In addition to exploring ancient castles, the Emerald Isle is special this time of year

It’s peak puffin season. The rivers are full for whitewater kayaking. Edible plants and coastal seafood are abundant for foraging.

The pubs are full of locals and the tourist attractions aren’t crowded. You can drink in the views of Donegal’s Slieve League Cliffs from a secluded spot, participate in the Walking Festivals, visit vibrant Botanic Gardens, and snap pictures at numerous movie filming locations.

Some springtime activities include:

  • Kayaking in Killary Fjord
  • Horseback riding on Kinsale beaches
  • Ziplining near Carlingford
  • Hiking Connemara’s mountain trails
  • Wreck diving the SS Lenox off the coast
  • Guided food tours on the Dingle Peninsula
  • Surfing the Wild Atlantic waves
  • Climbing Skellig Michael’s stone stairway
  • Spotting puffins on Sceilg Bheag and Skellig
  • Seaweed and shellfish foraging with a local guide

Ballinesker Beach boasts a Blue Flag award and is one of many Wexford beaches to do so.

The Blue Flag Award is presented to beaches and marinas with excellent water quality and which achieve high standards in a wide range of other criteria including environmental education, management of the environment, safety and other services.

Tip: There is another, much less famous, Blue Flag beach. A secluded bay with turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, Keem Beach, Achill Island (Co. Mayo) is ideal for swimming, hiking, and wildlife spotting. <>

Braveheart

  • Trim Castle, County Meath – Served as the stand-in for the city of York. You can take guided tours and walk the grounds. It’s the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland.
  • Dunsoghly Castle, County Dublin – One of the final scenes was filmed here.
  • Blessington Lakes, County Wicklow – Battle scenes and sweeping landscapes.
  • Curragh Plains, County Kildare – Used for the Battle of Stirling scenes. This open grassland is beautiful for a walk or picnic.

Ireland is a treasure trove for film tourism.

In addition to scenes in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi filmed at Skellig Michael island, you can visit locations where scenes for Braveheart, Game Of Thrones, and Saving Private Ryan were filmed.

Celebrate everything Star Wars at the May the Fourth Be With You Festival

Saving Private Ryan

– The intense D-Day landing scene was filmed at Ballinesker Beach, near Curracloe, County Wexford

The beach looks very similar to Omaha Beach and remains largely undeveloped. You can walk the sand and imagine the chaos of that scene.

Tip: There’s a small memorial there, and it’s not a major tourist hotspot, so it still feels very raw and cinematic.

Tip: Visit the nearby Wexford Wildfowl Reserve

PASSPORT VALIDITY: Must be valid for the duration of your stay in Ireland and it should remain valid until after your return.
VISA: No visa required. U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days.

Let us pros at Wild Woman Adventure Vacations — along with our proprietary AI trip planner — work with you to craft a perfectly matched, detailed, adventure-filled trip.

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Planning Resources

Ireland.com | DiscoverIreland.ie

Ireland: Your Travel Magazine

One of the World’s Great Road Journeys

Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of Life

Tipping in Ireland: A Practical Guide

Tipping in Ireland: A Practical Guide

Tipping in Ireland is appreciated but not obligatory, and customs differ from those in the U.S.

🍽️ Restaurants & Cafés

  • Standard Tip: 10–15% for good service.
  • Large Groups: A service charge of around 20% may be automatically included; check your bill.
  • Casual Dining: Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is acceptable.

🍻 Pubs & Bars

  • Per Drink: Tipping per drink at the bar is not customary.
  • Table Service: If you receive table service, consider tipping €1–€2 per round.
  • Exceptional Service: For outstanding service, offering a tip equivalent to one drink is appreciated.

🏨 Hotels

  • Porters: €1–€2 per bag.
  • Housekeeping: €1–€2 per night.
  • Room Service: €2 per delivery.
  • Note: Tipping hotel staff is less common among locals but appreciated for good service.

🚖 Taxis

  • Standard Practice: Rounding up the fare to the nearest euro is typical.
  • Exceptional Service: A tip of 10% is appreciated for exceptional service or assistance with luggage.

🧭 Tour Guides

  • Day Tours: €2–€5 per person.
  • Multi-Day Tours: €10–€15 per person per day.
  • Note: Tipping is discretionary and should reflect the quality of the experience.

💡 Additional Tips

  • Service Charges: Some establishments include a service charge; check your bill to avoid double tipping.
  • Currency: Tipping in euros is standard.
  • Cash vs. Card: Cash tips are preferred to ensure they go directly to the staff.
  • Cultural Norms: Tipping is less prevalent in Ireland than in the U.S.; it’s a gesture of appreciation rather than an obligation.