How to get there:
Option 1: Ferry from Wales or England
- Take a bus or train to Holyhead, Wales, or Liverpool, England
- Catch a ferry to Dublin or Rosslare, Ireland
- Prices start from £10-£30 (~ $13-$39 USD)
Option 2: Fly from the UK
- Use budget airlines like Ryanair or Aer Lingus
- Fly from various UK airports to Dublin or other Irish cities
- Prices start from £20-£50 (~ $26-$65 USD)
Option 3: Bus and Ferry from Scotland
- Take a bus or train to Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Catch a ferry to Cairnryan, Scotland
- Take another bus or train to Glasgow or Edinburgh
- Prices start from £20-£40 (~ $26-$52 USD)
Additional Resources:
- Ferry operators: Irish Ferries, Stena Line, P&O Ferries
- Airlines: Ryanair, Aer Lingus, EasyJet
- Bus and train operators: National Express, Trainline, ScotRail
WHEN TO GO:
1. Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October)
- Prices are lower than peak season
- Weather is mild and pleasant
- Fewer tourists, more authentic experiences
2. Off-Season (November-March)
- Lowest prices for accommodation and transportation
- Some attractions and businesses may be closed
- Experience Ireland’s cozy pubs and cultural events
3. Festival Season (June-August)
- Enjoy music festivals like Longitude and Electric Picnic
- Experience Irish culture at events like Bloomsday and Galway International Arts Festival
- Prices may be higher, but the atmosphere is electric!
4. St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th)
- Celebrate Ireland’s patron saint with parades and festivities
- Prices may be higher, but the atmosphere is unforgettable
BEST ITINERARIES:
1 Week Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Dublin
- Explore Trinity College, Temple Bar, and Guinness Storehouse
- Visit Kilmainham Gaol and Phoenix Park
- Enjoy traditional Irish music and dance at a local pub
Day 3-4: Galway
- Visit Galway City, Latin Quarter, and Spanish Arch
- Explore the Claddagh and Galway Bay
- Take a day trip to the Aran Islands or Connemara National Park
Day 5-6: Cliffs of Moher and Doolin
- Take a bus tour to Cliffs of Moher and Doolin
- Hike the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk
- Enjoy traditional Irish music and seafood in Doolin
Day 7: Return to Dublin
- Spend the day shopping for souvenirs or visiting last-minute attractions
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant
2 Week Itinerary:
Week 1: Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, and Doolin (same as 1 week itinerary)
Week 2:
Day 8-9: Killarney
- Explore Killarney National Park and Ross Castle
- Take a jaunting cart ride through the park
- Visit the Killarney Brewing Company for a tour and tasting
Day 10-11: Cork
- Visit Cork City, St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and Blarney Castle
- Take a day trip to the Ring of Kerry or Kinsale
- Enjoy traditional Irish cuisine at a local restaurant
Day 12-13: Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Take a bus tour to Belfast and explore the city
- Visit the Titanic Belfast museum and Belfast Castle
- Enjoy traditional Irish music and pub grub in the Cathedral Quarter
Day 14: Return to Dublin
- Spend the day shopping for souvenirs or visiting last-minute attractions
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant
1 Month Itinerary:
Week 1-2: Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Killarney, and Cork (same as 2 week itinerary)
Week 3:
Day 15-16: Dingle
- Explore Dingle Peninsula and beaches
- Take a boat tour to see Fungie the Dolphin
- Enjoy traditional Irish seafood at a local restaurant
Day 17-18: Kilkenny
- Visit Kilkenny Castle and explore the city
- Take a day trip to the Rock of Cashel or Glendalough
- Enjoy traditional Irish music and pub grub in the medieval quarter
Day 19-20: Wexford
- Explore Wexford Town and beaches
- Visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Irish National Heritage Park
- Enjoy traditional Irish cuisine at a local restaurant
Week 4:
Day 21-22: Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Take a bus tour to Belfast and explore the city
- Visit the Titanic Belfast museum and Belfast Castle
- Enjoy traditional Irish music and pub grub in the Cathedral Quarter
Day 23-24: Return to Dublin
- Spend the day shopping for souvenirs or visiting last-minute attractions
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant
TRANSPORTATION:
Bus
- Bus Éireann: The national bus service operates in cities and towns, with routes connecting major urban centers.
- Dublin Bus: Dublin’s public bus service, including the iconic double-decker buses.
- Private Operators: Companies like Aircoach and Citylink offer bus services between cities and to/from airports.
Train
- Irish Rail: The national railway service connects major cities, with routes including:
- Dublin-Galway: A popular route with scenic views.
- Dublin-Cork: A busy route with frequent departures.
