Ireland Charms Visitors
Charm!
When many Americans think if Ireland, we almost can’t help but think of the marketing campaign for Lucky Charms cereal. While this is a very kitschy representation of the Irish, there is one ironic thing about those ads… Ireland does CHARM!
Ireland is one of those low-key destinations that you’d like to see, but you expect to just meet nice people and see lots of rolling green hills. You will absolutely experience those things, but you will also be pleasantly surprised by how charming the entire country, and it’s people are.
Ireland and Northern Ireland are similar but different
Some people don’t realize that Ireland and Northern Ireland are actually different countries. Ireland takes up 5/6 of the island’s geography. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. Both countries have a rich and rough political history and each offers unique culture, geography, and topography as well as arts, dining, and historical sites.
There are so many ways to explore Ireland
Ireland is super easy to explore since they speak English. All roads are well-marked and GPS works great to help get you wherever you want to go.
Among the ways to see Ireland are:
By car - This method is not ideal for older drivers unaccustomed to driving on narrow and winding country roads, but it’s a really fun way to travel if you are ok with that
By bus tour - Bus tours through Ireland and Northern Ireland are easy and come in wide varieties of durations, inclusions, and tour sizes. Bus tours allow you to leave the driving to someone else while you explore with the group or on your own.
By chauffeur - Ireland by private driver, with arranged tours is amazing! Add in a few castle stays and bespoke tours like falconry, distilleries and wool weaving and you’ve got a magical Ireland experience
By public transport - While a little dictated by train and bus schedules, there is decent public transportation available in Ireland and the entire Island is not that large. The topography can add some time to the drive, but it’s very doable to travel from city to city and just do tours and use local drivers
Tips for an enjoyable trip to Ireland
Consider Car Travel
The best sites in the Emerald Isle are seen via public transportation or tour buses, but renting a car is not a bad idea to get to those obscure sites.
Be sure the vehicle you rent is a small one, as rural roads in Ireland are narrow.
Oh, and the Irish drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right.
Tax-Free Shopping!
All those goodies you'll find to buy on Grafton Street are tax-free!
That's right, travelers who live outside the European Union can shop tax-free in Ireland.
Make sure to apply for a Fexco Horizon Card prior to your trip so you can register and swipe it in affiliated stores in the country and claim sales tax back on the purchases.
Differing Currencies
And while we're on the topic of shopping, it's important to note that, as part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland uses pound sterling rather than the euro.
Dress Appropriately
Irish weather is not extreme, but the country does get a lot of rain, particularly along its west coast.
And if you're traveling to Ireland during winter, know that the season's days are short.
The sun rises at about 8 a.m. and sets at about 4 p.m., which means you have to cram a lot of sightseeing into a few hours.
But during summer, the sunsets are as late as 10 p.m.
Be mindful of these seasonal changes, pack light layers of clothing and a pair of rain boots or waterproof shoes, and you should be just fine.
Public Transportation Pointers
The trains in Ireland carry you in comfort, but they are pricey.
So if you intend to travel on one during your trip, make sure to book it in advance to take advantage of online discounts that the Irish Rail offers.
If you choose to travel by bus, be aware that you must flag the bus to get it to stop.
Heritage Cards Are Helpful
If you plan to visit the country's many cultural attractions, picking up a Heritage Card from the Office of Public Works is a great idea.
This card entitles you to free admission to all heritage sites managed by the state for an entire year.
These sites include castles and national parks.
Mix it Up!
Ireland and Northern Ireland are mixes of old and new, tradition and innovation, and relaxation and hard work. It’s best to plan to experience more than just one area. Dublin and Belfast are great cities, but you also don’t want to miss out on castle stays like Lough Eske in Donegal or Dromoland Castle in County Clare. You want to experience the Temple Bar nightlife along with a fun night at a pub in Cork or Galway. The amazing vistas at Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland are as amazing, but different than the breathtaking views along the Ring of Kerry.
Along with the cities, towns, and scenic views all around Ireland and Northern Ireland, there are just as many things to do and see in each location
Some great options to experience include:
Golf at several amazing courses
Explore your cultural heritage at several heritage museums
Explore fun cemeteries. Yes! I said fun.
Learn about glass-making and whiskey distilling
Dive fork first into the amazing culinary scene in the cities and in several smaller villages boasting Michelin Star chefs
Enjoy innovative music performances in not only Liverpool (home of the Beatles) but also Dublin, Cork and Galway
Stay a While and Relax
While Ireland and Northern Ireland offer tons of things to do and see, like many other destinations it’s wise to build in some downtime to just relax and enjoy. Get to know the welcoming locals who are some of the most USA-friendly people you will ever meet, eat yummy comfort food, and spend some time singing with locals in the pubs. Ireland is for exploring and savoring.
Visiting Ireland is easily customizable to fit your travel style and taste. You will be utterly charmed by her beauty, her relaxed and welcoming people, and the rich culture and history of this rugged land. If Ireland is on your bucket list, the time to go is now!
Ready to plan your Irish adventure?
Contact me now and let’s chat about travel destinations on your “must-see” list.
Jennifer@JenniferHandTravelPro.com
205-541-4980
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