Where to Go, What to See, and How to Capture It All
Ireland might not be the first country that comes to mind for summer travel — but that’s exactly why it’s perfect. Think cool breezes, lush landscapes, and golden-hour light that lasts forever. Whether you’re road-tripping the Wild Atlantic Way or chasing sheep through green hills with a camera in hand, Ireland offers the kind of summer that feels like a soft reset.
Here’s everything you need to know for planning your trip in summer 2025:
✈️ Why Visit Ireland in the Summer?
- Mild weather: Rarely above 22°C (72°F) — ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and not melting or too cold.
- Long daylight hours: Sunset can stretch past 10 PM in June/July.
- Lush, green landscapes: Thanks to year-round drizzle, Ireland is basically one giant postcard.
- Festivals galore: From Galway International Arts Festival to Cork’s Folk Fest, summer is the season to soak in local culture.
1. Dingle Peninsula
Quieter than the Ring of Kerry but just as stunning. Rugged cliffs, charming towns, and beaches that glow at dusk.
Photo Tip: Head to Dunquin Pier for that iconic winding-path-over-sea shot.
2. Galway
A lively city full of buskers, pubs, and artsy vibes. It’s the perfect base for Connemara and the Aran Islands.
Don’t Miss: Salthill for coastal walks and live music spilling from pubs.
Best Shot: Sunset over the Spanish Arch.
3. Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast
From Giant’s Causeway to Dunluce Castle, this coastline is moody, cinematic, and packed with drama.
Ideal For: Fans of Game of Thrones, rugged cliffs, and dark skies photography.
Tip: Try catching blue hour at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
4. County Clare
Home to the Cliffs of Moher — yes, they’re touristy, but go at sunrise or sunset and it’ll feel like you’re the only person in the world.
Nearby Gems: Lahinch (for surf), Doolin (for music), and the Burren’s lunar-like landscapes.
5. Killarney & the National Park
Think mossy forests, mirror lakes, and red deer sightings. Rent a bike and just get lost.
Top Shot: Muckross Abbey ruins or Ross Castle reflected in still water.
🍽️ What to Eat (& Where)
- Seafood chowder in Doolin
- Boxty (potato pancakes) in Galway
- Fresh oysters in Carlingford
- Guinness stew almost anywhere
- Murphy’s Ice Cream in Dingle (get sea salt!)
🚗 Getting Around
- Rent a car: Especially for west coast or rural travel — automatic cars sell out fast.
- Trains/buses: Great for city-to-city (e.g., Dublin to Galway), but limited for small towns.
- Pro tip: Narrow roads = smaller car = better. Avoid SUVs unless you’re up for a challenge.
🗓 Sample 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Land in Dublin, explore Trinity College & Temple Bar
Day 2: Train to Galway, walk the Latin Quarter
Day 3: Day trip to Aran Islands or Connemara
Day 4: Rent car, drive to Cliffs of Moher, stay in Doolin
Day 5: Continue to Killarney via scenic route
Day 6: Explore Killarney National Park, Ross Castle
Day 7: Drive to Cork or Limerick, then fly/train back to Dublin
🧳 What to Pack for Ireland in Summer (2025)
🧥 Clothing
- ✅ Lightweight waterproof rain jacket (a must!)
- ✅ A few layers (think light sweaters, cardigans, flannels)
- ✅ T-shirts or short-sleeve tops (weather can be mild)
- ✅ Comfortable jeans or quick-dry trousers
- ✅ 1–2 pairs of shorts (for warmer days or cities)
- ✅ Pajamas/loungewear
- ✅ Undergarments & socks (wool or moisture-wicking ideal)
👟 Shoes
- ✅ Waterproof walking shoes or boots (for countryside/hiking)
- ✅ Casual sneakers or comfortable city shoes
- ✅ Optional: Sandals (if you’re hitting the coast or spas)
🧴 Toiletries & Personal Items
- ✅ Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc.
- ✅ Sunscreen (yes, even in Ireland!)
- ✅ Travel-size hand sanitizer
- ✅ Lip balm (wind + sun = dry lips)
- ✅ Travel tissues & painkillers (for motion sickness or long drives)
🧰 Travel Essentials
- ✅ Universal adapter (Ireland uses Type G plugs)
- ✅ Daypack or tote bag for daily outings
- ✅ Reusable water bottle
- ✅ Sunglasses & a hat (for sun AND drizzle)
- ✅ Travel umbrella (compact and windproof)
- ✅ Small first aid kit (band-aids, blister pads, etc.)
- ✅ Snacks for long drives or remote hikes
📄 Documents & Extras
- ✅ Passport + photocopy (or digital backup)
- ✅ Travel insurance details
- ✅ Driver’s license + international permit (if renting a car)
- ✅ Credit/debit card + some euros in cash
- ✅ Booking confirmations (printed or saved offline)
💤 Optional but Handy
- ✅ Earplugs + eye mask (for noisy hotels or B&Bs)
- ✅ Laundry detergent sheets or travel-size soap
- ✅ Quick-dry travel towel
🌿 Final Thoughts: Why Ireland?
Ireland has a quiet kind of magic. It doesn’t try to impress you with flashy landmarks or perfect weather, but instead, it gives you space. Space to breathe, to slow down, and to really see the world around you. And that’s exactly why it stuck with me.
What I loved most were the simple things: long, peaceful hikes through green hills, and maybe most of all, photographing sheep. Sounds funny, but there’s something incredibly calming about pulling over on a narrow country road just to watch a group of them grazing.
Ireland feels like a place that lets you pause. And if you’re anything like me – someone who finds joy in slow travel, quiet beauty, and a little bit of unexpected charm,I think you’ll fall for it too.
If you’re planning your own trip and have questions, feel free to reach out. And if this guide helped you, I’d love if you shared it or tagged me in your adventures. I’m always curious how others experience a place I love so much.