Erin go bragh!
Most of us US folks fly into Dublin. Using that as "home base", this blog provides some basic guidance on how to get around the country - hopefully saving money from using public transport, currencies, tipping, and sites to see.
When I went, we used AirBnb's that no longer exist. However, as I investigate for my next trip I really want to stay in a castle. If you plan on going and want a room in a castle, Celtic Castles has a list. When my (Gen Z) son visited, we used Hostelworld to ensure he had a decent bed, location, and that the hostel's ratings were decent.
Public transportation - Ring around the country!
For those of us accustomed to driving on the right side of the road, renting a car in Ireland can be intimidating. Oftentimes, people limit where they wander on vacations. However, you can plan a great trip using Irish public transportation. When my son visited Ireland to (supposedly) check out colleges, we used Google Maps to plot his adventure. He visited Galway and Limerick. Applying that same process, and trying other tools like Transport for Ireland, you can map out how to get to some of the major cities!
For example - Using the "Galway Service" (train), you can bus from Dublin to Galway in 2 hours and 23 minutes.
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| Dublin to Galway via Google Maps |
In addition to all the seaside beauty that Galway has to offer, you are 2 hours on a single bus from the Cliffs of Moher.
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| Galway to Cliffs of Mother via Google Maps |
You can map a ring around the south from Galway to Limerick, Limerick to Waterford, on to Kilkenny, and back over to Dublin.
You can also use public transportation to get from Dublin to Belfast to visit Northern Ireland!
Currency
While most of your transactions are likely done by credit card, currency exchange rates vary. Ireland uses the Euro (€). Northern Ireland uses the Great British Pound/Sterling (￡). Thus, even if you are using your credit card, make sure to check the day's exchange rate so you don't get surprised by your currency equivalent on the bill!
Tipping
As an American, I tip everywhere I go, no matter what. In Dublin, a fellow patron actually informed me that I did not need to tip the bartender. I actually chastised him (I know, shame on me). If I do not leave a tip I feel shame and guilt. With that said, tipping at a meal or the maid service is culturally appropriate, I found the rest to be appropriate for me - an American.
What to see!
In most cities, the Hop-on. Hop-off bus is a great way to start your visit. Even if you stay on the bus, you get an overview of the prime tourist sites and locations.
If you are interested in a generational perspective of Ireland, check out the YouTube video.
Ireland (Day Tour or Public Transport)
- Cliffs of Moher
- Wicklow mountains
- Kilkenny
- Waterford (Waterford Crystal)
- Muiredach's High Cross (9th or 10th century cross at Monasterboice (monstary ruins)
- Northern Ireland
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| Muiredach's High Cross |
Dublin
While certainly not comprehensive, here is a list of some fun activities in the Dublin area.....
- Temple Bar (est. 1840) and the surrounding area of pubs (our favorites were Auld Dubliner and Cassidy’s)
- Dublin Castle
- Trinity College Library
- Guinness Storehouse
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
- National Gallery of Ireland (art)
- National Botanic Gardens
- Irish Whisky Museum
- Dublinia
- Bike rickshaw is so much fun just be careful not to get swindled!
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| Dublin Castle |
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| Temple Bar |
Belfast
If you get up to Belfast, some ideas to visit include:
- Donegall Square and Belfast City Hall
- Titanic museum
- Black cab tour to see the art and understand the history of the conflict in Northern Ireland (this was one of my favorite tours)
- Giant's Causeway
- Belfast Castle
- St. Anne's Cathedral
- Botanic Gardens
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| Belfast City Hall |
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| Art Presented on the Black Cab Tour |
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| Sign on a Lightpost in Belfast |
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| Art on the Black Cab Tour |
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