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Writer's pictureCaledon Travel

TIPS FOR A TERRIFIC FIRST TRIP TO IRELAND

Updated: Oct 13, 2022




You've put off visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and Blarney Castle long enough. It's finally time to take that trip to Ireland! Here are you few things I have learned during my visits to the Emerald Isle.


Consider Car Travel

The best sites in the Emerald Isle are seen via public transportation or tour buses, but renting a car is not a bad idea to get to those obscure sites. Be sure the vehicle you rent is a small one, as rural roads in Ireland are narrow. Oh, and the Irish drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right.


Two Differing Currencies

It is important to note that, as part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland uses pound sterling rather than the euro.


Dress Appropriately

Irish weather is not extreme, but the country does get a lot of rain, particularly along its west coast. And if you're traveling to Ireland during winter, know that the season's days are short. The sun rises at about 8 a.m. and sets at about 4 p.m., which means you have to cram a lot of sightseeing into a few hours. But during summer, the sunsets as late as 10 p.m. Be mindful of these seasonal changes, pack light layers of clothing and a pair of rain boots or waterproof shoes, and you should be just fine.


Heritage Cards Are Helpful

If you plan to visit the country's many cultural attractions, picking up a Heritage Card from the Office of Public Works is a great idea. This card entitles you to free admission to all heritage sites managed by the state for an entire year. These sites include castles and national parks.


A Golf Trip

Ireland is a golfer’s paradise, with world-class courses in some spectacular places. With over 300 golf clubs and a selection of exceptional championship courses in unusual locations. Every year over 240,000 from all over the world come to experience these impressive but unforgiving fairways. Most of Ireland’s trails are open all year round. However, classes are in the best condition, and the weather is most suitable for golfing from April to October. In summer, daylight hours can stretch up to 10 pm, so two rounds with lazy lunch can easily fit into a day.



Dining

Irish pubs have existed for roughly a millennium. For decades, the pub has been a center for cultural gatherings in Ireland. It is a social hotspot where people from all walks of life come to gather. In addition to the casual social atmosphere, hearty food and drink, sports, and traditional Irish music are hallmarks of pub culture. The menu is usually regular and straightforward, featuring classic Irish dishes. Drinks include a variety of spirits and beers on tap with televisions show games such as football or hurling.



Small Irish Villages Shouldn't Be Missed


Ireland has several distinct regional cultures rather than a single national one; moreover, the daily lives of city dwellers are, in some ways, much different from those living in the countryside. For example, Dublin is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities, whereas the Blasket Islands of Dingle Bay, off Ireland’s southwestern coast, seems almost a throwback to earlier centuries. The Irish maintain a vibrant and lively folk culture. Many engage in a variety of craft-based industries, producing items such as glass, ceramics, ironwork, wood-turning, linens, embroidery, and knitwear. The Irish pub serves as a focal point for many small villages and urban neighborhoods, a place where the great Irish passion for conversation, stories, and jokes comes to life.



So now that you have the tips to a successful Ireland trip, be sure to call or email me to help you plan your vacation.

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