Explore the Wild Atlantic Way with the Lonely Planet Ireland travel guide

Ireland, a small island with a big reputation. Enjoy breath-taking landscapes and friendly, welcoming people – it’ll leave visitors floored but looking for more. Lonely Planet is your passport to Ireland with amazing travel experiences and the best planning advice.

Grab a Guinness in a buzzing Dublin pub, spot local fishermen off rugged Kerry coastlines, or explore the charming Wild Atlantic Way, all with your trusted travel companion.

Lonely Planet Ireland travel guide

We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Lonely Planet writer Fionn Davenport describes why he loves Ireland. "I have always cherished Ireland's unvarnished informality, whose primary measure is friendliness. It's the casual encounters that spark conversation: the unprompted offers of assistance to those who appear lost or in need of help; the warm welcome that most visitors are greeted with. Whether you're north or south, in Dublin or in the deepest countryside, Irish informality dictates that your comfort trumps other social conventions. Cross an Irish hearth and straight away you'll most likely be offered tea...or something stronger. Don't even think about refusing."

Ireland Top 10

1. Dublin

2. Dingle, County Kerry

3. Connemara, County Galway

4. Causeway Coast

5. Wild Atlantic Way

6. The Pub

7. Ring of Kerry

8. Galway City

9. Traditional Music

10. Glendalough, County wicklow
Inside Lonely Planet’s Ireland Travel Guide:

- Full-colour maps and images throughout

- Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests

- Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots

- Honest review for all budgets — eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss

- Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, the Irish way of life, music, Irish landscapes, politics, cuisine, local customs, outdoors pursuits, nightlife

- Free, convenient pull-out city map (included in print version), plus over 89 colour maps

Coverage includes: Dublin, Wicklow & Kildare, Counties Wexford, Waterford, Carlow & Kilkenny, Cork, Kerry, Limerick & Tipperary, Clare, Galway, Mayo & Sligo, County Donegal, Belfast

Writers: Neil Wilson, Isabel Albiston, Fionn Davenport, Belinda Dixon, Catherine Le Nevez

Get to the heart of Ireland and begin your journey now!