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Travel – Ireland holidays

Your guide to the best of Ireland, from cities to the coast and countryside

<p>Gráinne Griffin of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said 'consumers are being hit with long delays, unexpected costs, and stressful disputes.' Picture: iStock </p>

news

Car hire warning as 40% of holidaymakers hit by hidden fees and booking issues, CCPC says

CCPC warns of hidden fees, long waits, and cars not matching their description among other problems

<p>Lap of luxury: A glossy brochure image of Irish railway travel in the 1970s. Many trains do not even have a trolley service today</p>

travel

Something feels missing: Bring back the trolley service on every train journey

<p>Examiner journalist Siobhán Cronin on a bus driving lesson with instructor Frank O'Driscoll in Skibbereen, West Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan</p>

people

I followed my dreams of learning to drive a bus — it has been a bumpy ride

Increasing number of US visitors coming to Ireland in the winter

economy

Increasing number of US visitors coming to Ireland in the winter

Hotel Reception Desk with Vintage Silver Bell

economy

Irish hotel occupancy rose to 76% last year

Listowel Writers' Week looks to turn the page on funding controversy

spotlight

Listowel Writers' Week looks to turn the page on funding controversy

Medieval fortified city of Carcassonne, France

Timoleague and Quin abbeys could be Ireland's Carcassonne

Cork and Clare abbeys are among Ireland's many crumbling monasteries and friaries. We should take our lead from a 19th century French architect who restored Carcassonne — or emulate our own restoration of Holycross in Tipperary

Wed, 28 Jan, 2026

PAUL MANGAN

Inside Dublin’s Museum of Curiosities as conjoined lambs and historic royal cake go on display

Dublin’s Museum of Curiosities is expanding with rare, unsettling artefacts collected from across Europe and beyond

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

Access for all: Irish wheelchair users speak on their favourite Irish getaways

Access for all: Irish wheelchair users speak on their favourite Irish getaways

In 2025, Ireland still has ways to go when it comes to accessibility, but some spots get it right. Jennifer McShane speaks to five wheelchair users about their holiday experiences and the destinations that stand out.

Sat, 18 Oct, 2025

The 12 Stays of Christmas: a dozen seasonal getaways in Ireland

The 12 Stays of Christmas: a dozen seasonal getaways in Ireland

Whether you crave a country manor with mulled wine by the fire or the buzz of Christmas in the city, these luxurious escapes promise indulgence, atmosphere, and zero washing up.

Sat, 11 Oct, 2025

Doghouse suite: Ireland's top 21 doggy-friendly hotels and stays

Doghouse suite: Ireland's top 21 doggy-friendly hotels and stays

From groomers to walking maps, many Irish hotels do much more than just allow dogs to stay with their owners. It’s a complete experience, writes Georgina Campbell

Mon, 18 Aug, 2025

The insider's guide to Beara Peninsula: Where to stay, eat and explore in West Cork

S The insider's guide to Beara Peninsula: Where to stay, eat and explore in West Cork

The peninsula that put the ‘Wild’ in ‘Atlantic Way’ is a mesmerising place to explore, eat and stay. Join writer Thom Breathnach as he guides you through the headland that transcends county

Wed, 23 Jul, 2025

Hidden Munster: 30 great eat, stay and play experiences in the province

S Hidden Munster: 30 great eat, stay and play experiences in the province

From all-weather golf, Littleton Labyrinth and a thatched outdoor hot-tub; to a wealth of foodie fare, there's plenty to discover on our own back doorstep

Wed, 16 Jul, 2025

The stories and secret weapons behind five of Ireland's best B&Bs

The stories and secret weapons behind five of Ireland's best B&Bs

Ireland’s old fashioned bed and breakfasts have had something of a rebirth. From fine food to retaining that personal touch, Ali Dunworth checks into five boutique B&Bs for a modern take on a very Irish tradition

Sun, 29 Jun, 2025

North Cork: Nature, history and hospitality on a trip through The Good Country

North Cork: Nature, history and hospitality on a trip through The Good Country

Road trips don’t have to take you to far-flung places, as there’s a world of nature, food, and folklore to be discovered on our doorsteps, writes Irene Feighan

Sat, 14 Jun, 2025

Van life: How to rent a van, what to see and do on the road, where to stay, and what to pack

Van life: How to rent a van, what to see and do on the road, where to stay, and what to pack

Caroline Delaney discovers that the ‘wheel’ fun begins when you hire a camper van and head off on an adventure

