Welcome to our ultimate guide to explore Ireland the right way! Whether you’re drawn to the rugged coastline, verdant landscapes, or rich cultural heritage, Ireland offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. From the lively streets of Dublin to the serene beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, this enchanting island promises something for every traveler. Join us as we embark on a virtual journey through the Emerald Isle, uncovering its hidden gems and offering insider insights to make your visit truly unforgettable. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and let’s dive into the magic of Ireland!
Geography 101: Where Is Located Ireland?
Ireland is located in Europe and is one of the most easterly countries, with Spain and Portugal, which are a little further south. As an island, it has no neighbouring countries. The east of the country is linked to the Atlantic Ocean, while the west is in contact with several seas. In that same direction, on the other side of the Irish Sea lies the closest country, the United Kingdom, a second island. In other words, Ireland is a fairly isolated country.
The name of the capital is Dublin. That’s one of the many cities you’re going to be excited to visit. But let’s not get into that just yet. If you’re looking to explore Ireland, it’s important to know about the weather, right? Summers are generally mild, with temperatures rarely exceeding 25°C. Winters are cool and rainy. Minimum temperatures only exceptionally drop below 0°C.
What’s the Best Time to Explore Ireland?
It all depends on what kind of experience you want to have. June and September are less touristy, since it’s not the middle of the summer. It’s important to note that the prices generally increase a lot during the high season, in July and August. If you’re looking to travel somewhere between October and April, you have to know that a lot of touristic attractions might be closed for the season.
How to Enter the Country?
If you’re a big traveler, you might already know that you’ll need a valid passport to enter the country. The only people who don’t need a passport are British citizens, who can use an official photo ID, and European Union citizens, who can also use such a document. As far as visas are concerned, not all nationalities require them if you’re an international traveler. There are also many different types of visa, which makes things a little more complex. However, you can find all the information you need online, often on your government’s website. What’s also relevant is that European citizens don’t require a visa at all to visit.
Prepare Your Journey to Explore Ireland
The Languages
There are two official languages in Ireland. The first, which is more local, is called Gaelic. Historically, it’s derived from one of the oldest languages. On the other hand, the most widely spoken language in the country is inevitably English; everyone speaks it. There are, however, many accent variations. So, considering that Gaelic and English are the two official languages, the signs are bilingual.
The Currency
As Ireland is located in Europe, the money used in this country is the continent’s official currency: the euro. At present, the exchange rate is fairly stable. In fact, 1 Canadian dollar is roughly equivalent to 0.68 centimes, or euro. What’s good to know, since the euro is a fairly common currency, it’s easy to obtain. It’s also very easy to use a credit card, as long as it’s an international card, such as Visa or MasterCard. In Northern Ireland, things are a little different. The official currency is sterling, as in the UK. On average, 1 Canadian dollar is equivalent to 0.6 pounds sterling, which is pretty close to the euro.
Transportation
In Ireland, public transport systems are easy to use and there are plenty of them, especially in Dublin. The most important of these is the bus, but there are also a few others, such as the tramway. On the other hand, for those who are less fond of public transport, it can also be very efficient to rent a car. The roads are safe and the landscapes are often breathtaking.
Accomodations
Throughout the country, you’ll find all kinds of accommodation. Campsites, for example, are very common. On the other hand, they tend to favor tourists with caravans, leaving very little room for tents. The problem with these is also that Ireland is a very rainy country, which makes it unpleasant not to sleep under an opaque roof. As far as hostels are concerned, you can find anything. This makes it difficult to find a good one. So, unless you’re lucky, a youth hostel, however inexpensive, isn’t always the best option. The best option is the classic hotel. In Ireland, these are often well-maintained, but can cost more than camping or a youth hostel. That’s another personal decision.
What Is There to Do?
Dublin
When you’ll be there, ready to explore Ireland, you’ll have to see Dublin. It’s the capital and it’s located in the far west of the country, close to the water. It’s home to a multitude of tourist activities, as well as a large number of local Irish pubs, which makes the city all the more interesting! Plus, as the town is located on the water’s edge, it has plenty of maritime activities to offer.
If you’re just like me and enjoy a good beer once in a while, you’ll be glad to know that not only is it a very walkable city, but going on hunts for Irish pubs is probably the best thing there is to do in Dublin.
The Great Outdoors
Also, although not cities, there are a lot of sites based mainly on outdoor activities, most of which are located on the coast and mostly for hikers. For example, a well-known hiking site is the Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO-protected site.
What’s also interesting is that the country contains a lot of chateaus. So, if you’re a history fan and like architecture, try to look up a few of them that you’d want to visit. Cork, the city, is known for its breathtaking and magnificient chateaus.
Sheep Selfies and Shenanigans
Forget about ordinary selfies; in Ireland, it’s all about capturing the perfect « sheepfie »! Frolic through the emerald fields until you find a flock of fluffy friends willing to strike a pose with you. Trust us, nothing says « Ireland » quite like a selfie with a photogenic sheep giving you the side-eye.
And there you have it, folks! Your crash course in all things Irish – from navigating the verdant landscapes to mastering the art of sheep selfies. Remember, when in doubt, just follow the fluffy locals and you’re sure to have a wooly good time!
So whether you’re sipping a pint in a cozy Dublin pub or chasing rainbows in search of leprechauns, Ireland is sure to steal a piece of your heart. So pack your lucky charms, and get ready for a craic-ing good time in Ireland! Sláinte!
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