England and Ireland Tours
Traveling to England and Ireland: An Overview
Our England and Ireland trips let you explore both countries in one action-packed holiday. From routing to weather and top destinations, here’s everything you need to know.
Getting from England to Ireland
It’s wise to plan a circular route that avoids backtracking to save time and money. Most combined tours of England and Ireland will start in one capital and finish in another, making a circular route the most practical. London and Dublin are each nation’s largest aviation hubs, so, book an open-jaw airfare to fly into one capital and out of the other. If you plan to focus on Northern Ireland, Belfast has the most connections and best prices.
Numerous companies offer passenger and car ferry services over the Irish Sea between various destinations in England and Ireland. Crossings take three to eight hours, depending on the departure and arrival point. Unless you have a vehicle, you may prefer to fly as it is often quicker and more convenient.
Best time to visit England and Ireland
Summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit England and Ireland for its warmer weather and ample sunshine. However, peak season brings hordes of fellow holidaymakers, especially in July and August. Expect higher hotel and airfare rates, plus thick crowds at the most popular sites.
Autumn (September to October) and spring (March to May) offer acceptable weather, better prices, and thinner crowds. Aim for the months closer to summer (May and September) for a better chance of nice weather!
English and Irish winters are chilly, wet, dark, and windy. Expect typical temperatures between 2°C (35°F) and 7°C (44°F) and about eight hours of sunlight per day. While the weather isn’t ideal, winter is a cheap and uncrowded season to visit this region.
Read our guide on the best time to visit England and the best time to visit Ireland for a full overview.
Highlights of England and Ireland trip
- Explore palatial medieval fortresses, including Windsor and Kilkenny Castle.
- Marvel at ancient attractions like Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery and the world-famous Stonehenge.
- Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon or Dublin’s literary epicenter at Trinity College.
- Cruise along the coast to admire stunning natural sites like the White Cliffs of Dover or the Giant’s Causeway.
- Enjoy a home-style meal and a frothy pint at traditional pubs in Dublin’s Temple Bar or London’s Soho district.
- Embark on a scenic sightseeing cruise of the River Thames, taking in iconic London landmarks such as the London Eye, Westminster Abby, and the Tower Bridge.
- Pull up a pew at a Dublin or Galway pub and listen to local musicians perform impromptu trad music to a boisterous crowd.
- Tour the Guinness Storehouse to learn the history behind Ireland’s most famous stout and sample the good stuff straight from the source.
England and Ireland travel tips
- Pack plenty of layers as the weather can vary at any time of year.
- England and Northern Ireland use the pound sterling, while the Republic of Ireland uses the euro.
- Although expensive, trains are a fast, efficient, and hassle-free way to get around.
At a Glance: England Vs Ireland
| England | Ireland | |
| Annual visitors | 40 million | 10 million |
| Ideal duration | 2 weeks | 1 week |
| Transportation | Buses are cheaper but less enjoyable than trains. Low-cost airlines are widely available. | Shorter distances generally make buses and trains more desirable than flying. |
| Top destinations | London, Bath, Oxford, Stonehenge, Lake District |
Dublin, Galway, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Belfast |
| Top activities |
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| Affordability | Expect high prices across all services | Expect high prices across all services |
