Ireland holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. Two of them being: my grandmother’s family is from Ireland and I spent 4 months learning the culture, getting to know the people, traveling around and of course, enjoying the drink. St. Patrick’s Day brings back many of the memories from my study abroad plus it’s conveniently 6 weeks after Ground Hogs Day, so spring is literally around the corner. Now, this isn’t going to be a “5 most beautiful sites in Ireland” kind of article. You can buy a book for that! I’m here to tell you, enjoy the craic!
Suggested Timeline
10-14 days. You can definitely do Ireland in more or less time, but 10-14 days will give you ample time to get adjusted to the time change and enjoy Ireland entirely.
Head to the Country
Dublin is a great check off the bucket list but if you’re able to spend some time on the Emerald Island, stay in Dublin for no more than 2.5 days and hit the road to the country, you will not regret it! The Irish are known for their hospitality; you’ll get a more hands-on experience in smaller towns and driving around the countryside then if you were to stay just in Dublin.
Enjoy the Craic
There was a period of time that the native tongue (Gaelic) was looked down upon and therefore rarely spoken. When I studied abroad, there was a push to teach Gaelic in the schools so that it’s not forgotten. Craic - is Gaelic for good conversation/good fun. This phrase is often said on a daily basis, referring to genuine conversation with people around you, typically in the pubs - could easily be translated to “have a good time.”
Cliffs of Moher
Kilmore Abbey
Get up for Breakfast!
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, that’s definitely true in Ireland. If you stay in a hotel or a bed and breakfast, make sure not to miss the Irish Breakfast. Ireland is not known for the exquisite food, but they definitely make up for it in their breakfast! And do not worry, if you don’t fancy eggs and meat, try the muesli.
Drink the Tea
Coffee drinkers beware, coffee may be hard to find on this island. But don’t just drink the tea in replace of your coffee, ordering tea is just as common as ordering a pint of Guinness in a pub. And yes, afternoon tea is a thing 😊
Enjoy the Drink
This phrase is most commonly referring to Guinness, but in general, it’s referring to having a pint at the pub. And while you’re at it, you may as well learn how to pour the perfect pint. You can learn at the Guinness Factory or at a local pub or befriend the bartender, who will allow you behind the bar, to teach you the perfect pour. Both are good options 🤷♀️
Dingle Peninsula
Tully Cross
Go to Belfast
It’s Brilliant! However, this may be a logistical nightmare if you do not plan ahead - since Belfast is in Northern Ireland, governed by the queen - there are rules to which vehicles can cross the border. The Republic of Ireland, or Ireland, is an independent country from Northern Ireland even though they share the same island. If you are not familiar, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have had a controversial relationship over the years causing a lot of tension between the two countries (putting it lightly). Therefore, if you rent a car at the Dublin or Shannon airport, you probably will not be able to bring it across the border in Northern Ireland. When I traveled to Belfast, I had to take two buses to get to the border and then another bus across the border to get to my destination. I doubt Game of Thrones has loosened any of the border relations regardless of attracting more tourists to the Northern Ireland countryside.
Peace Wall, Northern Ireland
Catholic Black Cab Tour, Northern Ireland