most dazzling coastlines await
Drive the Ring of Kerry for memorable views of mountains and sea, and experience the stony isolation of the Burren, a vast limestone plateau. Brace yourself atop the windy 700-foot Cliffs of Moher, and walk among 60-million-year-old stone columns on Giant’s Causeway. Sleep like a king at a castle hotel, and visit the atmospheric ruins of Blarney Castle. Legend holds that if you plant a pucker on the Blarney Stone, you’ll receive the gift of gab.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. Part of the EU but not part of The Schengen Agreement.
► US Department of State Republic of Ireland Information
► Official Republic of Ireland website
for more information: ► visit the Official ETIAS site
Shannon
Size: 103 rooms and suites
Style: Classic, Sophisticated
Year Opened: 1832
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 2017
Few country escapes can beat this 19th-century neo-Gothic castle in Ireland’s County Limerick. First built for the Second Earl of Dunraven on an 842-acre estate, it features stained-glass windows, gold-leaf ceilings, and towering fireplaces, all restored to their original glory. The signature suite’s classic-contemporary bedroom and bathroom overlook the boundless sprawl of gardens and the Ryder Cup golf course. Guests can lord it in horse-and-buggy rides, go on clay-shooting and archery sessions, take padel tennis classes, eat Michelin-star suppers at the Oak Room, and afterward descend to the Tack Room cellar-lounge to sample its rare Irish whiskey collection. Rural breaks have never felt so ennobling. From $640. —Noo Saro-Wiwa
CONDE-NAST TRAVELER GOLD LIST: 2025
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• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
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The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland
More than just the countryside glows on the Emerald Isle.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
The best time to visit Ireland—to see green countrysides and impressive castles, to learn about Celtic history, to rub elbows with friendly and funny Irish folks—is any time of year. Whether you want to visit for the breathtaking beauty of Ireland’s rock formations or medieval architecture, or just to drink a whole lot of Guinness, the key to a good visit to Ireland is to time it just right.
► VIRTUOSO: Republic of Ireland Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Republic of Ireland Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Republic of Ireland.
► VISIT IRELAND
The official visitor information for Republic of Ireland.
► SimOptions – Orange Holiday Europe
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► Hippocket WiFi
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page updated: May 2025
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Republic of Ireland Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
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