Sat, 17 May, 2025

'It is the Holy Grail': locals fear for tourism future as Skellig Michael stays shut

S 'It is the Holy Grail': locals fear for tourism future as Skellig Michael stays shut

Tourism operators and business owners across South Kerry warn of major losses as permit dispute delays Skellig Michael's visitor season into next month

Sat, 17 May, 2025

The Hotel Examiner: Read our reviews of some of Ireland’s top-rated hotels

The Hotel Examiner: Read our reviews of some of Ireland’s top-rated hotels

Tripadvisor recently shared its top-ranked Irish hotels, with Adare Manor coming out on top. Here, we share Hotel Examiner reviews of some of those on the list – including one that didn’t quite impress

Wed, 14 May, 2025

Munster

Skellig Michael: Tourism chiefs plead with OPW to issue temporary boat permits

Unesco World Heritage site may not reopen until June — 'a complete disaster' which risks 'lasting damage to businesses and Ireland’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination'

Sun, 11 May, 2025

Skellig Michael will not reopen to visitors due to legal challenge by boat operators

Skellig Michael will not reopen to visitors due to legal challenge by boat operators

Iconic 'Star Wars' location and Unesco World Heritage Site cannot open for the 2025 season as three boat operators whose permits were not renewed have taken a legal challenge

Fri, 09 May, 2025

Visit Ireland: Irish tourist hotspots size up their prospects for the summer of 2025

Visit Ireland: Irish tourist hotspots size up their prospects for the summer of 2025

Despite a sharp early 2025 visitor decline, Ireland’s tourism sector remains upbeat with strong summer bookings forecasted

Sat, 26 Apr, 2025

British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference

Time is not right for a tourism tax – Simon Harris

'I'd be very nervous about it,' said Tánaiste. 'I am conscious of the fact that at the moment tourism is already going through quite a challenging time'

Thu, 24 Apr, 2025

Back view of female friends wearing white bathrobes and towels on heads standing on balcony

Girls' trip: 12 weekend breaks across Ireland for you and your best friends

For lazy days or late nights, Gemma Tipton selects 12 weekend breaks that are best for you and your besties

Sat, 15 Mar, 2025

What's in store at this year’s Wander Wild festival in Killarney

What's in store at this year’s Wander Wild festival in Killarney

The Wander Wild Festival allows participants to immerse themselves both mentally and physically in the beauty of Killarney, writes Deirdre McArdle

Sat, 08 Mar, 2025

Hoteliers grow more pessimistic amid rising costs and falling occupancy

Hoteliers grow more pessimistic amid rising costs and falling occupancy

New IHF survey shows that almost every region in the country experienced a drop of 1% to 3% in occupancy rates during 2024 compared to 2023

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

15 of the most romantic escapes across Ireland — with some great value options

15 of the most romantic escapes across Ireland — with some great value options

There’s great value to be found early season around the country

Tue, 11 Feb, 2025

Hotel review: We don’t get off on the best foot at this Dublin five-star

S Hotel review: We don’t get off on the best foot at this Dublin five-star

This five-star property offers elevated dining, glamourous cocktails and friendly staff but its rooms fail to impress

Thu, 30 Jan, 2025

The insider's list: 21 of Ireland's most remarkable and noteworthy stays

The insider's list: 21 of Ireland's most remarkable and noteworthy stays

January is holiday planning season and the new year marks another exciting year of domestic getaway options. From new openings to refurbished classics, self-catering discoveries to off-the-radar favourites, Examiner Escapes has selected 21 of the most remarkable stays across Ireland for 2025

Sat, 25 Jan, 2025

Boyne Voyage: Getting the best of Ireland's Ancient East and Newgrange

Boyne Voyage: Getting the best of Ireland's Ancient East and Newgrange

Exploring the riches of Ireland's Ancient East without a car is surprisingly simple, as Rebecca Daly discovers

Sat, 18 Jan, 2025

Mussenden Temple

Winter walks in Ireland: 10 places to get out and stretch your legs

Get out hiking and check into cosy places to stay with our essential guide

Mon, 30 Dec, 2024

Ballybunion Golf Club took in a record €8m this year

Ballybunion Golf Club took in a record €8m this year

Golf legend Tom Watson, who has a long association with Ballybunion, visited Kerry last week to inspect work on the Cushen Course he designed

Mon, 09 Dec, 2024

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