St. Patrick, but because they never crossed the Irish Sea after the last ice age.
- The Guinness brewery in Dublin has a 9,000-year lease on its site.
Bordering Ireland
Traveler notes
- Self-drive the Wild Atlantic Way over 7–10 days
- Visa-free for most Western passports
- Pubs are the cultural hubs, not just drinking spots
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Dublin, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Ireland
What is the capital of Ireland?
Dublin is the capital of Ireland.
What currency does Ireland use?
Ireland uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Ireland?
The primary languages are English and Irish.
Is Ireland landlocked?
No, Ireland has a coastline.
What countries border Ireland?
Ireland borders United Kingdom.
What is the international calling code for Ireland?
The calling code is +353.
When is the best time to visit Ireland?
May–Sep. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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