Things to do in Ireland

5 destinations in Ireland, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Ireland

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Belfast: January through March is the cheapest time to fly to Belfast, with round trips from major US hubs sometimes 35-45% below peak summer fares, and the city's pubs and museums are uncrowded. Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, typically saves an additional 10-15% versus weekend flights.
Cork: January through March offers the lowest fares to Cork, with round trips from US East Coast hubs running 25-35% cheaper than June-August peak. Flying midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday departures) saves an additional $50-100 compared to weekend travel.
Dublin: January through early March is the cheapest window to fly to Dublin, with round-trip fares from major US hubs often 30-40% lower than summer peaks. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) shaves another 10-15% off compared to Friday or Sunday departures.
Galway: The cheapest months to fly to Galway are January through March, with round-trip fares from major US hubs often 30-40% below summer peaks. Shoulder season (April-May and October) offers a good balance of mild weather and fares roughly 20% lower than July-August.
Killarney: Flying in November through early March (excluding Christmas and St. Patrick's week) is cheapest, with round-trip fares from US hubs to Dublin as low as $400-550 compared to $750-1,100+ in July and August, roughly 30-45% savings. Mid-week departures on Tuesday or Wednesday consistently offer the lowest fares.

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Belfast: Cathedral Quarter street art walk Dense concentration of murals and independent galleries in the city's most vibrant neighborhood
Belfast: Belfast City Hall grounds and guided tour Grand Edwardian baroque building with free interior tours revealing the city's industrial golden age
Cork: Stroll St. Patrick's Street & Grand Parade Cork's elegant main boulevards lined with Georgian architecture and street musicians, the city's beating heart.
Cork: Fitzgerald Park & Cork Public Museum Beautiful riverside park with a free local history museum tucked inside.
Dublin: National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology Home to the Bog Bodies and the Ardagh Chalice, completely free and endlessly fascinating.
Dublin: National Gallery of Ireland A world-class collection including Caravaggio and an entire wing dedicated to Jack B. Yeats.

St. George's Market in Belfast, Fresh seafood chowder or local soda bread with smoked salmon on Saturday morning Plates $5-10
Holohan's Pantry / Established Coffee in Belfast, Ulster fry, the full Northern Irish cooked breakfast with soda bread and potato bread Plates $8-13
Farmgate Café in Cork, Tripe and drisheen or the daily hot special Plates $10-16
Nash 19 in Cork, Full Irish breakfast or daily soup and sandwich deal Plates $8-14
Falafel & Shawarma on Wexford Street in Dublin, Loaded falafel wrap Plates $7-10
Bunsen in Dublin, Classic double cheeseburger with fries Plates $12-16