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

88 Ireland tours

View Map
City & Culture
Introduction to Ireland
5.0 (525 traveler reviews)
"Their wit and wisdom was truly invaluable."
Susan, traveled in April
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Kildare, Cashel, Limerick, Ennis, Cliffs of Moher,Burren,Galway,Killimer,Ring of Kerry,Killarney,Blarney,Waterford,Kilkenny+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandMunster+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
20% Off
From $2,759
US$2,207per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
2 May, 2027
7 spaces left
6 May, 2027
7 spaces left
View tour

View Map
City & Culture
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
27% Off
From $1,384
US$1,010per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Ireland’s Ancient East
5.0 (2 traveler 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
From $966
US$773per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
1 May, 2027
4 spaces left
2 May, 2027
4 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
8-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour
4.8 (65 traveler reviews)
"We had people from Canada, Australia, the US, and more. Everyone had a great time from touring the villages to listening to traditional music."
Sandra, traveled in May
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Dublin, Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Cahir, Blarney,Killarney,Killarney National Park,Dingle,Killimer,Spanish Point,Burren,Connemara National Park,Galway,Cong,Clonmacnoise,Kilbeggan+11 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Southern Ireland
Operated in
English
Operator
Overland - Small Group Tours
15% Off
From $2,797
US$2,377per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
5 May, 2027
6 spaces left
12 May, 2027
6 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
6-Day Magical Southern Explorer Small Group Tour
4.9 (10 traveler reviews)
"The cliffs of Mohr hike was spectacular! Slea Head drive is a must!"
Kay, traveled in April
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
15% Off
From $2,110
US$1,794per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
5 May, 2027
6 spaces left
12 May, 2027
6 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
5 Day South Coast Experience Tour - Small Group Tour
5.0 (12 traveler reviews)
"The Irish Experience tour was awesome. I would definitely book an Irish Experience tour again."
Lorna, traveled in July
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
15% Off
From
US$1,586per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
4 May, 2027
5 spaces left
11 May, 2027
5 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Castles and Manors
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"All was excellent."
will, traveled in July
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Dublin, Galway, Clifden, Connemara National Park, Kinvarra,Cliffs of Moher,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Cashel,Kildare+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayIreland CastleEurope Castle +3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
15% Off
From $3,225
US$2,741per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
8 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
22 May, 2027
7 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Emerald Isle
5.0 (428 traveler reviews)
"This is our second globus vacation and it was Amazing! Little things like this knowledge made our trip priceless!"
terri, 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
20% Off
From $3,899
US$3,119per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
7 May, 2027
7 spaces left
14 May, 2027
7 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Best of Ireland
4.8 (22 traveler reviews)
"We had an awesome experience in Ireland. We were very lucky that the weather worked in our favor."
SHAWN, 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
20% Off
From
US$2,449per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
4 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
18 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
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
28% Off
From $1,916
US$1,379per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
City & Culture
10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour
4.8 (178 traveler reviews)
"I had so much fun! Traveling from one location to another every day—packing and unpacking can be exhausting, but Leigh was incredibly helpful."
MJ, traveled in October
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
28% Off
From
US$3,024per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
2 May, 2027
5 spaces left
9 May, 2027
5 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
City & Culture
7 Day Atlantic Way Experience - Small Group Tour
4.9 (124 traveler reviews)
"His personal touch on everything made the trip so memorable!! 10+++++++"
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
28% Off
From
US$2,259per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
4 May, 2027
5 spaces left
11 May, 2027
5 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Ancient Wonders
7-Day Ireland to Island Small Group Tour of Ireland
4.9 (75 traveler reviews)
"We saw THOUSANDS of puffins! The Cliffs of Moher offered breathtaking access."
Jim, 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
15% Off
From $2,511
US$2,134per person
+$154 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
2 May, 2027
6 spaces left
9 May, 2027
6 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Bicycle
5-Day Spectacular South and West small group Tour of Ireland
4.8 (132 traveler reviews)
"The stops were well planned with an authentic, non-commercial experience delivered. The accommodations were lovely, with caring, friendly inn keepers."
Jeannie, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Cork, Kinsale, Kenmare, Killarney,Killarney National Park,Ring of Kerry,Dingle,Slea Head,Cliffs of Moher,Doolin,Aran Islands,Burren,Galway+9 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic WayMunster+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Overland - Small Group Tours
15% Off
From $1,859
US$1,580per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
3 May, 2027
10 spaces left
10 May, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
City & Culture
Irish Highlights
4.7 (69 traveler reviews)
"Nice travel, good organization."
Raffaella, traveled in August
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Dublin, Galway, Bunratty, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher,Aran Islands,Killarney,Ring of Kerry,Cahersiveen,Blarney,Waterford,New Ross+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern IrelandIreland Wild Atlantic Way+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $1,875
US$1,688per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save
2 May, 2027
7 spaces left
9 May, 2027
7 spaces left
View tour