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Ireland Tours in May

Visit Ireland in May to experience the Emerald Isle in springtime. Make the most of long daylight hours to explore medieval castles and soak up beautiful coastal views. You can see the best of Ireland with a tour crafted by the travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

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VISITING IRELAND IN MAY

Want to know more about tours of Ireland in May? Look no further!

Time your trip for May to enjoy a quieter time of year compared to the summer season. Take advantage of the long daylight hours and mild weather to explore Ireland to your heart’s content.

The best way to explore Ireland at your own pace is on a scenic self-drive itinerary. But if you want to delve even deeper into Ireland's culture then go for a small group tour or a privately guided package, where you'll learn from a local along the way.

Browse our range of tours available in May which combine the best of the fun cities and beautiful Irish countryside.

When you book a trip to Ireland with Nordic Visitor, you get handpicked accommodation, transportation reservations, access to our 24/7 helpline, and many other benefits as part of the package. You’ll also enjoy the personal service of your own dedicated travel consultant.

Get in touch via our toll-free numbers or live chat and we'll happily plan your trip to Ireland.

 

— WHY US?

Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
  • Professional service from Ireland experts
  • 24/7 emergency helpline during your trip

 

VISIT IRELAND ON A WEEK-LONG GETAWAY

Experience top Irish highlights and lesser-known gems with a 6 to 8-day itinerary around the country. These packages include comfortable accommodation, local transport, and more.

Ireland
Best seller
Self-drive
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Apr - Oct

Scenic Ireland

1758EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

1758EUR

EUR

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Ireland
10-15% OFF IN 2024
Best seller
Guided Groups
8 days / 7 nights
4.6
Apr - Oct

Wonders of Ireland

3624EUR

3080EUR

Eur

View map
10-15% OFF IN 2024
Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

3624EUR

3080EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Best seller
Privately Guided
7 days / 6 nights
Apr - Oct

Express Ireland - Private

4202EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
7 days / 6 nights
Apr - Oct

4202EUR

EUR

Close map view
Ireland
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

Scenic Ireland - Private

5112EUR

Eur

View map
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

5112EUR

EUR

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STAY LONGER & VISIT SCOTLAND TOO

Stay for 10 days or more to explore Ireland at a leisurely pace. Or you could combine your Irish adventure with a journey around Scotland. Choose from these extended itineraries to delve deeper into the Celtic countries.

Ireland
Best seller
Self-drive
10 days / 9 nights
4.8
Apr - Oct

Classic Ireland

2136EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct

2136EUR

EUR

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Ireland
Best seller
Self-drive
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

Complete Ireland

3081EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

3081EUR

EUR

Close map view
Ireland
Best seller
Self-drive
17 days / 16 nights
4.6
Apr - Oct

Grand Tour of Ireland

3818EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
17 days / 16 nights
Apr - Oct

3818EUR

EUR

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Scotland & Ireland
Free upgrade
Best seller
Self-drive
12 days / 11 nights
4.8
Apr - Oct

Express Scotland & Ireland

2786GBP

Eur

View map
Free upgrade
Best seller
12 days / 11 nights
Apr - Oct

2786GBP

GBP

Close map view

Ireland Travel Experts

As a travel agency based in Northern Europe, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Ireland. We offer a variety of self-drive and guided tours that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own Ireland travel experts. 

To ensure a stress-free trip, we handle all the local details for you – accommodations, activities, local transportation, ferries, and other services.

We can also customise your chosen tour to your needs and tastes. If you decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location, for example, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

Customer Experiences Of Ireland Tours

Don’t just imagine your visit to Ireland - read what our amazing guests have to say!

Linda, United States

Scenic Ireland, September 2022

Excellent tour

Chris, our Nordic Visitor Travel Consultant, was very responsive to every email that I sent and answered any questions that I had. We had 4 in our group and it was simple to have 2 single rooms and 1 double and add days at the beginning and the end of our trip just from their website. A welcome package was waiting for us at our first hotel that included detailed information about our trip and a map with highlighted roads and points of interest along the way. Our accommodation ranged from small boutique hotels to resort hotels. Each was close to the city centre and excellent! Breakfast was included each morning which made it easy to get going. It was nice to have our accommodation and car secured for us so we only worried about where we were going to explore each day! We highly recommend Nordic Visitor and will definitely use them in the future!

Vivienne, Australia

Wild Atlantic Way at Leisure, August 2022

Very enjoyable itinerary

We were very happy that a really good map of Ireland was provided, which had our hotels highlighted, with the dates annotated, and our route and recommended places of interest also highlighted. Most hotels were centrally located and we had some lovely accommodation. The "Wild Atlantic Way" itinerary was really enjoyable, we were directed to some marvellous places & have some great memories. Our bound copy of the guide, together with the Touring Map of Ireland, are great mementoes of a wonderful holiday.