- Dublin-Belfast: Connecting the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland.
Tram
- Luas: Dublin’s light rail system, with two lines (Red and Green) serving the city and suburbs.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is a popular way to get around Ireland, especially for those on a tight budget. While it’s not legal on motorways, it’s tolerated on national roads. Here are some tips and popular hitchhiking spots:
- Dublin:
- Phoenix Park: A popular spot to hitch out of Dublin, with plenty of traffic heading to the west and north.
- M50: A busy motorway with many exits, making it easy to find a ride.
- Cork:
- Patrick Street: A central location to catch a ride out of the city.
- N8: A busy road heading east towards Dublin and Waterford.
- Galway:
- Eyre Square: A popular spot to hitch out of Galway, with many students and travelers heading to Dublin and other cities.
- N6: A busy road heading east towards Dublin and Athlone.
- Belfast:
- Donegall Square: A central location to catch a ride out of the city.
- M1: A busy motorway heading south towards Dublin.
Other Options
- Taxis: Widely available, but more expensive than public transport.
- Ride-hailing: Services like Uber and Free Now operate in major cities.
- Cycling: Ireland’s scenic routes make cycling a popular option, with bike rentals available.
- Walking: Exploring cities and towns on foot is a great way to discover hidden gems.
FOOD:
Street Food and Markets
- Dublin’s Temple Bar Food Market: Savor international flavors and artisanal goods at this bustling market.
- Galway’s Street Food Market: Enjoy everything from traditional Irish fare to global cuisine.
- Fish and Chips: A classic Irish staple, available at affordable prices from street vendors and markets.
Budget-Friendly Eats
- Pub Grub: Hearty, comforting meals like shepherd’s pie and Irish stew at a fraction of the cost of restaurants.
- Supermarket Sandwiches: Fresh, made-to-order sandwiches at a fraction of the cost of cafes.
- Hostel Kitchens: Many hostels offer kitchen facilities, perfect for whipping up a budget-friendly meal.
Traditional Irish Fare
- Full Irish Breakfast: A filling, delicious breakfast featuring bacon, sausages, eggs, and more.
- Colcannon: Mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage, a tasty and affordable side dish.
- Soda Bread: Fresh from the oven, this Irish staple is perfect for snacking or making sandwiches.
Tips and Tricks
- Cook Your Own Meals: Many hostels offer kitchen facilities, saving you money and allowing you to prepare your own meals.
- Eat at the Bar: Pub grub is often cheaper than restaurant meals, and the atmosphere is lively and fun.
- Shop at Local Markets: Fresh produce and artisanal goods at a fraction of the cost of supermarkets.
TOP THINGS TO DO:
Natural Wonders
- Cliffs of Moher: Stand at the edge of the world and marvel at the breathtaking views.
- Ring of Kerry: Drive through some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes and scenic villages.
- Giant’s Causeway: Explore the unique geological formations and stunning coastal views.
- Achill Island: Discover the rugged beauty and scenic hiking trails.
- The Burren: Explore the unique landscape and diverse wildlife.
- Connemara National Park: Hike through the stunning scenery and spot wildlife.
- Killarney National Park: Explore the lakes, waterfalls, and mountains.
- The Aran Islands: Visit the rugged islands and explore the ancient ruins.
Historical Landmarks
- Trim Castle: Discover Ireland’s largest Norman castle and its rich history.
- Blarney Castle: Kiss the famous Blarney Stone and explore the beautiful gardens.
- Newgrange: Visit the ancient passage tomb and marvel at the mysterious stone carvings.
- Rock of Cashel: Explore the historic fortress and stunning views.
- Kilkenny Castle: Discover the medieval castle and its rich history.
- Dublin Castle: Explore the historic castle and its role in Irish history.
- Bunratty Castle: Visit the medieval castle and explore the Folk Park.
- Cahir Castle: Discover the medieval castle and its rich history.
Vibrant Cities
- Dublin: Explore the capital city’s charm, from Trinity College to the Guinness Storehouse.
- Galway: Experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene, from traditional music to delicious seafood.
- Belfast: Discover the city’s rich history, from the Titanic Belfast to the political murals.
- Cork: Explore the Rebel County’s charm, from the English Market to the Crawford Gallery.
- Limerick: Discover the Treaty City’s rich history and cultural attractions.
- Waterford: Explore the city’s Viking history and cultural attractions.
- Kilkenny: Discover the medieval city’s charm and cultural attractions.
Unique Experiences
- Guinness Storehouse: Learn about Ireland’s iconic brew and enjoy a rooftop pint.
- Irish Pub Crawl: Experience the country’s famous hospitality and traditional music.
- Surfing in Lahinch: Catch some waves in this picturesque coastal town.
