Ireland Travel: Vacation Guide and Resources
In the past, waves of Irish emigrants settled in the United States and other countries. More recently, many Irish are returning home. The one thing that doesn't change is the popularity of Ireland travel. People flock to Ireland for golf, sightseeing and Irish history. This Web Guide can help you plan an Ireland vacation, from making travel reservations to arranging castle stays. Ireland travel will introduce you to “craic,” a celtic term referring to good music, good drink and good people—in other words, a good time. Our Web Guide will show you how to start planning your Ireland vacation.
Expand All Guide SectionsIreland Tourism Resources
The Republic of Ireland includes 83 percent of the country and 26 counties, while Northern Ireland includes 6 counties, and is actually a part of the United Kingdom. On the Web, you can find it all, and learn which cities and attractions are must-sees on your trip to Ireland.
Dulcinea's Insight
- For ideas and stories that may help you plan your itinerary, and current events to be aware of, consider browsing recent travel and news articles about Ireland. The Travel section of The New York Times has aggregated all of its recent articles on the country into "Travel Guides."
- Be prepared for stormy weather. On average, it rains 150 days out of the year in the east and southeast counties, and up to 225 days in the west and southwest counties. May and June are the sunniest months, while September tends to have lovely weather.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of Ireland travel ...
Discover Ireland
is the official site for Tourism Ireland and is a must-see. You'll get an overview of sites and attractions, information about accommodation, tour operators, and practical tips for how to get around. You can find contact information to book your trip here, as well.
Do chara
("your friend" in Irish) aims to provide "a taste of the real Ireland." Though not affiliated with an official tourism board, the site is just as comprehensive as one, and has a friendly accessibility. It offers great tips, such as tourist traps to avoid, like the Blarney Stone, and how to beat the crowds at the Ring of Kerry.
National Geographic
's "People and Places" section on Ireland has a good mix of practical information and colorful features to give you ideas for your trip. Consult the introductory summary for basic statistics, as well as a brief history of the relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom. You can even watch quality videos of some of the major sights, or listen to some popular music. Don't forget to scroll down for National Geographic features on Irish music, shopping, and seas. Note that you'll need a subscription to access certain features.
Rough Guides
lists 33 things not to miss in Ireland, including Puck Fair, held in Kerry every summer and featuring the crowning of a goat as king of the town. Browse the rest of the site for additional information. In the section "When to go," scroll down for a chart that lists average temperature and rainfall in various parts of Ireland.
Irish Language, Culture, and Travel Requirements
Before traveling anywhere, you'll want to know a bit about the culture, customs, and health and safety issues of the place you're visiting. Below, you'll find official government portals online, as well as sites devoted to the history and culture of Ireland, and practical sites to help you with currency conversion and phoning home.
Dulcinea's Insight
- To learn how to place a call to Ireland from any country, try the easy-to-use tool provided by Country Codes. From the U.S., dial 011 + 353 (Ireland's country code), then drop the zero from the town code and dial the rest of the number.
- The Irish Independent and The Irish Times are the two main newspapers in Ireland. The Times requires a subscription to read most of the articles, however, the Independent does not. Read up for insight into current events and cultural happenings.
- "Cloudy with a few showers" is a weather forecast you will hear often in Ireland. You never know when the skies might open up, so always carry an umbrella. To be extra prepared, get the latest forecasts from Met Éireann, the Irish Meteorological Service.
Dulcinea's Picks
To brush up on the history, language, and culture of Ireland ...
The Embassy of Ireland
covers all the basics, including the Irish economy and language, culture and media, and government and foreign policy, which has a sub-section on history. Additional topics, such as pet travel and general information on living and woring in Ireland are also featured in an efficient, straight forward manner.
The Arts Council
has information on all cultural events happening in Ireland. An especially helpful feature is the link database, in which you can enter a keyword, area of work, and preferred location. The database will then provide you with the festival, event, or artist you are searching for.
RealTravel
features blog entries about travels to Ireland, which may give you insight into Irish culture. Topics covered include walking around Dublin, kissing the Blarney Stone, and finding that there's more to the Aaran Islands than just the sweaters.
