Traveling in Ireland

Dublin Dates to Avoid in 2026

Avoid the worst Dublin crowds by planning your trip around these dates when prices will rise, accommodations will fill, and streets will be swarming with people. * Aer Lingus College Football Classic, August 27–30 * NFL Game in Dublin, September 24–29 * Concerts impacting Dublin availability * Guns N' Roses at 3Arena June 12 & 14 * Lily Allen at 3Arena July 1 * Wolfe Tones at 3Arena July 3 & 4 * Bon Jovi at Croke Park August 30 (coincides with college football – if you are going book your hotels NOW) * Westlife is doing a residency at 3Arena from September 10-26 before moving on the SSE Arena in Belfast from October 27-31 * Dublin Marathon October 25 Get all the tips you need to plan your Ireland vacation in 2026. [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/handy-travel-tips-for-your-ireland-trip-in-2026/ireland-travel-tips/] Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 321 The post Dublin Dates to Avoid in 2026 [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dublin-dates-to-avoid-in-2026/ireland-travel-tips/] appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com].

Handy Travel Tips for Your Ireland Trip in 2026

If you're planning a trip to Ireland in 2026 these tips will make planning smoother, help you avoid crowds, and maybe even save you a bit of money. Probably the most important tips are when NOT to be in Dublin, but there are some updates to European entry & exit systems that you need to know, as well as really important advice for 2027. JODY HALSTED – IRELAND FAMILY VACATIONS AND THE TRAVELING IN IRELAND PODCAST In case you're wondering why you would want to get your Ireland travel advice from me… My name is Jody Halsted, and I am an Ireland travel advisor. I have been traveling to and through Ireland for over 23 years (!!), publish Ireland Family Vacations, host the Traveling in Ireland podcast, assist hundreds of travelers with their Ireland vacations each year and, occasionally, I also host small group tours through Ireland (I have 2 this spring so you can look forward to some live from Ireland episodes in April and May). That's a lot! But Ireland travel is my passion; and my goal -100% – is to help you have an amazing Ireland vacation. And I have quite a few ways to do that. My website, Ireland Family Vacations, is a complete resource for Ireland vacation planning – filled with information on what to do & see as well as handy tips for planning your trip and free itineraries to get your plans in motion quickly. (Don't let the name fool you! I travel through Ireland solo, with my husband, with my family, and hosting small group tours. Whatever your group size or dynamic I am able to assist!) My itinerary personalization, vacation coaching, and custom itinerary creation se [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/product-category/coaching/]r [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/product-category/coaching/]vices [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/product-category/coaching/]help you maximize your Ireland experience, and my small group guided tours [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-tours/] are designed to not only deliver the ‘authentic' Ireland of your dreams but also introduce you to the people and hidden places that make the country so very magical. If you love the process of planning your trip the Ireland Travel Compass [https://travelinginireland.podia.com/diy-ireland-travel-planner] walks you step-by-step through my expert process, from when to visit and how long the perfect vacation lasts, to what to see, where to stay, and even what to eat. It's basically my entire Ireland vacation planning brain laid out. On a more personal note, I have 2 daughters, now in college, who have been traveling through Ireland with me since before they could toddle and one very supportive husband (who loves it when I plan other people's vacations because it means I'm not planning my own). By Aoife for Flytographer; Dublin, Ireland. Ireland travel tips | Ireland vacation | IrelandFamilyVacations.com [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/IMG_5043-600px.jpg]At Malahide Castle (It's probably time to get new family photos done) By Aoife for Flytographer [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/family-vacation-portraits-lasting-memories/ireland-travel-tips/]; Dublin, Ireland. All rights reserved. Now that you know all about me, let's jump into what you need to know as you consider planning an Ireland vacation in 2026! This article is based on Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 320. Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. 2026 IRELAND TRAVEL TIPS YOU NEED IRELAND TRAVEL RULES & REGULATIONS There are currently no restrictions in place for North Americans traveling to Ireland. Ireland travel restrictions and other requirement are found here. [https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/travel-to-ireland/travel-to-ireland-during-covid/] IN CASE OF CANCELLATION Read and understand cancellation policies on everything from flights and transportation to tours and accommodations before booking. If booking with a credit card be aware of the cancellation coverage you may have with that card. I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance [http://In Case of Cancellation Read and understand cancellation policies before booking. If booking with a credit card be aware of the cancellation coverage you may have with that card. I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance if you book tickets our tours that don't allow 100% refund if cancelled. Continue reading at Essential Travel Tips for Ireland in 2025 | Ireland Family Vacations] if you book tickets our tours that don't allow 100% refund if cancelled. And always if you are booking a tour package (and not necessarily the one the company offers). 