Top reasons to visit Ireland in 2026

1. Game of Thrones® territory

Northern Ireland is Game of Thrones® territory, with much of the original smash-hit series filmed at epic locations, such as the Dark Hedges and Cushendun Caves. So, there’s never been a better time to get reacquainted with the real-world Westeros than now, as new Game of Thrones® spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, hits our screens in 2026! 

From the official Game of Thrones® Studio Tour to authentic Game of Thrones® experiences such as axe throwing and banquet nights at Winterfell Castle, George RR Martin’s fantasy saga is brought vividly to life in this land with a giant spirit.

2. Spring is in the air

Ireland bursts forth into spring like only it can, with a celebration of a part ancient Celtic goddess, part Christian saint, and full 21st-century feminist icon! St Brigid's Day on February 1 sees festivals all around the island dedicated to this legendary woman and devotees of Ireland’s fearless female patron saint shouldn’t miss St Brigid’s Cathedral and Round Tower in County Kildare. 

Not to be outshone, St Valentine takes centre stage on February 14, as lovers pay homage to his relics in Whitefriar Street Church, Dublin. Love is in the air around Valentine’s Day in Ireland, as fairytale castles, romantic retreats and cosy getaways welcome couples. 

Meanwhile, County Clare glams up for The Outing, a queer arts, music and matchmaking festival.

3. St Patrick’s Day

Save the date for one of the BIGGEST parties in the world – March 17 is St Patrick’s Day! Cities, towns, and villages across Ireland celebrate in style with street parades, live traditional Irish music and more. 

In Dublin, St Patrick's Festival sees the island’s largest parade, with floats and performers from around the world. In Armagh, the Home of St Patrick Festival blends culture and heritage, as concerts, comedy and walking tours take place in the city where not one, but two cathedrals are named after the world-famous saint. 

Alternatively, you can explore St Patrick’s Country at your own pace, following in the great man's footsteps at revered locations, including Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s Holy Mountain – and Down Cathedral, where St Patrick is buried.

4. Amazing live music

We’re a musical people, make no mistake. TradFest blows away the January blues in Dublin. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann – the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music, song and dance – rolls into Belfast in early August, itself a UNESCO City of Music. 

Later that month, homegrown superstars from Fontaines DC to CMAT will wow crowds at Electric Picnic, one of Ireland’s largest music festivals. 

Cool cats galore arrive in Cork for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival in October, while the same month sees Wexford Festival Opera bring rip-roaring performances to Ireland’s southeast corner. 

Prefer intimate surroundings? Pop into a trad music pub anywhere on the island, where a local session is likely in full flow by a cosy fireside.

5. U2’s 50th anniversary

Four likely lads from Dublin who became the biggest rock band in the world! As Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jnr celebrate their 50th anniversary with a world tour in 2026, it’s the perfect time to drop into the Little Museum of Dublin and get to know the boys a little better. 

Housed in a beautiful period building beside the lush St Stephen’s Green, this quaint spot is home to U2: Made in Dublin, an exhibition that charts the meteoric rise of Ireland’s most successful ever rock group. It’s a must for fans. 

Then stroll around U2’s Dublin to check out the local haunts synonymous with the homegrown band that made it big.

6. Unique food experiences

As well as boasting a wide array of Michelin-starred restaurants across the island, Ireland’s food and drink scene is brimming with authentic foodie experiences unlike anywhere else. 

Love a wee tipple of whiskey? There are dozens of distilleries, old and new, to tour and savour a tasting. 

How about tucking into the freshest local produce? From Aran Island goat’s cheese to Donegal oysters, these sustainable food experiences showcase Ireland’s bountiful landscape. 

We’ve got fantastic food markets, too. The culinary delights at St George’s Market in Belfast and the English Market in Cork are not-to-be-missed. 

Add to the mix seaweed foraging, cookery schools such as Ballymaloe, and food tours such as the Enniskillen Taste Experience, and the recipe for a dream foodie escape is set.

7. The great outdoors

Ireland’s famously beautiful landscapes are begging to be explored. Walk or cycle on scenic greenways, many of which are repurposed old rail lines. Or, take to the water on Ireland’s glistening blueways, and make a splash on vast lakes, peaceful canals and roaring rivers. 

Outdoor activities abound on this all-action island! Zip-lining in Lough Key Forest, golf on world-renowned courses, horse-riding along rugged trails... there’s something for everyone to get pumped about. 

And, if you prefer gentler excursions, Ireland is criss-crossed with stunning walking and hiking routes. To really slow things down, discover Ireland Unrushed, a series of laidback journeys allowing you to savour every moment on this special island.

8. Animals abound!

Sheep, LOTS of sheep. Spring is the best time to see them, as cute lambs join the flock on farms around the island. Try these B&B farm stays for a great way to get up close to some of Ireland’s wonderful farm animals. 

You can pet adorable foals at the Irish National Stud in late spring, snap colourful puffins on Rathlin Island over the summer, and hop aboard a boat to go dolphin and whale watching in autumn. 

Or, go on an unforgettable dog walk with huge Irish wolfhounds with The Wolfhound Experience in Dublin or Irish Wolfhound Walks out west.

9. The home of Halloween

Did you know? The island of Ireland is the home of Halloween! It all began here over 2,000 years ago with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter. Traditions that began then – like lighting bonfires and wearing disguises to ward off evil spirits – spread around the world and became our modern-day spooky season. 

But nowhere celebrates Halloween with the same mischief and merriment as Ireland. From Derry Halloween (Europe’s biggest Halloween festival, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026) to Púca Festival in the Boyne Valley, locals revel in chills and thrills each October. 

Check out Ireland’s Halloween hotspots for details about Halloween parades, seasonal supper clubs and more. Everyone should experience Halloween’s origins at least once. Come along, if you dare...

10. Magical dark skies

As an island on the edge of Europe, with the vast Atlantic Ocean stretching beyond, Ireland has some of the darkest night skies around. Gazing up at the dazzling Milky Way is an awe-inspiring moment you’ll never forget. 

Try Mayo Dark Sky Park for boardwalk trails under brilliantly starry skies. Or Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve to see constellations, planets and other celestial bodies. 

Don’t miss OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, where astrology meets archaeology, as stars twinkle above the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles. There’s even a good chance you’ll spot the Northern Lights here, too. For a dose of peace mixed with wonder, dark sky retreats are hard to beat.