Travel to Ireland

Why choose Ireland for your next holiday?

St Patrick’s Island is one of Europe’s most unique destinations: too close to be exotic, yet too different to be ordinary. Just a two-hour flight from Paris, it offers what many seek but cannot find further afield: unspoilt nature, a vibrant culture and a warmth that is not just a postcard cliché but a daily reality.

Ireland Tour: wilderness of rare intensity

From 214-metre-high cliffs plunging into the Atlantic to the mirror-like lakes of Connemara, from the white sandy beaches of Achill Island to the russet moors of Kerry, the Irish landscape is strikingly varied. The country is criss-crossed by the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world’s longest coastal routes, which unfolds over 2,500 kilometres of breathtaking panoramas: a term we usually avoid, but which here is literally apt: on the heights of the Cliffs of Moher in strong winds, you really do have to hold on tight.

Travelling in Ireland: a vibrant Celtic culture

Ireland is one of the few countries where an ancient language, the Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) remains a living language spoken in the Gaeltacht, those regions in the west where road signs are exclusively in Irish. Traditional music rings out in the pubs every evening of the week, not as a tourist attraction but as a time-honoured social tradition. You’ll hear it in Galway, Doolin, Westport or in a nameless village in Connemara. It will always catch up with you.

Irish hospitality: a reality, not a myth

The Irish reputation for warmth is not just a marketing ploy. In practice, it is evident in the spontaneous conversations at the bar of a pub, and in the directions given with poetic precision (« Carry on until you reach the old wall, then turn off where the road turns red »), in the generosity of the families we are staying with. And indeed: Brightside Travel, your local travel agency in Ireland, works with homestays and dedicated local guides, because it is through these personal connections that the essence of a trip to Ireland is truly experienced.

The must-sees on a trip to Ireland

Dublin, the vibrant capital

Dublin is often the starting point for a trip to Ireland, but it’s well worth spending some time there. The Trinity College is home to the The Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript, a masterpiece of Irish monastic art. The district of Temple Bar buzzes with energy in the evening, thanks in equal measure to students and tourists. The Guinness Storehouse tells the story of a beer that has become a national symbol. And Phoenix Park and St Stephen’s Green offer pockets of greenery right in the heart of the city. Dublin is a city on a human scale, rich in culture and easy to explore on foot.

The Cliffs of Moher and the Burren

In County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most visited natural site… And for good reason! Stretching 8 kilometres in length and rising to a height of 214 metres, they offer views of the Atlantic and, on a clear day, of the Aran Islands. The walk along the cliff edge from Doolin is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Nearby, the Burren is a fascinating, almost lunar limestone plateau where, paradoxically, Mediterranean flowers grow in the cracks in the rock. A geological landscape unique in the world!

Galway, the heart of the Irish soul

Galway is the city that best encapsulates the vibrancy of Ireland. Its colourful pedestrianised streets, its many pubs where music spills out onto the pavement, its Saturday farmers’ market, and its university, which gives it a perpetual youthful spirit: all combine to make it one of the most charming cities in the British Isles. It is also the ideal base from which to explore Connemara and the Aran Islands.

Connemara: Ireland at its most intense

If you can only visit one region of Ireland, choose Connemara. This wild region of Connacht (which Michel Sardou immortalised) boasts landscapes of raw beauty: lakes with silvery glints, endless peat bogs, pale quartzite peaks, and Killary Fjord (Ireland’s only fjord). Kylemore Abbey, a Victorian castle converted into a Benedictine monastery on the shores of Lough Pollacappull, is one of the country’s most photographed sites. Sheep roam freely along the roads. Time seems to pass at a different pace here.

Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula

In the south-west, County Kerry offers another side to Ireland’s wild landscape. The Ring of Kerry is a 179-kilometre coastal route that takes in fishing villages, ruined castles and panoramic views of the ocean. The lesser-known Dingle Peninsula is one of the last bastions of the spoken Gaelic language. Slea Head, at its western tip, is the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

The North and the Giant’s Causeway

Northern Ireland is part of a different country but shares the same magic. The Giant’s Causeway is an extraordinary geological formation: 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. The coastline surrounding it (the Causeway Coastal Route) takes in Dunluce Castle, perched on its headland, and the whisky distilleries dotted along the route.

Local agency in Ireland: Brightside Travel’s approach

Brightside Travel does not offer standard tours. As a local agency specialising in the British Isles, we design each tour around a simple question: what do you really want to take away from this trip? A landscape? An encounter? An experience? A story?

Our programmes are tailored to suit different types of traveller:

• Group tours (for associations, works councils, groups of friends and solo travellers) with a French-speaking tour guide and fixed departure dates
• Individual or family tours, self-drive tours, independent or guided tours
• Active holidays: coastal walks, cycling trips, etc.
• Cultural tours: traditional music, Celtic heritage, Irish literature
• Immersion holidays involving encounters with local communities and accommodation with local families

Examples of programmes for tours in Ireland offered by Brightside Travel: a one-week to 10-day road trip through Connemara and the Ring of Kerry, a three-day business trip to Dublin for your MICE event, a small-group tour of Ireland to discover living traditions, and more. 

