Travel, dance, drink and have fun all-Ireland
It doesn’t take luck or magic to have a great time in Ireland. Whether it’s the abundance of delicious beers, the beauty of the countryside, or something else entirely, the Irish are mainly known for their craic (pronounced crack), which means fun, good conversation and good company. So it’s no surprise that many of the best experiences you can have in Ireland revolve around being with other people. Like giving the Irish “Wanderer” lifestyle a chance for a day or two, take frequent breaks to drive your caravan slowly from village to village to chat with people along the way. Or joining a pub with one group of others, listening to the storytellers tell stories of the old and recent past as you sample the best ales, ales and whiskeys Ireland has to offer.
If staying in a villa in Italy is iconic and renting a London flat in the UK is a stylish choice, then staying in a castle in Ireland is the thing to do. Let your imagination run wild as you climb under the stone balustrades of 800-year-old Barberstown Castle in County Kildare or 700-year-old Ashford Castle in County Mayo. For a more modern take on the castle experience, check out Fitzpatrick Castle, an 18th-century manor house located just 20 minutes from central Dublin.
Barberstown Castle
Newgrange
A bead of light pierces the darkness and floats towards the ancient burial mound; the dome begins to glow. It’s fascinating and only happens five days a year. This happens naturally only five days a year; For the rest of the year, the solstice sun is replaced by modern lighting. The domed mound is Newgrange, a 5,000-year-old gateway tomb older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids, and is best known for illuminating the gateway and inner chamber during the winter solstice. You can visit Newgrange any time of the year and get a taste of a modern winter activity. But to get the real deal, you have to be one of the 100 lucky people randomly selected each year.
Connemara
The rugged Connemara region of western Ireland is a paradise for outdoor lovers. With its steep mountain peaks, wide meadows, pristine lakes and sandy beaches, you can do just about any outdoor activity you want. Do you want to take a walk? There are lots of trails to choose from. Do you want to learn archery? You can do it too. Fishing, horseback riding and pony riding, biking, rock climbing? Connemara took them all.
From Dublin to Belfast or directly to Giant’s Causeway
If you have an extra day or two, a stroll along the Northern Ireland border is well worth the trip. Visit Belfast or skip the city to learn about the country’s turbulent past and head straight to Donegal’s beautiful sea cliffs and beaches or to the UNESCO World Heritage Giant’s Causeway. You can drive yourself north or take a bus, ferry, or train, but most day visitors prefer to take a guided bus tour.
Rivers
Famous for its mix of vibrant greenery, rocky terrains, quaint villages and historic cities, Ireland also has some beautiful rivers. Like many other European countries, Ireland’s main cities are often connected by a series of rivers and canals. For example, Dublin is connected to Shannon via the Grand Canal and River Shannon and to Waterford via the Grand Canal Barrowline and River Barrow. For a unique mode of transportation, consider hiring a barge and navigating a small section of the waterways. Or spend a day on the water while your rented barge glides gently down the river.
Irish pub culture
Maybe it’s the number of bars per square mile. Maybe it’s a wide variety of delicious beer brewed from the cask every night. Maybe it’s the lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter you find in every establishment. But whatever the reason, no one does bar crawls like the Irish. The great thing about Dublin pub crawls is that they’re not just about drinking. You will also listen to a variety of Irish music or listen to some of Ireland’s best writers.
BEST TIME TO GO TO IRELAND
Summer is the most popular season to travel to Ireland, but prices are the highest and busiest during this season. Although Ireland has mild winters, many Irish attractions and hotels basically close for the winter season. In the fall and spring, which are shoulder seasons in Ireland, you can find reasonable prices and mostly good weather (with some rain, naturally). Daily drizzle is a routine occurrence in Ireland, so always bring the appropriate equipment (rain boots, a waterproof jacket and an umbrella) with you.
Ireland on a Budget
The island’s stunning countryside is the perfect place for a variety of low-cost outdoor activities, from bike tours to emerald green fields filled with castles to hikes along stunning sea cliffs. There is a surplus of affordable accommodation in the country (expect hotel prices to be the most expensive in Dublin). You can book low-cost, family-run Irish home stays available nationwide through the Irish Tourist Board