The BBC
outlines The Troubles, a turbulent period in Northern Ireland that has had a significant impact on the entire country. Learn how Northern Ireland evolved, discover important events throughout history that led to The Troubles, and get guided through the area’s political parties and paramilitaries.
The Gaelic Athletic Association
is a thorough resource for Ireland's sports fans, covering hurling, Gaelic football, and other uniquely Irish athletic endeavors. Get match news and results, and learn the history and rules of each sport.
For currency ...
X-rates.com
calculates the difference between all types of currency, including the Euro and the U.S. dollar. On average for 2007, the Euro has remained at or above the equivalent of 1.30 U.S. dollars, according to x-rates.
To get familiar with regulations, health advisories, and entry requirements ...
The U.S. Department of State
maintains "Consular Information Sheets" for each country. Here, you'll find any relevant travel warnings and advisories in affect, as well as crime updates, and information about medical facilities. On the left side of the page, link back to the "International Travel Information" page for passport and visa requirements, tips for traveling abroad, and more. Any U.S. citizen traveling to Ireland needs a passport to enter the country, but does not need a visa if staying less than three months.
Getting to Ireland
Making travel arrangements, particularly booking flights, may seem inconvenient and tedious, but it's not-thanks to the Web. Below, you'll find the best sites for finding and booking flights, and with the variety of fun and easy online booking tools, you may even enjoy the process.
Dulcinea's Insight
- See the findingDulcinea Travel Guide for information and Web sites to help you book a flight online.
Dulcinea's Picks
Aer Lingus
is the national airline service for Ireland, and you'll often find the cheapest fares here. A useful feature lists the lowest airfare for the next six months, and the dates that this airfare is available. Also helpful and unique to this site is a tool that shows you how much it costs to fly each day, and then lets you pick the day you want to travel. If your dates are flexible and a flight leaving Thursday is a hundred dollars less than a flight on Saturday, you can make a quick and easy choice.
Ryan Air
provides cheap flights to or within Ireland. It's a no-frills approach (some flights cost as little as 1 Euro) to flights around Europe that has worked well. Ryan Air has grown significantly since its creation in 1985. The site also offers links to car hire (car rentals) and travel insurance, and has travel guides.
Ireland Hotels and Other Accomodations
Ireland offers hostels, hotels, B&Bs, and yes, even castles as possible accommodations. Below, you'll find sites to help you find and book your lodging online.
Dulcinea's Insight
- While you can find almost any amenity imaginable in American hotels, be aware that things are different in Ireland. For example, many of the hotels do not have ice machines. If there is a pub or restaurant in your hotel, you can ask for glasses of ice; not a perfect solution, but it's better than warm water.
- See the findingDulcinea Travel Guide for more sites and information to help you book your accommodation online.
Dulcinea's Picks
For overviews ...
Do chara
suggests accommodations that locals have recommended, and allows users to book traditional hotels, B&Bs, castles, and hostels on the site. Do chara also recommends family-friendly accommodations, romantic breaks, and special offers.
For B&Bs ...
B&B Ireland
, a Web site hosted by the Town & Country Homes Association, advertises more than 1,100 homes that have been approved by the Irish Tourist Board. Here, you can book a B&B and plan your holiday with Town and Country's partners, Tourism Ireland.
For hostels ...
An Óige
aims to promote youth appreciation of the Irish countryside with "hostelling." While the site focuses on hostels located in rural Ireland, it also provides some city-based hostels, in addition to cheap accommodation/tour package deals throughout the country.
Getting Around in Ireland
It may ease travel anxiety to have a general idea of how to get around in Ireland before you arrive. Consult the sites below to become better informed.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Ireland's public transportation includes buses, trains, and ferries. For those on a time budget, there is an airline that flies around Ireland, cutting travel time by more than half.
- If you plan to travel in any of the major cities, Dublin, Galway, or Cork, and not between any of them, it's best to travel without a car. For the most part public transportation is efficient and will save you the headache of driving on the left side of the road.
- If you've never driven on the left-hand side of the road before, and are planning to give it a try in Ireland, be advised that it could take a few days or more before you feel totally comfortable. Ireland's often narrow, winding roads could also make traveling more difficult for new drivers.
