11 Excellent Tips for Your Trip to Ireland

You’ve been dreaming of a trip to Ireland.

Or maybe a return trip to Ireland like me.

And while maybe it isn’t going to happen in 2021, it’s looking very promising for 2022.

So now you’re thinking, “I should start making a plan for my Irish adventure.”

But you don’t know where to start.

Well, first of all, I do want to put this out there — if it is all too much, I’m always happy to offer up my travel planning services.

However if you want to go it alone, or at least get some guidance in simply getting started, then read on.

Because I have some awesome tips for your trip to Ireland.

#1 Do NOT try to see all of Ireland in 2 weeks

A few years ago a woman emailed me her itinerary for Ireland

She was looking for feedback.

In 13 days she planned to go from Dublin south then southwest up the west coast and onto Northern Ireland (Giant’s Causeway) then onto Belfast where she would fly on to wherever she was off to next.

Basically she was trying to just about circumnavigate Ireland in 13 days. 

I advised her that it was too much ground to cover in the time she had.

I’m not sure what she ended up doing as I never heard from her again.

However, I can tell you that just reading her itinerary left me feeling exhausted.

If you were to do a similar trip to Ireland you would be in the car — all the time.

First of all the roads are narrow, winding and meandering.

Google maps may tell you it takes 2 hours to get from one place to the next, but I always add at least 50% onto that.

With stops, and driving much slower than the outlandish speed limits that the Irish have on some of their roads, it will take more time. 

Trust me.

I’ve driven in this county enough to know it will take you longer.

The other thing is that you really won’t experience much if you try to see all of Ireland.

Will you see things?

Sure.

Unless your eyes are closed.

But travel is much more than seeing things.

It’s about experiences.

And it’s difficult to have those experiences when you are racing from point A to point B.

So do NOT try to see all of Ireland in 2 weeks.

This leads me to tip #2…

#3 Avoid one night stands

I would say this for any trip you make to Europe, but it is especially so for Ireland.

On my first trip to Ireland I did quite a few one night stands.

You know, one night here, then onto the next stop for one night.

It was pretty exhausting.

And I vowed not to do it again.

Now, I’m not saying that you should never do just 1 night in a destination.

Sometimes you might need a stop off between point A and Point B.

But here’s what happened to me when I did all those one nighters on that first trip to Ireland.

I got to the town, checked into my B&B around 3 or 4pm.

Settled in a bit.

Maybe I would walk around town if it was still light.

Or I’d clean up and get ready to go out to get something to eat and have a wee bit of pub time.

Then it was off to bed.

I’d get up the next morning, pack up, have breakfast and be on my merry way.

It wasn’t enough time to connect with the person who owned the B&B.

Or maybe get to know someone at a local shop or pub.

One night stands are exhausting and unfulfilling.

Take that as you want.

#4 Do rent a car

Yes it’s possible to go without a car in Ireland.

There is a train system, albeit not a very extensive one.

And there are busses.

But to really get into the nooks and crannies for your trip to Ireland, you’ll want to hire a car.

So here are a couple of tips on this whole car rental in Ireland thing.

First of all, please rent the smallest car possible. 

You’ll get better fuel economy (and fuel is pricey in all of Europe), be kinder to the environment and be able to maneuver on the road and into parking spaces much easier.

Again, trust me on this.

Secondly, yes it can be a little daunting at first to drive on the “other” side of the road, but you’ll get used to it. 

Thirdly, Ireland is a bit expensive when it comes to car rental.

So be prepared.

You will need insurance which I always recommend. 

Get full coverage, 0 deductible so you are on the hook for nothing. 

Be sure windshields are covered and maybe even tires. 

Save up for this additional expense and know it will be worth it to have anything and everything covered.

It’s peace of mind that is so worth it.

Questions?

You know where to find me!

#5 Don’t spend too much time in Dublin

I do love Dublin.

But I think the Irish countryside is really where Ireland comes alive — where you find the heart, the spirit of Ireland.

I’m not telling you to NOT spend any time in Dublin.

Just keep it to a day or so, especially if you have limited time.

Most folks I’ve worked with on their trips to Ireland agree with this.

Use it as your landing destination to get your body clock adjusted, see a few key sites that interest you and then get out of there.

#7 Pack your rain gear and be ready to do any and all activities in the rain

It will rain on your trip to Ireland.

It’s rare to have a string of 10 days where you don’t get some rain.

So be sure to have a good raincoat, an umbrella and waterproof shoes/boots for your time in Ireland.

This will make it easier for you to get out and see the sites or take a walk.

You won’t worry so much about getting wet.

Although, truth be told, you probably will still get wet — at least a little.

But if you have the proper gear you won’t worry so much about it.

Of course, if it is lashing rain, well, then you may want to tuck into a cafe for some warming tea or hit the pub for a pint or a wee dram next to the peat fire.

Either way, don’t let the rain keep you from enjoying your trip.

Besides, Ireland is somehow more beautiful in the rain.

The other thing about the weather in Ireland is that it can change very quickly.

One minute it might be lashing rain, then the sun will come out.

Then an hour later it may rain again.

Be prepared. 

And don’t pay too much attention to the weather forecast.

Just get out and enjoy being in Ireland!

#10 Don’t overpack

Again this tip is not just for travel to Ireland.

I have worked so hard to NOT be an over packer.

I’m getting there — I’m a work in progress!

But as you read tip #4 about renting a car — and renting the smallest car possible, this means packing lightly.

The other aspect to Ireland travel I want to point out is that B&B’s don’t have elevators/lifts.

I’ve had to drag bags up a flight or 2 of stairs.

This will teach you to not overpack!

Seriously, you can wash clothes as you go (if need be) and generally you only need about half of what you want to take.

And if you really need something then you get to do a little Irish shopping!

#11 Make your trip your own

The last tip on this list is to make your trip to Ireland yours.

Chances are — if you haven’t been to Ireland — you know someone who has.

And even if you’ve been to Ireland before, you probably know someone who has also been to Ireland.

Everyone will offer up advice on what to do, where to go, what to see.

Just remember: it’s YOUR trip.

Don’t do something just because someone recommended it to you so you think you should do it.

Ask yourself if it’s aligned with your interests.

A well-meaning friend may recommend you go Powerscourt which is a beautiful stately historic home with gorgeous gardens.

You really aren’t into this sort of thing but think, “Well, if Anne recommends this it must be worth seeing.”

Well, it might be a great site for Anne who loves stately homes and is an avid gardener, but you have no interest and maybe would rather hike in the nearby Wicklow Mountains because you enjoy being in nature.

You do you.

Take people’s advice with a grain of salt.

Choose the destinations, sites and experiences that suit your interests and personality.

Make your Irish adventure YOURS!

Are you ready for a trip to Ireland?

I know I am.

This whole pandemic-not-being-able-to-travel thing is getting old.

And one country I always dream of visiting is Ireland.

It’s truly one of my favorite places for so many reasons.

The gorgeous landscape.

The history.

Stunning coastline with sandy beaches.

Good food.

Tasty beer and whiskey.

Irish music.

The Irish accent!

Warm, friendly people.

*Sigh*

If you’re ready to plan your Irish adventure and need help, please do reach out to me as I’d love to assist you in making your Irish dreams come true.

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend international travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some countries are beginning to open, it is complicated.

If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.

I am continuing to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about places. And hopefully make that bucket list! This way when we can all fully travel again, you’ll be ready to go. For now, stay close to home and stay safe!

 

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