Martin, United States

Complete Ireland, October 2022

Flawless experience

Our travel consultant Rebecca was fabulous. She accommodated us in modifying our schedule at no charge after my wife's mother's death. She cheerfully changed our Dublin hotel to a more central location and always responded quickly to any questions or concerns. We are planning a Scotland trip in 2023 again using Nordic Visitor and hope to have Rebecca again. In 2021 we used Nordic Visitor for a 2-week driving Iceland trip that was also flawless.

William, United States

Grand Tour of Scotland & Ireland, August 2022

Unforgettable experience

Communication via email and telephone was very good. Everyone at Nordic Visitor was helpful. Tour package was clear with good suggestions for activities and restaurants. Accommodation was beautiful and comfortable. Driving through Scotland & Ireland was unforgettable.

Stephanie, United States

Ireland East to West, March 2023

A great experience

Overall, we had a great experience. Anytime we had questions our advisor did a great job answering them in a timely manner. In country, we only had to call customer service one time, when the accommodation had misplaced our welcome packet. The agent on call worked with the hotel and they found it and she called back to confirm that we had everything we needed.

Laura, United States

Complete Scotland & Ireland, September 2022

Overall we had a wonderful time

We had a great experience, had to call a few times to clarify issues and we were always able to talk with a real person. We received our info about 3 weeks before leaving. I felt we needed more time to review all the info since it was a 17-day trip. Overall we had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this company.

Terri, United Kingdom

Wonders of Ireland, September 2022

Excellent

Absolutely excellent tour bus driver!

Kenneth, Canada

Ultimate Tour of Scotland & Ireland, September 2022

Extremely satisfied with all aspects of the tour

Extremely satisfied with all aspects of the tour. Very professional and thorough. The maps and guide book were invaluable and made the tour very easy to navigate. Locations of accommodation were superb, all near restaurants, attractions and shopping.

Getting to Ireland

Ireland has 10 airports, with the three main international ports being: Dublin, Cork and Shannon. Unless customised to begin elsewhere, all Nordic Visitor tours in Ireland start and end in Dublin, the capital city.

Flight times to Ireland are, for example, 6 hours from New York City or Boston and 1.5 hours from London. Major international airlines with flights to Ireland include (but are not limited to) Aer Lingus, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Ryanair, and KLM.

The Republic of Ireland is on GMT time. If your journey involves one or more connecting flights, or if you're crossing several time zones to get here, your dedicated Nordic Visitor travel consultant can add extra nights in Dublin to your package so you can rest up after arrival.

Please note that your flights to Ireland are not included in Nordic Visitor packages. However, if you have booked a combination tour of Scotland and Ireland, we include flight costs between the two countries in the package price.

IRELAND PACKAGES BY LOCAL TRAVEL SPECIALISTS

What would you like to experience in Ireland? Our travel experts have created thrilling tour packages for your dream Irish trip.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVELLING TO IRELAND IN MAY

If you want to know more about tours of Ireland in May, read on for our expert advice. We’re here to answer your most commonly asked questions so you can plan for your spring trip.

What are the best things to do in Ireland in May?

The ideal Irish holiday consists of exploring the cities as well as the countryside, to take in the culture, history and beauty of the Emerald Isle. You can do all of this in May!

May is a spring month and a great time to visit Ireland, with mild weather and long daylight hours. You can discover the country’s top attractions, many of which will be quieter compared to the popular summer months. It’s also a good time of year for outdoor activities such as hiking.

Here are the 10 best things to do in Ireland in May:

  • Travel the Wild Atlantic Way along Ireland's west coast
  • Admire the lush, green natural scenery
  • Go hiking in the rugged hills and along high sea cliffs
  • Discover prehistoric and Stone Age monuments
  • Sail to one or more of the west coast islands
  • Explore picturesque, ancient ruins and castles
  • Learn about Ireland’s early Christian and Celtic history
  • Sit in a typical pub to listen to live music
  • Get a taste of Ireland with delicious local food and brew
  • Visit the buzzing cities, charming towns and fishing villages


What are the most popular events in Ireland in May?

There are various events taking place in Ireland in May, some of which you might want to attend during your tour.

The most popular events in May are:

  • Fleadh Nua traditional music festival
  • North West 200 (motorsport event in Northern Ireland)
  • International Literature Festival Dublin
  • Wicklow Arts Festival
  • Cat Laughs Comedy Festival


Note that there are two bank holidays in Ireland in May, which take place on the first and last Monday of the month. There may be some closures on these holidays.

Good to know: Wondering when Ireland celebrates the famous St Patrick’s Day? It’s March!

What are the best places to visit in Ireland in May?

May is a great month to travel to Ireland and visit its towns, historic sites and natural highlights. More so, you’ll enjoy plenty of daylight hours and fair weather, ideal conditions for exploring.

Here are some of the best places to visit when travelling in Ireland in May:




What is the weather like in Ireland in May?