Dulcinea's Picks
For travel around the country ...
Aer Arann
is the perfect solution for those with a lot of money, but not a lot of time to travel in Ireland. Based in Ireland, the airline offers multiple daily flights within the country, which makes traveling between Dublin and Galway, Dublin and Cork, Cork and Galway, and 40 other routes in Ireland and the United Kingdom quicker and more convenient.
Discover Ireland
gives users the Web sites for all of the public buses and trains in Ireland, including Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann.
For travel within cities ...
Dublin City Council
provides Irish traffic rules and explains the new signage for Dublin, which is useful for any first-time visitor attempting to drive around the city. Other helpful features include the explanation of clamping tires, as well as the traffic reports and parking map.
Galway City Council
's Web site is mostly for residents of Galway, however, it does provide visitors with valuable information on how to get around. "Find a Street in Galway" helps visitors find their way with an interactive street map of the city, while "Parking in Galway" gives users a map guide of parking facilities in the busy city.
Cork City Council
has information on Cork's buses, trains, airports, and ferries, and links you to the corresponding Web sites clearly and easily.
Dublin, Galway and Other Irish Cities
Ireland boasts a landscape of vibrant cities and magnificent natural features, amid quaint villages and rolling countryside. Each Irish metropolis presents a unique character, often centering around a university, but tempered by the presence of life-long residents. This section outlines Ireland's coveted locales.
Dulcinea's Insight
- There is plenty to experience outside the pubs as well, such as the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) area of Connemara, west of Galway. Here, you'll find many road signs written in Gaelic. As Ireland is notorious for its confusing (or missing, in the case of rural roads) road signs, visit Do chara (described further below) for a bit of clarification.
- Ireland's cities all have well-trodden tourist attractions, but venturing off the path often yields rewards. For example, Limerick is known for King John's Castle and The Hunt Museum, but lesser-known Cratloe Woods is a great, low-cost family activity with an obstacle course for kids.
- Limerick is sometimes referred to as "knife city," and has a reputation for crime. However, the two universites are growing, lending a friendlier atmosphere and plenty of pubs to this charming city.
- Galway is said to be the fastest growing city in Western Europe, and has an exciting international scene. Plenty of cafes and the quiet harbor give the backpacker-laden city a more relaxed vibe than Dublin.
Dulcinea's Picks
For Dublin ...
Visit Dublin
looks slightly like an ad-only site, but do not be deterred; it has a wealth of information, whether you're a first-time visitor or a veteran traveler of Ireland. The site offers an iWalk tour of the city, with free podcast audio guides featuring the voice of Dublin author, historian, and artist, Pat Liddy. You can also book a trip, review attractions and learn of upcoming events.
The New York Times
presents updated advice on how to spend "36 Hours in Dublin." Discover an alternative to Guinness stout, learn where to get the tastiest brunch and which music landmark not to miss, and get the scoop on how to spend your days (bookstore browsing) and nights (dancing) in this increasingly sophisticated metropolis.
For Galway ...
Discover Ireland
paints a vivid picture of the rugged landscape, lakes, and people that make Galway such a memorable destination, and the university that lends vibrancy to the city. You'll find contact information for the Galway Tourism Office, which is conveniently located just across the street from where Bus Éireann drops off passengers traveling from Shannon airport to Galway.
Galway.net
outlines the waterways of Galway with photos and details of the navigational and drainage schemes. You'll also learn which industries thrived along each waterway from the 1860s through today.
Do Chara
has details of the Galway Cathedral, with historical information and insight into the building's architecture and interior art, as well as a map showing where the Cathedral is located.
For Cork ...
Cork City
presents a thorough travel guide, including "The Top Ten Must-Do's in Cork," a look at the local vocabulary and history, maps, photos and more. The site also offers a comprehensive explanation of Cork's buildings and tourist attractions, which any visitor should find helpful.
The Cork-Guide
Web site is not very attractive (you'll have to ignore flickering ads and navigate long lists), but offers plenty of information. Stick to the visitor attractions, accommodation, and pubs and restaurants sections for the best results on this site. Historical background is included in descriptions of parks and castles, and you can link directly to numerous B&Bs and holiday cottages.
