Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit the country of Ireland! Trips to Ireland make a great first-time international trip for travelers looking to branch out from domestic travel. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Ireland vacation.
Hate #1: Ireland Weather
Sometimes you get lucky with warm days and sunny skies, but generally, the weather in Ireland is dark and damp. When you are planning a trip to Ireland, you should be prepared for rain at any time of the year. All that lush green countryside that earns Ireland the “Emerald Isle” nickname does not come from sunny days! On the plus side, winter in Ireland is not that cold and you’ll only have to deal with rain instead of snow.
Hate #2: Irish Food
My benchmark for good cuisine is how often a nation’s cuisine has been reproduced in the states. You see a ton of Italian, Chinese, French and Indian restaurants, but how many Irish restaurants do you have in your hometown? That kind of gives you a clue about the food in Ireland. Irish food is hearty and filling, and there are a few good dishes like Shepherd’s Pie, but Ireland is not a foodie destination.
UPDATE: the video was filmed quite some time ago and the Irish food scene has changed dramatically, so don’t think of this as a hate anymore! Watch our videos or blogs on the Shocks of Ireland or Don’ts of Ireland for an update on the LOVE OF IRISH FOOD!
Hate #3: Prices in Ireland
Ireland is expensive. The B&B’s aren’t overly expensive, but eating out and shopping in Ireland can be pricy. Ireland is more expensive than Britain, Germany, France or Spain, so make sure you are looking at prices ahead of time and budgeting accordingly. The good news is that you can often get great flight deals to Ireland, so there’s a chance to save money on your Ireland vacation.
Hate #4: Public Transportation in Ireland
If you’ve traveled around other countries of Europe and are used to taking trains into small towns and villages, you will be disappointed in the options for public transportation in Ireland. The trains and buses don’t have the widest service area, and some hard to reach places may have service, but it’s very infrequent. When you do use public transportation in Ireland, it’s expensive. It’s often cheaper to rent a car, and you’ll have more flexibility in your Ireland itinerary that way.
Hate #5: Driving in Ireland
Driving in Ireland is the best way to see the country, but many travelers are nervous about driving on the left. It can be nerve-wracking, especially considering most cars are manual transmission and you’re now on the right side of the car. Add in narrow, winding lanes and roundabouts and you’ve got your work cut out for you. Once you get used to it, it’s not so bad, but it’s definitely something to think about.
Everything You Need to Know About Car Rentals and Driving in Europe
Love #1: Irish Countryside
You’ll soon forget all of the “hates” when you get a glimpse of the scenery in Ireland. It’s green, with rolling hills, seaside cliffs, neolithic structures, medieval ruins, castles and so much more. There’s a reason Ireland is so popular with travelers; there are just so many great things to see in Ireland.
What to Know About Visiting Blarney Castle
Love #2: Irish People
Everyone I’ve ever met in Ireland is awesome. They are funny, friendly and sarcastic. From the taxi drivers to the service staff, the people of Ireland make it a destination you want to return to. They are super helpful, so you never have to worry about asking for help.
Love #3: Irish Villages
Ireland is full of quaint Irish villages. If you are planning a road trip through Ireland, make sure you leave time in your itinerary to stop in these small towns and hang out at the local pub to meet some locals. Irish cities like Dublin and Galway are cool, but the “real Ireland” is in the small villages you pass through along the way.
Love #4: Irish Pubs
The pub culture in Ireland is fantastic. They have live music and good drinks, which helps compensate for the mediocre Irish food! The local pub is the meeting place for friends and families, so you can bring your kids to the pub, too.
Love #5: Ireland Accommodation
The best places to stay in Ireland are Bed & Breakfasts, not hotels. Outside of the main cities, there aren’t major hotels in Ireland, so B&B’s are the accommodation of choice. It’s a quintessential part of any Ireland vacation. You are staying in someone’s home, and you get a huge Irish breakfast. Having breakfast with your B&B host is also the best way to get insider tips for your Ireland vacation. Just remember, you’re staying in their home, so if you are arriving late, it’s a good idea to phone ahead and let them know when to expect you.
Ireland is really fantastic, and if you haven’t traveled internationally, it’s the perfect first-time trip overseas. I have really enjoyed all of our trips to Ireland. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to visit Ireland. Want more tips for planning a trip to Ireland? Check out these other blog posts: