What are the must-see attractions in Ireland during May?

May brings Ireland's landscapes to life with key destinations at their best. The Cliffs of Moher showcase carpets of coastal wildflowers while the Ring of Kerry offers clear spring views across its winding roads. Killarney National Park's gardens display peak colors and both the Dingle Peninsula and Connemara National Park show off their greenest hues. Places to stay near these spots include local favorites like Murphy's in Killarney or Brosnans in Dingle.

How crowded are popular tourist sites in Ireland during May?

May sits between winter's quiet and summer's rush making it an ideal time to explore. Visitor numbers at major sites like Blarney Castle and the Cliffs of Moher are moderate but manageable. TourRadar travelers report that early morning visits provide the most peaceful experience especially at attractions like Kylemore Abbey and Bunratty Castle.

What accommodation options are available in Ireland during May?

Lodging choices span from grand estates like Cabra Castle to city spots such as The Ashling in Dublin alongside family-run countryside B&Bs. Properties including Brosnans in Dingle and Murphy's in Killarney often have better spring rates. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The mix of hotels and local B&Bs gave us a perfect taste of Irish hospitality."

Are there any special festivals or events in Ireland during May?

The month brings distinct cultural celebrations across the country. Visitors can experience the Fleadh Nua traditional music festival in Ennis the Kilkenny Roots Festival and local May Day celebrations in various towns. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The Celtic Steps show in Killarney during May was absolutely spectacular with traditional music and dance performances."

What are the best outdoor activities to do in Ireland during May?

The mild weather creates perfect conditions for outdoor exploration. Popular activities include walks along the Cliffs of Moher bike rides through Killarney National Park water adventures in Dingle Bay and drives around the Ring of Kerry. Hotels like Fitzgerald's Woodlands House in Adare provide easy access to walking paths. One TourRadar traveler shared: "May was perfect for activities - we could kayak in Dingle Bay cycle through Killarney National Park and hike the Cliffs of Moher all in comfortable temperatures."

Are the famous Irish gardens worth visiting in May?

May represents the height of garden season in Ireland. Powerscourt Gardens in Wicklow and Muckross House Gardens in Killarney National Park showcase their best displays with rhododendrons and azaleas in full bloom. A TourRadar visitor observed: "The gardens at Powerscourt were absolutely stunning in May with every kind of flower imaginable in bloom."

