An Insiders Guide To Where To Eat, Stay and Play in Ireland
Ireland is small and mighty (it’s about the size of South Carolina). You can really experience a lot — luxe countryside castles, charming towns, bustling cities, stunning seaside cliffs, rolling green hills — without traveling too far.
The people are witty and welcoming, inhabiting a delightful blend of friendliness and crackly humor that result from overcoming historic struggles (famines, political strife). The Irish people are tough — they’ve endured a lot — and they’ve come out on the other side as warm as ever.
The country, too, is as vibrant as ever. Dublin is a dynamic city brimming with local pubs, gourmet restaurants, beautiful hotels, museums, parks — not to mention a rich literary and intellectual history (many an author and playwright has called Dublin home). There are several other towns worth exploring, each with their own unique vibe and energy. Ireland’s natural splendor, from enchanting woodlands and lakes to rugged mountains, captivates. And then there are the castles, of course.
Despite its small size, Ireland has something for everyone, and does not disappoint. When you connect with me, I’ll work with you to understand what you’re looking for, and craft your dream itinerary from there. In the meantime, below is a sampling of things to do, places to eat and where to stay in a few lovely Irish cities, a little Ireland travel inspiration, if you will.
The quick and dirty:
Currency: €, Euro (EUR)
Languages: Gaeilge (Irish) and English
Airports: Dublin Airport (DUB), Shannon Airport (SNN), Cork Airport (ORK), Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
Transportation: If you’re planning on visiting several spots within Ireland, renting a car is a fun option (it also helps that the country’s scenery is breathtaking and very conducive to road trips). Note that cars drive on the left side of the road and, especially in the cities, the roads can be narrow, so smaller cars are recommended. Ireland’s rail and bus systems are also very efficient and affordable, great for traveling between cities. In Dublin, the city’s tram system, the Luas (Gaelige for speed), is used by locals and travelers alike for exploring the city.
Best time to visit: Ireland benefits from a relatively mild climate; it’s beautiful any time of year, but expect lots of rain. Fall and winter tend to be less crowded, so these seasons are great for exploring the country’s cities. Fall and winter also welcome a slate of festivals and celebrations. (Visiting around Halloween is highly recommended.) In the spring, the countryside’s already vibrant colors seem to pop even more. In the summer, the weather is at its prime, but it's also peak season, so expect more crowds.
Ideal length of stay: Ireland is small, so you can cover a lot of ground in relatively little time. Three days is totally doable, especially if you’re only planning to explore Dublin. If you want to travel around, see some additional towns or spend a few nights in a countryside castle, five to 10 days will allow more breathing room.
Signature dishes: boxty (Irish potato pancake), colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage), soda bread, stew, barmbrack (sweet yeasted raisin bread)
Key phrases: dia dhuit (hello, dee-ah gwit), le do thoil (please, luh duh hull), go raibh maith agat (thank you, guh rev mah ah-gut), sláinte (cheers, slan cha)
Dress code: Colorful raincoats, rubber wellies, cozy sweaters and an umbrella
Dublin
Ireland’s capital, on the edge of Dublin Bay in the Irish Sea, is always abuzz. The people are warm and friendly — famous for their signature craic, a contagious liveliness inflected with a killer wit. Dublin’s literary, intellectual, artistic and philosophical pedigree is quite impressive; Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, James Joyce and Bono are but a few of the people who have called the city home. In St. Stephen's Green, a public park and garden in the city center, you'll see statues of many such notable Dubliners, along with other pieces of art, ponds, birds, a playground...It's one of Dublin's most pleasant places to be. About a quarter of Ireland’s population live in the Dublin area, so the energy is always high. A diverse array of historical influences — from the Vikings to refugee French Huguenots — only add to its dynamism.