Ireland Tour: When is the best time to visit Ireland?

Seasoned travellers will tell you that there’s no such thing as a bad time of year to visit Ireland! Each season has its pros and cons. 

The peak season extends from June to August: Long days (up to 21 hours of daylight in June), mild temperatures (15–20°C), festivals everywhere, but also crowds at the iconic attractions and accommodation that needs to be booked several months in advance.

Le spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are often regarded as the Best times to visit Ireland: Magnificent light, vibrant greenery in spring, autumnal colours in the valleys, far fewer visitors, and more affordable prices. Hikers and photographers almost unanimously prefer these spots.

Winter (November–March) It, too, has some lovely surprises in store: the atmosphere in the pubs in December, the dramatic skies along the Atlantic coast, and St Patrick’s Day on 17 March, which transforms Dublin into a boisterous, green festival.

When it comes to the weather, one rule applies all year round: you can experience all four seasons in a single day. A raincoat is an essential item, even in summer.

Our practical tips for planning your trip to Ireland

How do you get to Ireland from France?

The most convenient way to get to Ireland from France is still by plane. Several airlines operate direct flights between major French cities (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes) and Dublin. Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Air France fly to the Irish capital. There are also flights to Cork, the country’s second-largest city. The flight from Paris-CDG takes around 2 hours.

Visas and travel requirements for Ireland

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area but is a member of the European Union. For French nationals, the identity card is sufficient to enter the country. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom: since Brexit, a valid passport is required to travel there.

How do you get around in Ireland?

The hire car It remains the best way to get around when exploring Ireland outside the major cities, particularly the Wild West, where public transport is limited. Please note: in Ireland, they drive on the left. Secondary roads are often narrow and dotted with sheep… which is all part of the experience for a road trip in Ireland ! 

A rough guide to the cost of a trip to Ireland

Ireland is a destination where the cost of living is quite high, with prices comparable to those in France or slightly higher. For example: 

• Accommodation in a B&B or guesthouse (double room): €80 to €150 per night. 
• A meal in a local pub: €15 to €25 per person. 
• A pint of Guinness: €5 to €7.

Irish cuisine and culture: the must-sees

Irish cuisine

The Irish cuisine has been making a comeback over the past two decades thanks to a new generation of chefs who work with exceptional produce: Galway oysters, Connemara lobsters, wild salmon from the rivers of Kerry, Connaught lamb, artisan cheeses and homemade soda bread. Irish stew and the full Irish breakfast remain essential classics of Irish cuisine. 

Guinness and Irish whisky

The dark stout brewed in Dublin since 1759 tastes quite different here than elsewhere: connoisseurs swear it doesn’t taste the same as it does in France. For spirits enthusiasts, Irish whiskey (with an «e») is enjoying a remarkable revival: triple-distilled, unpeated and lighter than Scotch.

Traditional music in Ireland

Music translate Irish (fiddle, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, bodhrán) is a communal activity that takes place in pubs during informal sessions. Nobody plays for the tourists: people play together, just for fun. Watching it is one of the most authentic experiences Ireland has to offer.

Travelling to Ireland: frequently asked questions from our travellers

How long does it take to visit Ireland?

​A week is enough to cover the main route (Dublin and the west coast). Two weeks give you the freedom to explore several regions at a leisurely pace. For those who want to go hiking, the Wild Atlantic Way alone is worth 10 to 14 days.

Is Ireland a family-friendly destination?

Exactly: a trip to Ireland is absolutely child-friendly ! The scenery, the castles, the Celtic legends and the Irish welcome make it an ideal destination for families with children. Brightside Travel offers itineraries specially designed for families, with arrangements and activities suited to both children and adults. 

Should Northern Ireland be included in a trip to Ireland?

Yes, if you have time. Belfast is now a vibrant cultural city, and the Causeway Coast is one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the British Isles. Please note that, as this is the United Kingdom, a passport is required following Brexit and the currency is different (pound sterling). .

What sort of accommodation does Brightside Travel choose in Ireland?

We favour family-run guesthouses, charming B&Bs and seaside cottages. Indeed, we avoid soulless chain hotels. Staying with local hosts, where available, is our first choice: this is where the best travel conversations begin and where you’ll create the most lasting memories of your bespoke tour of Ireland. 

Does Brightside Travel organise group trips to Ireland?

Yes, small-group tours in Ireland are one of our core areas of expertise. We design tours for organised groups (clubs, works councils, groups of friends, school groups) with a French-speaking tour guide, private transport and a bespoke itinerary. Please contact us for a personalised quote.

Ready to set off on a trip to Ireland with Brightside Travel, your local bespoke travel agency?

Do you have an idea for a trip, a date, a group, or a particular interest in exploring Ireland? Share it with us! Our team of specialists in the British Isles (Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales) can put together a bespoke itinerary for Ireland, tailored to your preferences, pace and budget. Because a trip to Ireland deserves more than just a brochure: it deserves a proper chat. Contact us to plan your bespoke trip to Ireland !