Ireland Tours in May 2027

10 best Ireland trips in May 2027

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Ancient Wonders
6 Days in Dublin: Castles, Waterfalls & Cinematic Journeys
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Dublin, Blarney, Cahir, Wicklow, Glendalough,Powerscourt Mountain+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
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US$1,031per person
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1 May, 2027
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2 May, 2027
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City & Culture
Ireland in 5 Days: Dublin, Cliffs of Moher & Castle Trails
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Blarney, Cahir, Cashel
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandMunster+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
East Gate Tours LTD
25% Off
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US$1,466per person
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1 May, 2027
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2 May, 2027
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City & Culture
6-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour
4.9 (11 reviews)
"It was a nice mix of busy and mellow, and we were able to be as active or lazy as we wished."
Judy, traveled in September
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Dublin, Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Cahir, Blarney,Killarney,Killarney National Park,Dingle,Killimer,Spanish Point,Burren,Connemara National Park,Galway+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
Overland - Small Group Tours
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US$2,154per person
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5 May, 2027
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19 May, 2027
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City & Culture
5 Day South Coast Experience Tour - Small Group Tour
5.0 (13 reviews)
"Great tour with Irish Experience tours."
JOHN, traveled in October
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cashel, Cahir, Kinsale, Blarney, Ring of Kerry,Kenmare,Killarney,Killarney National Park,Dingle,Slea Head,Ventry,Cliffs of Moher,Burren,Galway+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Irish Experience Tours
25% Off
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US$1,621per person
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4 May, 2027
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11 May, 2027
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$Ireland\'s Ultimate Whiskey & Beer Journey Tour$
$Ireland\'s Ultimate Whiskey & Beer Journey - 5 destinations$
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City & Culture
Ireland's Ultimate Whiskey & Beer Journey
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Tullamore, Howth
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandLeinster+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
25% Off
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US$389per person
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1 May, 2027
5 spaces left
2 May, 2027
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City & Culture
Best of Ireland
4.8 (22 reviews)
"Having a planned literary was amazing as we did and saw things we wouldn't if we were to have planned on our own."
MARG, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Dublin, Blarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Burren,Limerick,Galway,Connemara National Park+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic Way+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wingbuddy
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US$2,449per person
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4 May, 2027
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18 May, 2027
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City & Culture
Emerald Isle
5.0 (428 reviews)
"The tour was fantastic. Tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable."
Georgiana, traveled in September
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kildare, Strokestown, Castlebar, Galway,Inishmore Island,Burren,Cliffs of Moher,Limerick,Foynes,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Killarney National Park,Blarney,Waterford,Kilkenny+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic Way+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
7% Off
From $3,499
US$3,249per person
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7 May, 2027
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14 May, 2027
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Ancient Wonders
Ireland’s Ancient East
5.0 (2 reviews)
"Beautiful landscapes, fascinating historical sites, and a well-planned itinerary made the trip both relaxing and enriching."
Peter, traveled in November
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Dublin, Drogheda, Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Wexford,Lismore,Cashel,Kilkenny+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
BTOURS
20% Off
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US$786per person
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1 May, 2027
4 spaces left
2 May, 2027
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City & Culture
3-Day Dingle, Killarney & the Wild Atlantic Way Small-Group Tour from Dublin
4.8 (13 reviews)
"I loved the tour. Overall a fantastic trip."
Rachel, traveled in August
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Dublin, Glendalough, Adare, Dingle, Ring of Kerry,Slea Head,Killarney,Killarney National Park,Cashel+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie’s Small Group Tours
20% Off
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US$802per person
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3 May, 2027
6 spaces left
10 May, 2027
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City & Culture
7 Day Dublin And Galway By Train
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Galway
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
27% Off
From $2,335
US$1,704per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
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Our most booked and loved tours
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Ancient Wonders
10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour
4.8 (181 reviews)
"The Wild Atlantic Way was excellent in every way."
Kathleen, traveled in June
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Dublin, Westport, Clifden, Connemara National Park, Galway,Inishmore Island,Doolin,Lahinch,Cliffs of Moher,Dingle,Slea Head,Ring of Kerry,Valentia Island,Killarney,Cork,Blarney,Cashel,Kilkenny+13 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic Way+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Irish Experience Tours
27% Off
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US$3,092per person
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2 May, 2027
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9 May, 2027
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City & Culture
7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
4.9 (77 reviews)
"able to see so many unique places that we could not have gotten to on a large Coach bus."
Josi, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cashel, Midleton, Cobh, Blarney, Kenmare, Waterville,Skellig Michael,Ring of Kerry,Killarney,Tralee,Cliffs of Moher,Doolin,Aran Islands,Galway+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Overland - Small Group Tours
27% Off
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US$2,562per person
+$158 local payments
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2 May, 2027
6 spaces left
9 May, 2027
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City & Culture
7 Day Atlantic Way Experience - Small Group Tour
4.9 (125 reviews)
"We were so lucky to have him as our tour guide. His experience in Irish history was outstanding."
Herbert, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cashel, Cahir, Kinsale, Killarney, Blarney, Kenmare,Ring of Kerry,Dingle,Slea Head,Galway,Cliffs of Moher,Lahinch,Connemara National Park,Leenane,Oughterard,Maam Cross,Clonmacnoise+11 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayIreland CastleEurope Castle +3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Irish Experience Tours
27% Off
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US$2,310per person
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4 May, 2027
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11 May, 2027
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Food & Wine
5-Day Spectacular South and West Small Group Tour of Ireland
4.8 (133 reviews)
"The sights, accommodations, recommendations for restaurants and music were all excellent."
Karl, traveled in May
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cahir, Cork, Kinsale, Kenmare,Killarney National Park,Dingle,Slea Head,Tarbert,Killimer,Cliffs of Moher,Spanish Point,Burren,Kinvarra,Galway+10 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Overland - Small Group Tours
27% Off
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US$1,897per person
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3 May, 2027
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10 May, 2027
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Ancient Wonders
5-Day Escape to the South West Small-Group Tour from Dublin
4.8 (206 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our trip along the West and South Coasts of Ireland."
Patrick, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kilbeggan, Clonmacnoise, Galway, Burren, Kilfenora,Cliffs of Moher,Lahinch,Killarney,Dingle,Slea Head,Glenbeigh,Cahersiveen,Portmagee,Valentia Island,Waterville,Derrynane,Blarney,Kinsale,Cashel+14 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie’s Small Group Tours
27% Off
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US$1,370per person
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2 May, 2027
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3 May, 2027
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