Republic of Ireland – The Emerald Isle

The green, green grass of home. When something is the norm, it can be very easy to forget the beauty of what is around you and, sometimes, I am guilty of this. The beautiful green countryside full of hills, castles and great little country towns is what makes this country such a popular destination. The people are generally very receptive and friendly with a reputation for enjoying a good laugh and a good drink. Ireland is very easy to explore, due to its small size. The weather may not be the best but this travel guide for Ireland will show you that what we lack in the sunshine, we make up for in charm and beauty. Writing a Republic of Ireland travel guide was not easy, it made me quickly realize how I have underappreciated my home country for too long.

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Weather

Maybe it is best to start with what is the downside of visiting Ireland. You can in no way expect to see the sun. If you do then count yourself lucky. Rainfall is common throughout the year, as are grey skies and wind. May to September offers the best chance of good weather but it never gets too hot. Once there is no snow then your travels plans won’t get disrupted. The zero possibility of this in these months is another reason why this is a good time to visit.

Visa Policy

Ireland’s visa policy is very similar to that of the countries in the Schengen area. EU citizens have freedom of movement. Australians, North Americans, New Zealanders as well as South Africans have visa-free access for stays of up to 90 days. Most African and Asian countries require a visa to travel to Ireland. The majority of South American citizens are entitled to visa-free access but not all. For more information on Ireland’s visa policy, click here

Things to See and Do in The Republic of Ireland

Dublin – The capital city of Dublin is not the best looking city in the world. It lacks the architecture of a Paris or Rome, but what it does not lack in is culture. The most visited city in Ireland is full of history. There are many free walking tours that are a great way to get information on what is around you. The city has a great nightlife, at a price. The most popular spot for tourists is Temple Bar. This area of the city has become a bit too touristy over the years. As always when this happens, prices have gone up. However, it can still be home to a good night and as a visitor to the city, it is most certainly where you will end up.

Dublin Castle and Trinity College are a good way to spend a few hours. Personally, I would advise skipping the Guinness Storehouse. With a €20 entrance fee, it is certainly overpriced and not the most informative of tours. Your money would be better spent in an old Irish bar filled with locals and a great atmosphere enjoying a pint of the black stuff there.

To read all about my visit to the Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Dublin, click here.

Clare – Located on Ireland’s west coast is Clare. Home to a lot of farmland, the county is not to be missed. It has a natural beauty that, depending on opinion, is unrivalled in the country. During the summer, the beaches here are a good base. However, the county is full of small towns that offer good accommodation. If in a group, look to rent an old Irish cottage and feel part of the village way of life immediately. Clare is home to some stunning sights, not least The Cliffs of Moher. They stretch for 8km along the Atlantic Coast and are an incredible site. (Beware of the fog as they can be hard to see in that sort of weather.) The Ailwee Caves, a marvel nestled in The Burren area, provide an interesting and educational tour. The Burren itself is beautiful and offers some great views of the nearby landscape.

Cork – Down the south of Ireland is the country’s second largest city, Cork. A university city, that offers a good nightlife, is growing in size and becoming more and more hustle and bustle. Cork is a great spot to go whale watching off the coast or use it as a base to visit and kiss the Blarney Stone that is nearby. The English Market there is also a good way to spend a few hours and walk around. If I am honest Cork is not my favourite place in Ireland. I just feel it lacks a certain something that other places have, but that is not to say you should not visit. It is always best to make up your own mind on places.

Galway – I try to visit Galway two or three times a year. The city has a unique feel to it. It feels more like a small town than a city. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit, summer months can be very busy. The weather may not be as nice, but it is a bit quieter. The surrounding areas of the city, like Connemara, are beautiful and offer a glimpse into the real Irish countryside that is still very alive. Tours to the Aran Islands just off the coast are very popular. In the city itself, just take in the goings on around you, walk the promenade in Salthill or have a pint on Shop Street and people watch. The food scene here is growing and fast becoming the best in the country. You must be very hard to please if you leave Galway unimpressed.

To check out my full Galway Travel Guide, click here.

Kerry – Another county on the West Coast of Ireland is Kerry. Apart from the city of Killarney, the county can still be very rural with a fantastic landscape. The most popular attraction for visitors is certainly the Ring of Kerry, also known as the Iveragh Peninsula. Winding coastal roads, mountainous terrain and idyllic lakes make for possibly the most photogenic place in the whole of Ireland. Rent a car or camper van and drive these roads whilst you are in the country. This is instead of taking a tour. That way you can do it at your own pace and stop where you like.

Wicklow – Just a stone’s throw from Dublin, Wicklow is a completely different world. Full of small towns, mountainous ranges and fantastic hiking trails, it is not to be missed. The most popular area is Glendalough and for good reason. Whether you only come for a day from Dublin, or even better, grab a tent, spend a few days exploring the area and get at one with nature. You will see some of the most breathtaking sights and views that you will never forget.

