Ireland is a great place to be a tourist, as it has a good variety of cities, countryside and natural scenery. Ireland has a lot more to offer than just the black stuff – visit a land of lush green countryside, medieval castles and local legends.
It is also well established in terms of accommodation and transport, making it easy to navigate. Nearly half of Ireland’s population is under the age of 25, so you will find plenty of opportunities to find like-minded individuals if you planning a backpacking trip staying in hostels.
Find out the essentials of a trip to the Emerald Isle with my Ireland travel tips.
Ireland Travel Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Find cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Get the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
When to Go
May and June tend to be the sunniest months, while July and August are typically the warmest. That said, it rains in Ireland – a lot. Drizzle to downpours are common in any season so be prepared. While airfare and hotel rates are lowest in winter, the weather can be miserable and many B+B’s, restaurants and pubs in smaller towns are closed.
Getting Around
This small island, is best navigated either on a tour or with a car if you don’t mind driving on the left-hand side of the road. This is one of the best ways to get you off the beaten track in search of an authentic Irish experience.
Though compact, Ireland isn’t navigated as quickly as you’d think, with windy country roads adding hours onto estimated drive times. If you are based in Dublin and taking overnight or daytrips, the train is a good option as well.
One thing to bear in mind if you rent a car at one airport and return it at another you may be subject to an additional charge.
There are airports situated in the more remote corners, and most flights from Dublin are no more than an hour, but the countryside and all Ireland has to offer is best experienced on land. So get yourself a good map, keep a sense of humour and enjoy the view along the way.
Ireland Tours
To discover the highlights of Ireland consider booking a small group tour. You’ll get taken to the best locations, travel with others, and have a lot of fun. Recommended travel companies include G Adventures and Contiki.
Top Things to Do in Ireland
Ireland is a country full of charm and spirit. The locals are known the world over for their ability to have a great party and welcome visitors right into the middle of their communities.
The geographic features of the island live up to the reputation of the locals, offering you not only stunning views, but plenty of opportunities to explore the real heart of Ireland. Here are some of my top recommendations.
Most tourists will land in Dublin and not leave. There is really very little reason to leave such a wonderful city. The city is not only the capital of Ireland, it is also it’s largest city.
Dublin offers a great introduction to Ireland as it is a lively and vibrant city with plenty going on. There are plenty of flights serving it as a destination, making it easy to get to and much cheaper than flying across the world.
Many of the ideas that most people are familiar with about Ireland can be found in Dublin, so start off by being a proper tourist by drinking Guinness, visiting museums and getting into the spirit of the country.
If you are travelling with kids you could visit the Dublin Zoo or the National Aquatic Centre. For a peaceful trip, you would want to check out the famous National Botanic Gardens.
Cork
The city or Cork is conveniently located in County Cork on the southern tip of Ireland.
An instant draw for all of Ireland’s surfers, with the waters from the Celtic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean mixing together to create a regular and surfable wave.
The city also houses a vast amount of heritage with not only St. Finn Barre’s Cathedral but the whole of the old town, waiting for you to explore.
Experience the Real Ireland
If you are looking for a little less of a city break and would like to experience the countryside version of Ireland then there are some great options for you to explore including exploring places like County Clare.
Finding the small villages where traditional music is played in tiny pubs and other undiscovered gems is what it is all about.
There are parts of Ireland where the sea is dotted with little islands that remain mainly untouched by the modern world. On many of these the Gaelic language is still spoken. Do not be afraid to include these in your itinerary as they will provide the experiences you will remember forever.
Explore the Countryside
Ireland is well known for having some extremely beautiful countryside, which you should make the most of on your gap year. Depending on what kind of activities you are interested in there will be something to suit you.
On the north western corner of Ireland, you will find the county of Mayo. Famous for the Ballycroy national park and for the stunning coast line. Keem Bay and Keel Beach are two of the most beautiful locations to be found in the whole of Ireland. But Mayo also boasts the Ceide Fields. Reported as the most extensive stone age monument to be found anywhere in the world, it is a must for any real tourist to visit.
If you travel slightly off the beaten track, you can unearth the magical Connemara. The surrounding environment has necessitated a great variety in local food and it is this aspect that draws the tourists over. When you visit you will have to either sample the traditionally smoked wild Atlantic salmon or find the locally raised and graze Connemara lamb.
If you are an adrenalin junkie then there are plenty of providers offering all sorts of extreme sports, from white water rafting to paragliding and windsurfing. For those who prefer to take in their surroundings at a more leisurely place there are lots of walking trails and mountains as well as the possibility of exploring on horseback.
Enjoy St Patricks Day
Plan a trip to Ireland for the end of March and celebrate St Patricks Day. Ireland is one of the best places to celebrate St Patricks Day, with festivities taking place throughout the country. This rally is one of the best world festivals/events with usually lots of parades, music, food and drink!
Do Something Unforgettable
There are so many things to do in Ireland that will make your gap year memorable. Pick the ones that suit you and don’t forget to pack your camera. One possibility is to go whale and dolphin watching, as 24 different species have been sighted off the Irish coast.
Since the 1990s the waters surrounding the isle have been a designated sanctuary, making ideal conditions for spotting these majestic creatures. West Cork is a particularly rich area, where fin, minke and humpback whales can all be seen, as well as harbour porpoises and common dolphins.
A trip to Ireland can also be a good chance to learn some new skills and an extended stay in Ireland lends itself perfectly for this. Why not take a cookery class in Cork, learn Irish dancing at one of the many schools across the country or find out about traditional farming methods and dry stone walling in Wexford?
Ireland Travel Tips
The relatively diminutive size of Ireland means that you should have no problem travelling around it, especially as locals speak English. Here is some more advice to help you plan your Irish adventure.
Food and Drink
Ireland is naturally famous for it’s chief export, Guinness.
Many hours have been lost exploring the Guinness factory in Dublin. A tour of the original brewery will not only enlighten you in the ways of making Guinness, but will lubricate your vocal cords with a free sample, before lightening your wallet with a trip through the Guinness shop.
If you are not excited by the tour of the brewery, then you might just want to sample the stout in any of the hundreds of local pub and breweries in the city centre.