When travelling to Ireland in spring, the weather is generally mild. In May you can expect highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F).

What are May temperatures in Ireland?

The average temperature is around 11°C (52°F) in May. You might experience some lovely sunny days in Ireland at this time, but the weather can still be changeable.

What to wear in Ireland in May?

When you pack for Ireland, keep in mind that it’s best to be ready for all kinds of weather. In May you might encounter both mild and cool temperatures, as well as rainy days.

Bring light clothing so you can enjoy the sun, and waterproof gear for wet weather. Also pack additional layers to be able to remove or add clothes depending on the day’s temperature.

Here is a list of packing essentials for your Ireland tour in May:

  • Lightweight layers, including t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and shorts
  • Warm jumper
  • Jeans or long trousers
  • Waterproof jacket or shell layers
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Scarf, hat and gloves
  • Hiking boots and socks
  • Sun hat or cap


What are the daylight hours in May in Ireland?

In May you’ll experience long days. You can expect between 15 and 17 hours of daylight per day in Ireland.

In Dublin the sun rises between 5:00 and 5:50 AM and sets between 8:50 and 9:40 PM in May. You’ll have longer days later in the month because the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – takes place in late June.

How to travel in Ireland in May?

You can explore Ireland at your own pace on a self-drive itinerary. But if you want someone else to take care of the driving, then go for a privately guided or small group tour. With an escorted package, you'll have the added benefit of being able to learn from a knowledgeable local guide as you go.

All of our tours combine the best of Ireland's cities with stunning natural attractions in the countryside. 

Good to know: All of Nordic Visitor’s packages can be tailored by our regional experts. They can add extra nights, private airport transfers, or optional activities to your trip. Just ask!

How to spend 1 week in Ireland

We recommend at least 6 to 8 days on the Emerald Isle. This will give you enough time to soak up the local culture, visit fascinating historic attractions and see beautiful Irish countryside.

All of our tours begin in Dublin and include top attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry and Blarney Castle.

Here’s an example of a one-week Ireland itinerary:

  • Day 1 – Arrive in Dublin.
  • Day 2 – Tour the west coast. Spend the night in Galway.
  • Day 3 – Explore Connemara or the Aran Islands. Overnight in Galway.
  • Day 4 – See the Cliffs of Moher. Overnight in Killarney.
  • Day 5 – Travel the Ring of Kerry. Overnight in Killarney.
  • Day 6 – Visit historic sites on your way back to Dublin.
  • Day 7 – Depart from Dublin Airport.


The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant will plan your trip and take care of the details before you arrive. All you have to do is find flights to Ireland!

We reserve your accommodation, plan local transport for your trip, and can book activities to fill your days with more adventures. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 helpline should you need to call us at any point.


  • If you want to take the wheel on a getaway to remember, check out these top Ireland road trips for inspiration

Want to stay for a longer period of time?

If you want to slow down the pace and take in more Irish attractions, we highly recommend extending your trip to at least 10 days.

With our flexible itineraries, it’s easy to start planning your tour! Pick the amount of time you want to stay in Dublin and then decide how many days you want to spend discovering the island.

The possibilities are endless when visiting Ireland. With 10 days or more, you could enjoy a more in-depth travel experience. This could mean visiting Northern Ireland, where you can explore the Giant’s Causeway, Belfast and Antrim Coast.

Choose a self-drive tour and you can tailor your trip with additional stops along the way. This is ideal if you want to spend more time in one city than another. Or travel with an expert driver-guide to get a local's insight. Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel consultant for advice on the way to travel that's best for you.

Are you interested in exploring Scotland too?

Combine a tour of Ireland with time in Scotland for an epic Celtic itinerary. We recommend a minimum of 10 days for this, so you have enough time to get a taste of both countries.

Spend the first 4 to 10 days exploring the rugged Highlands and islands of Scotland. Then follow that up with a trip around Ireland to take in all the jaw-dropping coastal landscapes and historic landmarks.

As tour operators specialising in both of these unforgettable destinations, we can offer tailor-made itineraries that combine the best of both.

Scotland is a great destination to complement a tour to Ireland. Their cultures and history are so closely linked and you’ll be able to meet the locals and get immersed in both.



Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

 

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

See more of Northern Europe

  • Explore Ireland’s Celtic neighbour, Scotland
  • Experience stunning scenery and midnight sun in Iceland
  • Combine culture with nature by discovering Scandinavia
  • Head off the beaten track in wild Greenland or Svalbard

 

Ireland Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Irish adventure.

Our Services

On your Ireland Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers, which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book with Confidence

  • Protect your money & plans with our flexible booking terms  .
  • 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
  • We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
  • Enjoy personal service from Ireland travel experts.
  • Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
  • We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Contact us

Whether you’re looking to book your dream Ireland trip, want to add an extra night in Dublin, or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help. Get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries.

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+44 (0)131 344 4630

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