What To Eat in Ireland

Irish Stew – Irish stews tend to be any combination of red meat, root vegetables and then potatoes. Beef would be the most common meat used in homes. If you eat it in a restaurant, lamb is just as popular. Vegetables would usually be carrots, onions and in some cases turnips. The broth tends to be very meaty with a slight hint of herbs. Get some slices of fresh bread to complete the meal.

Corned Beef and Cabbage – There are plenty of variations of a traditional Sunday dinner in Ireland. Beef and Ham are popular choices but corned beef is more exclusive to Ireland. Corned Beef is salt-cured beef. The meat is boiled with cabbage. Both are then plated up with potatoes and vegetables. It has dropped in popularity in recent years but it is still a historically significant dish in the country. It can still be found in certain pubs and restaurants, especially in more rural areas.

Coddle – This dish is only found in Dublin and even at that you will be lucky to find it on offer anywhere. If you do, don’t pass up the opportunity to eat it. It originated as a way of using leftovers. Today it tends to get cooked from fresh. Sausages, Bacon, Carrots, Potatoes and Onions are boiled in vegetable stock and served. Don’t be put off by the skinless boiled sausages, they taste better than they look. Another great dish for a winters day.

Full Irish Breakfast – A heart-attack inducing full Irish breakfast consists of many different fried meat products and eggs. Sausages, bacon rashers, black and white puddings along with a fried egg are served with the slightly healthier mushrooms and beans. A cup of tea and a few slices of toast are then served on the side. Personally, I am not a fan. A bit too greasy and unhealthy first thing in the morning for me but this would be a traditional breakfast across the country.

The unfortunate reality is Ireland does not have a lot of food exclusive to the country. It is more likely that you will spend your time here eating pizza, burgers and fish and chips. These are the common menu items that are found in most pubs and restaurants. When you get a chance to eat any of the above, take it. You might not get the chance again during your time in Ireland.

Typical Costs in Ireland

Food – A standard meal in a pub in Ireland will cost you between €10-€15. This is the same for any low-end restaurants that don’t involve booking in advance or even table service in some cases. To eat higher end, expect to pay at least €25. Fast food meals are available for less than €10.

Accommodation – Hotels across the country are priced between €10 and €20. Dublin is obviously on the higher end of this scale but other areas are slightly cheaper. A private room in a hostel will cost an average of €50. For a hotel room in Dublin expect to pay €100. Around the country, prices are an average of approximately €60. Air BnB is a good option. You can find shared apartments or even entire homes for a reasonable price.

Transport – Trains in Ireland are expensive and should be avoided when possible. A train journey from Dublin to Galway will set you back €20. A bus journey will cost €15. Not a huge difference but as they take the same amount of time, worthwhile. The buses also have better routes and connections, making it easier to get around the country. All bus tickets can be bought here and all train tickets here.

How To Save Money in The Republic of Ireland

Cooking – One thing I envy about other countries is their food culture. It is not something that Ireland really possesses. Although it is improving, many meals you eat here are influenced by other countries. They are usually not done as well as they are in their homeland. Another problem is that eating in Ireland is not cheap, so it is best to make use of the kitchens in your accommodation and cook most of your meals. If you are determined to eat out, stick to pub grub more so than restaurants. They are cheaper and can be of very good quality.

Lunch – Ireland is full of small supermarkets like Centra, Spar and Mace. They can be found in every town and are all over the cities. In the majority of these shops, they have a food counter where you can get hot and cold food for a good price. Hot Breakfast Rolls (sausages, bacon, egg, pudding on a baguette) and Spicy Chicken Fillet Rolls are a national favourite. From the cold counter, there is a selection of cold meats and salads. Even with a drink, you would not expect to pay any more than €5 for these. They can be a great lunch to grab on the go or bring to a park bench and sit and eat.

Alcohol – Many people will come to Ireland and want to drink. We have a drinking culture here, although in my opinion, it can be slightly overrated when you go to a country like Belgium and experience the beer on offer there. It is also expensive here, especially in Dublin and the Temple Bar area. Save any heavy drinking for outside of the capital, in places like Galway and the smaller towns in the west. This is where the pubs and bars have a real atmosphere about them and the prices are lower.

Student ID – Having a valid student ID can enable you to get discounts. Many of the museums and public transport throughout the country have a reduced rate for students. Do your research before you go and make sure to carry your ID at all times.

Too often, what is on your doorstep is overlooked. I have been guilty of this on many occasions. Writing this travel guide has brought up a need to explore more of this beautiful country. There is certainly a reason why tourists love it, it has just taken me a while to see it. To see the best Ireland has to offer, you may need to get out of Dublin. Once you do, you will be rewarded with one of the prettiest, charming countries that you could ask for.

To read all of my blog posts about Ireland, click here.