Must-Read Travel Tips for Ireland
Greetings, Wanderers!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! If you’ve been around for a little while, you’ll know that Ireland is near and dear to my heart. Last year, I shared some fun photos of my dance years and all about past client trips to the Emerald Isle. This year, I wanted to share my top tips for getting the most out of your Ireland Adventure, and one of them is my biggest regret!
Look no further than these Must-Read Travel Tips for Ireland
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If you're driving, expect winding, narrow roads, especially in rural areas. Get comfortable with roundabouts, and if you're not used to driving on the left, consider an automatic rental to simplify the experience.
An additional note: public transport is limited in rural areas. Trains and buses are great in cities, but in the countryside, you’ll need a rental car or a well-planned tour to reach remote sites. I have a lot of clients who express interest in rail travel in Ireland!
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Pack layers, a good rain jacket, and waterproof shoes. Don’t let a little drizzle ruin your plans—some of the best adventures happen in the mist!
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Go beyond fish and chips—try a proper Irish breakfast, fresh seafood in coastal towns, and a Guinness or Irish whiskey in a historic pub. – Yes, it does taste better in Ireland (but I love Guinness!)
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Cliffs of Moher, Guinness Storehouse, Titanic Belfast—some spots book up, so grab your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
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Ireland may look small on a map, but it takes time to get around. Avoid overpacking your itinerary, especially if you're trying to see both Northern Ireland and the Republic in a week. I highly suggest you stick to just one or expand your trip to 10-12 days to include both.
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Dublin is great, but Ireland’s charm shines in places like Dingle, Connemara, and the Causeway Coast. Balance city time with smaller villages and scenic drives. With the new Aer Lingus non-stop from CLE to DUB, a lot of people want to “pop in” for 3-4 days before moving onward to mainland Europe. I highly encourage you not to do that. Dublin is an international city and you’ll miss the beauty of the country!
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Google/Apple Maps may say a route takes 2 hours, but with scenic stops, sheep traffic, and winding roads, it’ll likely take longer.
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Some of the best memories come from unplanned moments—stumbling into a live music session, chatting with locals, or discovering a scenic coastal road.
Is the Emerald Isle calling you? Head to this page, and let’s chat!
In Case You Missed It
I’m fundraising for Planeterra, an organization that uses travel to uplift communities worldwide. Tourism is an $8 trillion industry, yet many communities see little benefit. Planeterra changes that by partnering with local businesses to ensure travel dollars support the people at the heart of each destination. I’ve set a $1,000 fundraising goal as part of their Changemakers initiative, and every donation, big or small, makes a difference. If this mission resonated with you, I’d love your support!
Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping make travel a true force for good!
Cheers,
Hannah