2026 LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER BUSY YEAR FROM TRAVEL TO IRELAND FROM NORTH AMERICA Irish tourism numbers showed that tourism from Europe into Ireland was down, but numbers from North America remained steady. From my perspective things are already looking busy, especially in the months of May, late August, and September. (The shoulder season is the new high season.) MORE DIRECT FLIGHTS TO IRELAND IN 2026 Aer Lingus, Ireland's flagship airline is adding 2 new US routes in 2026, bringing the total to 18 routes from Dublin! This is important because Aer Lingus is considered a ‘budget' carrier. And when budget carriers enter a market, US based airlines will drop rates to compete. 🔴 New Routes: Raleigh/ Durham (beginning April 13) and Pittsburgh beginning at the end of May. 🟢 Existing Routes: New York JFK, Boston, Chicago O'Hare, Washington Dulles, Cleveland, Hartford, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Indianapolis, and Nashville. HERE'S WHEN TO AVOID DUBLIN Dublin is always busy – especially in the summer months – but busy events are beginning early this year and continuing through the end of September. AMERICAN FOOTBALL The Aer Lingus Football Classic has become an end-of-August tradition, marking the opening of the NCAA season. 2026 brings teams from Texas Christian University and the University of North Carolina into Ireland's capital. The game is scheduled for Saturday, August 29. The Aer Lingus Football Classic brings over 50,000 football fans to Dublin annually. My advice: if you are not coming for the game, avoid Dublin from Thursday, August 27 – Sunday, August 30. Prices rise, hotel rooms sell out, and the city is busier than normal. While the date of the NFL Week 4 Game in Dublin hasn't been announced yet, the logical assumption is that it will take place on September 27. It's a good bet that the Steelers will again be playing – they have a 4-year partnership with Aer Lingus (hence that new 2026 route) – but nothing is confirmed yet, and won't be until the 2026 schedule is announced. This game brough 73,000 football fans to Dublin last September, driving up prices in the city at a time when they are usually going down. My advice: if you aren't visiting for the game avoid from Thursday, September 24 – Monday, September 28. CONCERTS Something else to keep in mind is concerts. The Oasis Reunion tour and Taylor Swift shows definitely caused a rise in prices and thousands of extra people in Dublin these past years . A few tours to make sure you don't clash with in 2026: * Guns N' Roses at 3Arena June 12 & 14 * Lily Allen at 3Arena July 1 * Wolfe Tones at 3Arena July 3 & 4 * Bon Jovi at Croke Park August 30 (coincides with college football – if you are going book your hotels NOW) * Westlife is doing a residency at 3Arena from September 10-26 before moving on the SSE Arena in Belfast from October 27-31 DUBLIN MARATHON The Dublin marathon will be run the Sunday of October Bank Holiday weekend – which falls on October 25. You can expect crowds, street closures, and accommodation to be booked out months in advance. OTHER BUSY TIMES TO WATCH FOR * St. Patrick's Day – Dublin hosts a week-long celebration and other cities and towns hold celebrations, as well * Easter – this is often spring break in the US and Irish schools have a long break for the holidays, as well. Be sure to book in advance, especially if traveling with families. LOOKING AHEAD TO 2027 If you are considering travel in September 2027 you'll want to keep a few things in mind. The first two being the college football game at the end of August and the NFL game, which is likely to be held at the end of Septemver. But in between those will be the Ryder Cup, which will be held at Adare Manor September 17-19. Now here's the thing – Adare is a tiny, tiny village. And, according to my friends in Ireland, accommodations there are already booked. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if locals will be spiffing up their homes and renting them out for crazy amounts of money to help provide accommodation. We are seeing tournament packages that include accommodation and transfers from as far away as Cork and Galway, and some hotels in those cities and areas between are already sold out. Though I haven't heard specifically, I imagine accommodations in Killarney, Tralee, and Limerick city are also filling rooms, as well. FOLLOWING UP ON THE UK ETA AND THE EU EES THE UK ETA The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) began in 2025 but, as many people noted, it was not widely enforced. The UK government has stated that is was to ‘allow travelers time to adjust to new rules'. From February 2026 visitors can expect ETAs to be checked by transport into the UK. This will definitely apply to ferries and flights into Northern Ireland, but if you are flying