Byrne also notes that the travel time to Ireland from the East Coast of the US is just five and a half hours, so technically it takes less time to get to Dublin than to the West Coast: “So do consider Ireland for a long weekend break during those winter months, that’s what people in the know do!
What is the cheapest time to visit Ireland?
During the shoulder season and winter months, Byrne says travelers can get many transatlantic rates for as little as $300 each way, and that business airfares can be cheaper during these times.
As for the facts and figures: November is statistically the cheapest month to fly to Ireland, according to Laura Lindsay, the destination and travel trends expert at Skyscanner. At this time, in 2023, roundtrip fares cost an average of $404 per person. “It’s one of the quieter months for tourists, with short days and colder weather without the twinkling lights and fairground feel of Christmas markets,” Lindsay says.
Heads up that December is the most expensive time to travel to Ireland, according to Skyscanner data; data says that roundtrip flights in December 2023 had an average cost of $963 per person. “December is a real draw for American tourists who want to spend the festive period in Ireland, and it’s also a key time for the large diaspora of Irish Americans to go home to visit family.”
When is peak season in Ireland?
Byrne suggests that travelers avoid visiting Ireland in July and August because this is also the time for peak domestic travel. As such, prices at hotels increase for the high season and there are more people traveling generally.
“Irish people love traveling in Ireland, and that’s when the school holidays happen, meaning these are the busiest periods,” Byrne says. “The hotels are jam packed, yet there is still only the same amount of staff to service all of these clients. You’ll still get that wonderful sunny Irish disposition, but you’ll be sharing it with more people.”
How many days do I need in Ireland if I am visiting for the first time?
For a first-time visit to Ireland, Byrne recommends a minimum of 7 nights; ideally, 10. This should give you enough time to visit both the cities of Dublin and Galway without feeling rushed, and to spend some time in the countryside.