- Horseback Riding in Killarney: Explore the stunning landscapes on horseback.
- Food Tour in Dublin: Sample the best of Irish cuisine.
- Traditional Irish Music Session: Experience the country’s vibrant music scene.
- Irish Dance Performance: Watch the famous Riverdance or Lord of the Dance.
- Visit a Local Market: Explore the local produce and crafts.
Off the Beaten Path
- Aran Islands: Explore the rugged landscape and ancient ruins of these remote islands.
- Dingle Peninsula: Drive through some of Ireland’s most stunning coastal scenery.
- Glendalough: Hike through the beautiful valley and explore the ancient monastery ruins.
- The Wicklow Way: Hike through the stunning mountains and scenic landscapes.
- The Great Western Greenway: Cycle through the scenic countryside.
- The Wild Atlantic Way: Drive through some of Ireland’s most stunning coastal scenery.
- The Burren Way: Hike through the unique landscape and explore the ancient ruins.
NIGHTLIFE:
Ireland’s nightlife is absolutely legendary, and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype! Whether you’re into cozy pubs or lively clubs, this country has got it all. As a traveler, I was pumped to dive headfirst into Ireland’s nightlife scene and see what all the fuss was about. So, buckle up and join me on my epic adventures!
First stop: Traditional Irish Pubs. My journey kicked off in Dublin, where I stumbled upon this adorable little pub called the Brazen Head. They claim to be Ireland’s oldest pub, and let me tell you, it felt like stepping back in time. I grabbed a pint of Guinness (because, when in Ireland, right?) and got chatting with the friendly bartender and the locals. The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming, I felt right at home.
Next up: Live Music Sessions. I made my way to the famous Temple Bar area, and boy, was it a blast! There’s this pub called the Auld Dubliner that was absolutely buzzing with energy. I found myself clapping along to a crazy good traditional Irish music session. The musicians were seriously talented, and the crowd was infectious – I couldn’t resist joining in on the fun!
But wait, there’s more! I couldn’t leave without hitting up a popular club, so off I went to the Button Factory. The DJ was spinning an epic mix of tunes, and the dance floor was packed. I let loose, lost myself in the music, and had an absolute blast dancing the night away with my newfound crew. It was pure magic.
Now, let’s talk about Cork’s vibrant scene. This city knows how to party! St. Patrick’s Street is where the action is at, with bars, clubs, and live music venues lining the street. One night, I stumbled upon the Crane Lane, and it was a night to remember. The place was rocking with live music and DJs spinning killer tracks.
Last but definitely not least, I made my way to Galway’s Latin Quarter. Picture this: narrow streets, cozy pubs, and lively clubs. The whole area was pulsing with energy, and I couldn’t resist exploring all the amazing venues and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Galway knows how to have a good time, that’s for sure!
To sum it all up, Ireland’s nightlife is something truly special. From historic pubs to pumping clubs, there’s something for everyone. My adventures in Ireland’s nightlife were absolutely unforgettable, and you better believe I’m already planning my return trip to experience it all over again. Don’t miss out on this epic party scene!
BACKPACKING Ireland COSTS:
Accommodation:
- Hostel dorms: €10-€15 per night (€5-€10 with membership cards like Hostelling International)
- Camping: €5-€10 per night (free with a wild camping permit)
- Couchsurfing: free (with a verified profile and references)
Food:
- Supermarket meals: €3-€5 per meal (€2-€3 for pasta, rice, and canned goods)
- Street food: €5-€7 per meal (€3-€5 for falafel, sandwiches, and wraps)
- Pub meals: €10-€15 per meal (€8-€12 for a pint and a main course)
Transportation:
- Bus fares: €2-€5 per journey (€1-€3 with a Leap Card)
- Train fares: €10-€20 per journey (€5-€10 with a Railcard)
- Hitchhiking: free (with a smile and a thumbs-up)
Activities:
- Free walking tours: tip-based (€5-€10 per person)
- Museums and galleries: €5-€10 per person (€3-€5 with a student card)
- National parks and monuments: free (€5-€10 for parking and guided tours)
Total daily average:
- Accommodation: €5-€10
- Food: €5-€10
- Transportation: €2-€5
- Activities: €5-€10
- Total: €17-€35 per day
Total weekly average:
- €119-€245 per week
Additional Resources:
- Hostelling International: Get discounts on hostel stays with a membership card.
- Couchsurfing: Find free accommodation with verified hosts.
- Leap Card: Save money on bus fares with a prepaid card.
- Railcard: Get discounts on train fares with a student or youth card.
- Free Walking Tours: Explore Ireland’s cities with tip-based tours.