into Dublin or Shannon, it should not be an issue (even if passing through London). At this time, it is still unclear if buses that run from the Republic into Northern Ireland will be checking for compliance. If Northern Ireland, Scotland, or England are part of your 2026 travel plans, apply for your ETA before traveling. More info in this article. [https://preview.convertkit-mail.com/click/dpheh0hzhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9pcmVsYW5kZmFtaWx5dmFjYXRpb25zLmNvbS9wYXBlcndvcmstcGFzc3BvcnRzLWlyZWxhbmQvcGxhbm5pbmcteW91ci1pcmlzaC12YWNhdGlvbi8=] EU EES This applies only to the Schengen Region of the EU – not Ireland – but I want to mention it in case you are planning to visit another European country or two. The new EU Entry-Exit System is causing backups as long as 3 hours at some airports. Do your research if you have another EU country in your 2026 travel plans. HANDY BOOKING TIPS FOR IRELAND IN 2025 BOOKING IRELAND ACCOMMODATIONS Accommodations for 2026 are beginning to fill, especially for more budget friendly options like 3-star hotels and hostels. Ireland continues to host nearly 100,000 displaced people across the country, so accommodations are at a premium, especially in the cities and popular areas. Book early – especially if traveling May – September. You will also want to do a bit of research before booking AirBnB properties as new legislation could force many to close to help with the housing crisis. Unfortunately nothing is clear yet, but this is set to take effect at the end of May so I recommend messaging the hosts to verify that your accommodation will not be affected before booking. If you want to try to ‘wing it' (which I definitely don't recommend during the busy season) be prepared to stay away from town centres in more rural areas. Any ‘special' accommodations – like castles or manor houses – as well as any popular locations (Dublin, Killarney, Doolin, Dingle) should always be booked in advance. Just plug in your dates to this handy map to find available accommodations. IRELAND CAR RENTAL Book your rental car early for the best prices. Large vehicles – minivans and up – are in high demand and can get scarce and costly if you wait to book closer to your travel dates. Use the Renting a Car & Driving in Ireland [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-car-rental-driving-guide/]resource page to answer all the questions you have on this topic. When you are comparing car rentals don't forget to use my exclusive link to save 10% at Irish Car Rentals. Petrol costs in Ireland are currently USD$6.55 per gallon. Train and bus travel was very popular last year along the main tourist routes, and I don't see that changing. Book tickets for public transportation in advance, especially if traveling with a group. HIRING AN IRELAND DRIVER GUIDE If you have a group of 6 or larger hiring a licensed driver guide may be the best money you spend. Not only will everyone comfortably fit in their touring vehicle (with plenty of room for luggage) but everyone can enjoy the journey. You can hire drivers for the entirety of your trip, for point to point travel, or for day trips. For groups of 12 or more plan to book early as minibuses and touring coaches are in high demand. Hiring a Driver in Ireland 2026 Guide [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/driver-guide-in-ireland-family-travel-tips/ireland-travel-tips/] TIPS FOR BOOKING TOURS & ATTRACTIONS Book tours and popular ‘must see' attractions (like Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, and Newgrange) in advance to avoid disappointment. OPW spots like Newgrange and Kilmainham Gaol both offer online booking (30 days in advance for Newgrange; 28 for Kilmainham) prior to your visit. You will want to log on at that 28/30 day mark – at midnight Irish time if possible- to secure your tickets. Here's how to book tickets. [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/book-newgrange-kilmainahm-opw-heritage/attractions/] Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is operating on timed tickets for both the bridge and the car park and, according to the National Trust website, pre-booking is essential for rope bridge crossing. The booking window is 60 days. If Blarney Castle is on your itinerary check to see if your planned day to visit corresponds with a day a cruise ship is in Cork or Cobh. If they match you may want to switch your date if possible or plan to arrive the minute the site opens. Here's how to figure that out. [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/plan-blarney-castle-visit/ireland-travel-tips/] To avoid the worst of the crowds in popular spots like the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, the Rock of Cashel, Kylemore Abbey, and similar spots try to time your visit before 10 am or in the mid-to-late afternoon (or evening if available!) to miss the majority of large tour buses. TO SUM UP… Do your homework. Book early. And for answers to more of your Ireland travel questions visit the Frequently Asked Questions page [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-travel-tips-faqs-2/]. The post Handy Travel Tips for Your Ireland Trip in 2026 [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/handy-travel-tips-for-your-ireland-trip-in-2026/ireland-travel-tips/] appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com].