For Limerick ...
Limerick Leader
updates you on the local news and happenings, whether you're preparing for your trip or you've already landed. Don't miss the community forum to learn what Limerick natives like best about their town.
Limerick's Life
presents history, amusing anecdotes and vintage photographs of the third largest city in Ireland. Browse the collection of maps from today and yesterday, or read the "Old Newspaper Extracts" or "Tragic Stories" for a bit of authentic Irish lore.
For Adare ...
Adare Heritage Centre
is devoted to Adare, known as the prettiest village in Ireland. The Norman Castle is only one of the town's attractions (open from July through the end of October). Though the site content is spare, you'll find links to Web sites for lodging, restaurants and activities in the area.
For Malahide ...
Visit Malahide
is an independent tourism Web site for the small town, 30 minutes north of Dublin. Find accommodations, and learn about the town's attractions, including water sports and golfing, and find eateries and pubs. Consider planning a day trip from Dublin, utilizing each category presented on this site.
Malahide Online
provides a vivid selection of photographs of the small town, including views of the water, a charming pottery shop and classic pubs.
For Connemara ...
Connemara Ireland
explains the geography of this area in the western part of the county of Galway, and details the island's regions. Click on each region name for historical background and notable attractions, as well as links to maps and to "more information," where you'll find nearby accommodation options.
Connemara.net
caters to locals with a message board of local news and events, but it also offers an interesting and comprehensive history of Connemara. There are some beautiful photos available on the site as well.
Connemara Tourism
will help you discover different regions and accommodation options, including hostels, hotels and guesthouses. You'll also find links to local arts and crafts shops, as well as bars and restaurants.
For Glendalough national park ...
Heritage Ireland
has travel information for Glendalough, including details from the visitor center of this glacially-carved, early Christian ecclesiastical settlement, founded in the 6th century. Get information on tours of the monastic remains, and contact information for the visitor center.
For islands and scenic attractions ...
AranIslands.com
features an interactive map, and accommodation and tourism information for the three Aran Islands: Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr. For the most authentic Aran Islands experience, visit Inis Meáin, the least frequented of the three and the best example of what the islands were like before tourists arrived. If you travel to Inis Mor, be sure to visit the Aran Heritage Centre, which gives guided tours explaining the islands' history. For location and hours, see the Centre's site.
The Cliffs of Moher
are among Ireland's most enchanting scenic attractions. Rich with history and folkore, the cliffs also serve as a bird sanctuary and provide a natural perch for visitors wanting to relax and take in the splendid panorama. Get driving directions and a calendar of events, and take a virtual tour of the area on this site.
Entertainment in Ireland
It's no challenge to go out and have a good time in Ireland, whether over a pint, to a backdrop of traditional music, or at a riveting sporting event. Below are a few uniquely Irish entertainment options.
Dulcinea's Insight
- One of the best ways to experience the essence of Ireland is by visiting a pub, where you can laugh with the locals and listen to traditional music. The best time to catch traditional music is on a Sunday evening, when many pubs feature live performances.
- Hurling is a fast-paced Irish sport played with wooden paddles. The game has ancient origins, but is not a professional sport today. The players are hometown heroes, men with full-time jobs who are not paid to play, but do so with great passion and intensity. Games are rowdy and a great opportunity to get in touch with locals.
Dulcinea's Picks
To find a pub ...
Dining Pubs
has ranked, rated, and visited each pub it suggests on its site. You can find a pub three ways: by name, location, or browsing A-Z. Most useful are the pictures, individual reviews, and links (when available) of recommended pubs.
The Irish Music Bars
site offers a listing of pubs and bars with live music. Similar in format to the affiliated diningpubs.com, the site is searchable by name, location, and alphabetized names. Listings indicate what type of music is played at each pub. Want to hear more Irish music? This site also features information on Irish music festivals happening throughout Ireland. Click on "Ballads" for lyrics.
For rugby information ...
Munster Rugby
spotlights Limerick's most celebrated sport, providing profiles of key players and information on the latest matches. Purchase tickets through this site, at least two months in advance, and enjoy a match at Limerick's new stadium.
© 2010 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
