It is no surprise that tourists flock to Ireland in the summer. From June through August, visitors can enjoy the Emerald Isle’s balmy weather and often sunny skies, touring outdoor attractions without worrying about wintry winds and freezing temperatures. But summer travel in Ireland does come at a higher price, since many other vacationers will be vying for flights and accommodations.
Americans need a valid passport to enter Ireland and a visa if they plan to stay for longer than three months. Contact the Irish embassy in Washington, D.C, for visa information. If your current passport will expire within six months of your trip, renew it to avoid trouble with customs.
Even at the height of summer, Ireland can get rainy or chilly at a moment’s notice. Frommer’s recommends that visitors pack clothing that can be layered, such as sweaters and pants, along with T-shirts and shorts. Also bring a waterproof jacket and an umbrella to stay dry during stormy weather. Other items you might want to pack include sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Airfare prices often skyrocket during Ireland’s high season, so check flights at the country’s three main airports: Dublin, Shannon and Belfast International. Costs often will vary from one to another. Aer Lingus and American Airlines offer non-stop flights to Dublinand Shannon from New York, Boston and Chicago.
Summer is the best time to visit Ireland’s various outdoor attractions, from medieval castles to national parks to Stone Age ruins. Popular destinations include Blarney Castle, known for the iconic Blarney Stone, and Jerpoint Abbey, which Frommer's calls one of the finest examples of Irish architecture. If you enjoy active vacations, head to Donegal for hiking or Cork for sea kayaking.
Like airfare costs, the price of hotel rooms also rise during summer, so book your accommodations as soon as possible to get your first choice. Ireland offers a wide range of accommodation options: You’ll find a plethora of hotels and hostels in major cities, but you’ll get more one-of-a-kind options in smaller towns, such as historic castles and country houses. In Ireland’s rural areas, you also can stay the night at a family-run farm.
Ireland provides three main modes of transportation: rental cars, trains and buses. Many major car rental companies are in Ireland, but rentals are popular in summer, so book early. Bus Éireann offers extensive bus routes throughout Ireland, from major cities to small towns. Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) offers train service to popular cities like Cork, Belfast and Limerick.
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