Do I need to rent a car?

Only if you want to see anything outside Dublin efficiently. Public transport exists but is limited in rural areas where the best scenery lives. Bus tours are an alternative but less flexible.

How much should I budget for pubs?

€5-6 per pint, €8-10 for whiskey. A night out with dinner and drinks runs €40-60. Many pubs serve excellent food, so factor this into meal planning.

Is Northern Ireland part of this trip?

Up to you. It's politically part of the UK but geographically makes sense to include. No border controls, same currency accepted most places, adds Giant's Causeway and Belfast to your options.

What if it rains every day?

It probably will rain at least briefly most days. Irish people don't cancel plans for drizzle. Pack accordingly and embrace it—the green landscape exists because of all that water.

How to Plan a Trip to Ireland

Ireland works best as a 7-10 day trip focusing on 2-3 regions rather than trying to see everything. Rent a car for flexibility outside Dublin, book accommodations early (especially May-September), and budget $100-150 per day including lodging.

Choose your regions. Pick 2-3 areas maximum. Dublin + West Coast (Cliffs of Moher, Dingle) works for 7 days. Add Northern Ireland (Giant's Causeway, Belfast) for 10 days. The Ring of Kerry and Cork region make good third options.
Decide on transport. Rent a car for anything outside Dublin. Irish roads are narrow but well-marked. Book early for automatic transmission. Alternative: join bus tours for major sights if you don't want to drive.
Book accommodations early. B&Bs fill up months ahead in summer. Book Dublin hotels 2-3 months early. Small town B&Bs often require phone calls rather than online booking. Budget €80-120 per night for decent B&Bs.
Plan around weather. Pack for rain regardless of season. May-September offers longest days and warmest weather but highest prices. March-April and October have fewer crowds but unpredictable weather.
Build in pub time. Irish social life centers on pubs. Plan dinner around pub culture—most serve food until 9pm. Live music happens spontaneously, usually starting around 9-10pm.

Do I need to rent a car?: Only if you want to see anything outside Dublin efficiently. Public transport exists but is limited in rural areas where the best scenery lives. Bus tours are an alternative but less flexible.
How much should I budget for pubs?: €5-6 per pint, €8-10 for whiskey. A night out with dinner and drinks runs €40-60. Many pubs serve excellent food, so factor this into meal planning.
Is Northern Ireland part of this trip?: Up to you. It's politically part of the UK but geographically makes sense to include. No border controls, same currency accepted most places, adds Giant's Causeway and Belfast to your options.
What if it rains every day?: It probably will rain at least briefly most days. Irish people don't cancel plans for drizzle. Pack accordingly and embrace it—the green landscape exists because of all that water.