Europe Beyond the Crowds (2026 Travel Tips)

It's almost the end of 2025 – and you know what that means! 2026 trip planning is getting underway and the Ireland Travel Compass is available for presale! Learn more here [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-travel-compass-launch/podcasts/] and get on the presale list at IrelandFamilyVacations.com/compass [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass] 2026 TRAVELING IN IRELAND PODCAST PREVIEW I also have so many amazing podcast episodes lined up for the new year, including • 2026 travel tips – my annual New Year episode with up-to-date advice, plus dates you might want to avoid • Live “from Ireland” episodes – in April & May • Skellig Michael with archaeologist Neil Jackman • Cliffs of Moher cliff walk updates with Ollie Gleeson • What’s new at Westport Estate with Biddy Hughes • Why Abbeyleix, County Laois, makes a brilliant base with Ross McDonald • Dark Tourism in Ireland with Lusia Golz EUROPE BEYOND THE CROWDS Join me at the DIY Trip Summit January 13-15, 2026. [https://ifv--itravl.thrivecart.com/diy-2026-reg-fastaction/] The DIY Trip Summit is a free 3-day event and this year's topic is ‘Europe Beyond the Crowds'. Register at : https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/DIYTRIP [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/DIYTRIP] [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Destination-Experts-1024x1024.jpg]https://ifv--itravl.thrivecart.com/diy-2026-reg-fastaction/ I will, of course, be sharing Ireland tips including * The busiest spots in Ireland * How to avoid the worst crowds in popular spots * Lesser-known spots to visit in 2026 that deliver craic, charm & cead mile failte * Three experiences I think every visitor should have in Ireland But you'll also hear from 30+ trusted travel pros sharing their insider knowledge about Europe beyond the crowds, as well as real-world strategies for finding better flights, stays, and experiences – without overpaying or relying on package tours. Your completely free access includes * Expert-led sessions to help you plan confidently and avoid rookie mistakes * Practical guidance for finding hidden gems and creating meaningful itineraries * Daily live Q&A calls with seasoned travelers * Access to a pop-up Facebook group for connection and support * A free virtual gift bag filled with travel tools, resources, and exclusive discounts Free tickets include 48-hour viewing access for each session. If you want to rewatch later – or catch every presentation at your own pace – there’s an optional First Class Pass upgrade with lifetime access and $700 + in bonuses. Look for the special offer after you register. Check it out and register today at https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/DIYTRIP [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/DIYTRIP] I hope you'll join me there – and I'll be back next week to kick off the new year with the advice you need to keep in mind when planning an Ireland trip in 2026! Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 319 The post Europe Beyond the Crowds (2026 Travel Tips) [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/europe-beyond-the-crowds-2026-travel-tips/podcasts/] appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com].

Family Travel in Ireland: Your Essential Resource Page

This Quick Tip shares where to find the Family Travel Resource Page on my website — a hub packed with practical articles, kid-friendly recommendations, and free itineraries designed to help families of all ages plan a smoother, happier Ireland trip. If you’re traveling with little ones, teens, or a full multigenerational crew, this page saves time and gets you straight to the information that matters. Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 317 The post Family Travel in Ireland: Your Essential Resource Page [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-family-travel-advice/ireland-travel-tips/] appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com].

Ireland Travel Questions? Here’s Where to Find the Answers.

In this Traveling in Ireland Quick Tips episode, I’m showing you exactly where to find answers to the most common Ireland travel questions. Over 20 years of traveler questions — and my own “learned the hard way” experiences — are organized on my FAQ page to help you plan with confidence. From safety and seasons to flights, packing, car rental, lodging, and food… this is the single best place to start your trip planning. Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 316 [powerpoint] The post Ireland Travel Questions? Here’s Where to Find the Answers. [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ireland-travel-questions-answers-2/ireland-travel-tips/] appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations [https://irelandfamilyvacations.com].