A Touch of
Éire (Ireland)
Located in the eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring the United Kingdom, Ireland, or Éire, is renowned for its natural beauty. Its pristine coastline and lush green landscapes make it one of the most picturesque places on earth. The warm hospitality of its people and the lively atmosphere, known locally as the craic, make for an unforgettable experience to visit.
The main language spoken is English, while Gaelic, the official language, is only spoken fluently by a small number of people despite being taught in schools. There are some Gaelic-speaking communities, known as the Gaeltacht, that are worth visiting as Irish is the primary language in these areas.
The national sports are Hurling and Football, which are distinct from soccer, but rugby and golf are also popular activities.
The weather is quite unpredictable. There is a saying, “If you don’t like the Irish weather, just wait five minutes."
Diamond Hill, Connemara National Park
Moll’s Gap, Co. Kerry
Doolough Pass, Co Mayo
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Co. Antrim
The Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim
Connemara Heritage Centre, Co. Galway
Connemara National Park, Co. Galway
Connemara National Park, Co. Galway
Surfing, Castlegregory, Co. Kerry
Aileen’s Wave, Cliff’s of Moher, Co. Clare
Poulnabrone Dolmen, The Burren, Co. Clare
Having the craic in a typical Irish Pub
The Dark Hedges, Co. Antrim (Made famous in GoT)
West of Ireland
Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry
Travelling Around Ireland
Options
While most people choose to hire cars to travel around Ireland, it's not the only option available. The train is a highly efficient and cost-effective way to travel between cities, but it may not offer the opportunity to take in much of the countryside. If you plan to explore, you’re better off bringing or renting a get="_blank">bicycle, get="_blank">motorcycle, car or get="_blank">camper van. Bicycling or motorcycling are arguably the best ways to experience Ireland's scenic beauty.
Driving
Left is Right! In Ireland, driving is done on the left-hand side of the road, and, because Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, there are different speed measurements between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, speed is measured in miles per hour, while in the Republic, it's measured in kilometers per hour. The speed limits on motorways are usually 120kph, while on national roads it's 100kph, and on rural roads, it's 80kph, though 80kph might be too fast for some rural roads.
EV Charging
Despite some progress, Ireland's charging facilities for both holidaymakers and residents are still inadequate. Pay-as-you-go options like get="_blank">EasyGo offer access to around 2,400 charging points, but the cost of charging has more than doubled in the past year. Moreover, electric companies often penalize customers who charge for more than 40 minutes, making it an expensive option.
By Motorbike
One of the great ways to tour ireland is by motorbike. It allows you to experience the stunning landscapes and scenic routes in a unique and immersive way. You can enjoy the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, stop wherever you want, and take in the breathtaking views. Riding a motorbike also allows you to easily navigate through narrow roads and small towns that may be difficult to access by car.
By Campervan or Caravan
Campervans and caravans are a popular and leisurely way to travel around Ireland, especially on the west coast. However, it's advisable to avoid large vans on narrow roads, as it can be stressful and take away from your trip. Opting for a smaller van will allow for a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience.
Cycling
Cycling is probably tone of he most memorable ways to travel Ireland. I have met people of all ages from all around the world who were cycling diffent sections of the Wild Atlantic Way or the entire 7,524 kilometre curcumference - and many not doing it for the first time.
Make sue to dress for all seasons! While it probably won’t snow, even in the winter, you should prepare for rain and cooler evenings.
Daily Budget
Ireland is expensive. If you’re hosteling or staying in Bed & Breakfast accommodation, a traveler would spend between €90 and €170 per day. However, there are ways to cut costs, such as opting for glamping or camping, which are more affordable alternatives.
Safety
Ireland is one of the safest European countries, and Dublin is one of the safest European capitals. Like in other major cities, though, there are pickpockets that target tourists. If you exercise common sense by keeping your valuables secure this shouldn't be a problem.
The Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way, 1600 miles (2600 km) in length, is one of the longest defined and most beautiful coastal routes in the world.
With 188 Discovery Points peppering the route, from the wild Donegal headlands in the north, right down to the picturesque peninsulas of Kerry and Cork, ending in Kinsale, home of some of the best food restaurants in Europe.
I have created a route, broken up into 7, approximatly, 6-8 hour segments that you can enjoy parts of or all at once. You can take it at your own speed and stop when ever you want. Here is a link to the shared map in Google maps, or if you prefer to download to your Sat Nav, you can download gpx files.
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