Ireland is a relatively safe place to go when travelling as a solo women, or in a group. The hospitality of the Emerald Isle is legendary. You won’t believe how friendly the people are. If you love nature, don’t want somewhere too hot, and are a history seeker, then Ireland should be on your bucket list.
Ireland is full of beautiful, picturesque nature everywhere you look. Although the weather may not be tropical or always sunny (in the summer it may rarely reach 70s Fahrenheit), there is so much nature to soak up that a vacation to the country would be well worth your time and money!
The Cliffs of Moher
Few tourists who claim to have seen Ireland’s beauty leave before seeing the famous Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs are large and overlook the sea in County Clare—they are five miles long and over 700 feet high! The cliffs are layered with sandstone, silt, and shale. The cliff edge is unguarded and open for walking tourists! It allows for a clear view of the Aran Islands and the gorgeous sea.
The Magnificent Blarney Castle
Another must-see sight is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, one of Ireland’s oldest castles (dates back to the 11th century!). The castle is situated right near Cork City and is now a partial ruin. The Blarney Stone holds the gift of the gab, meaning that all who kiss it are given the gift of beautiful and coherent speech! So many people travel to the Blarney castle to take part in this ritual at the Blarney Stone.
There are about one thousand castles in Ireland, so if you cannot make it to the Blarney Castle, be sure to stop by at least one other for an enriching and fulfilling vacation experience:
- Malahide Castle (right near Dublin Centre)
- Bunratty Castle (medieval)
- Kilkenny Castle (also medieval)
- Dublin Castle (located right in Dublin City)
- Trim Castle (one of the largest castles in Ireland; located in town of Trim; used in the film Braveheart)
Plan at Least a Week
It is possible for tourists to visit the country and see a good number of things in just one week. So, if you are planning a trip, seven days should be enough time. There are, however, so many wonderful things to see in the country (castles are just a few), so if you have more time to spare, plan for more than just one week! Here are some other things to do in Ireland:
- A visit to Galway City! The city retains traditional Irish customs and is considered to have avoided being “Europeanized” over time. A must-see, bustling, culturally-rich, traditional spot in the country. There is a lot to do—especially for those who like to fish!
- See the Belfast Murals—these wall murals in the West Belfast areas of Shankhill and Falls road depict political loyalties from surrounding neighbourhoods. There are also some non-political murals that have popped up in recent years.
- A visit to the Guinness Storehouse. This place is the visitor centrer for the popular Guinness Brewery, a must-see for beer fans and those looking to embrace a cultural aspect of the Irish. It is a hugely popular tourist attraction in Dublin.
- A visit to the Iveagh Gardens—waterfalls, fountains, flowers are all part of this delightful Victorian park. Secluded and peaceful, this garden is sure to contribute to a relaxing and gorgeous day.
Travelling from the US
Traveling to Ireland from the United States is relatively convenient, and many Irish made America home over the years, so there are always relatives to catch up with! A United States citizen who currently holds a valid United States passport may plan and successfully travel to Ireland for a vacation under three months long. Trump has been laying with the immigration rules and things may change in the future. It’s a good idea to consult travel exerts like www.esta-registration.eu/, whether you are travelling to or from the United States.
Weather, Budgets and Travel
When traveling to Ireland, keep in mind the typical weather and climate pattern in order to effectively pack and plan for your days in the beautiful country. Beware, it is very rainy! The landscape is so lush and green because of all the water that falls across the country on a regular basis; the rain helps make the country as beautiful as it is, so embrace it! Temperatures remain pretty mild, as aforementioned, but there may be some weeks in the summer with warmer temperatures. Skies are typically quite cloudy but rain showers tend not to last too long.
If you’re looking to visit Ireland on a budget, here are a few tips that might come in handy:
- try traveling outside the tourist season months. Traveling from June to August tend to be more expensive than traveling during months outside of that season.
- Creating an itinerary for your trip is an excellent travel tip in general, because the more you plan, the less reckless spending may occur!
- Finally, public transportation is a great, budget-friendly option for traveling once you are in the city.
Traveling to Ireland is relatively painless and completely worthwhile. Don’t miss out!
Love this post! Try to visit the Wild Atlantic Way along the west coast and a few different places like Donegal. I spent the first 18 years of my life here and without bias it is simply a beautiful, rugged part of the country and the people are exceptionally friendly!
thanks Emmma! very happy to postsomething about your solo travels