Ten Tips for Experiencing Ireland

  • International flight options- Dublin versus Shannon. There are 2 international airports and depending on where you are traveling, you may want to consider flying directly into Shannon on the West coast.  Although on the return, U. S. citizens clear United States customs in Dublin. This means, travelers land in the United States at a domestic gate and make quicker connections home.  Allow plenty of time at the airport!
  • Car Rental- Insurance is required and can double the cost of your rental. Driving on the left is hard and most rental vehicles have stick shifts.  Round-abouts are everywhere and roads are very narrow and often undeveloped.  The alternative is a private car and driver. This is expensive.  If you are uncomfortable driving, you need to join an organized bus tour.
  • The food is amazing- not just Guinness and meat and potatoes! Food/drinks are incredibly affordable.  Fresh seafood and vegetables are everywhere.  The Irish have truly embraced the local food movement and developed really fine dining options including fusion/influenced by other European countries (Mediterranean, French, etc).
  • Weather- In the summer, daylight lasts until 10 pm and the sun is up by 4:45 am. The weather in July is beautiful most days. Light layers are perfect!
  • Hotels do not generally have air conditioning, so they can get musty. Everything is damp most of the time, and most of them are in older buildings. G Hotel Galway= Exception!
  • Kenmare- Charming, seaside town, easy day trip to drive the Ring of Bearra and Kerry.  Sheen Falls is a Virtuoso property…old school, traditional and an inexpensive spa.  The main attraction is the beautiful setting on the river and the falls.
  • Drive to Galway is BEAUTIFUL- Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way along the coastline make for wonderful photo opportunities.
  • Galway- Foodie town, college town, young, modern, funky vibe, cobblestone streets. G Hotel a bit out of the center but the value is great. The service is good!
  • Dublin- The Walking tour is a must!! Book of Kells, buy tickets in advance online. Visit the Temple Bar District for food and drinks. Croke Park is an amazing venue.
  • People are just so friendly! They love Americans and are so welcoming and warm!  Good “craic” all around!

About Emily Dunn

I joined Aladdin in 2004 and my favorite destinations are Africa, Italy, anywhere in the Caribbean and Costa Rica. I love to travel with my family, have extensive international travel experience and am passionate about helping others explore the world. I have managed events all over the globe. Whether it is a high touch board meeting abroad or a large medical convention in the Caribbean, I bring passion for travel and industry knowledge to work for every single client.

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