Planning a vacation to Ireland comes with many challenges and indecisions that tend to overwhelm people. There’s so much to see and do in Ireland despite it being such a small country.
Am I doing too little?
Is my plan too much?
Will I miss the important parts?
Today I'm delighted to share some great trip planning advice from Conor of Donegal Thatched Cottages.
Table of Contents
- Advice On Planning An Irish Vacation:
- 1. Squeezing Too Much Into One Short Trip
- 2. Spending Most Of Your Vacation In Dublin
- 3. Staying In Hotels And Avoiding Bed And Breakfasts:
- 4. Sticking To Pre-Organized Tours And Being Too Scared To Rent A Car In Ireland.
- 5. Staying In The Republic Of Ireland Only
- 6. Sticking To The Beaten Tourist Track
- 7. Traveling To Ireland When It's Most Crowded With Tourists:
Advice On Planning An Irish Vacation:
Friends and family are sending you lists of places to visit and what you should see while there. Keep in mind that things have changed in Ireland in the past years. We are here to help you!
You can find a lot of information online about planning a holiday to Ireland, but most of it guides you on what you need to do, highlighting the most popular destinations, and how to get there.
However, this article is different. We are going to tell you what to avoid when planning your trip to Ireland. Don’t worry; this isn't a post full of negative advice or tips to make you afraid of visiting the Emerald Isle.
While Ireland is an easy-going country to visit, there are a few important things to keep in mind when planning your itinerary.
From the rugged north of Donegal, to the southernmost tip of the island in County Cork, through the quaint small towns of the countryside, everyone planning a trip to Ireland can apply these tips!
Without further ado, let’s look at seven common mistakes to avoid when planning a trip to Ireland.
1. Squeezing Too Much Into One Short Trip
Trying to pack in too much in one trip is a big mistake that people make when planning their trip to Ireland.
You may believe Ireland is small when you see it on the map, but it’s much bigger than you might think. Remember there are many peninsulas jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. The Beara Peninsula in County Cork is about 80 miles long, so traveling around the Ring of Beara is over 160 miles, and that's just in one county.
There’s so much to see and do in Ireland. That’s why most people go back to Ireland many times! It is not possible to see and do all you want in just one trip. Therefore, returning to Ireland ends up being inevitable for many tourists.
Of course, you can spend time on whatever type of trip you want. It is entirely up to you, but slower travel will enable you to stop and learn along the way, and ultimately you will leave knowing more about hidden Ireland.
While you’re planning your trip, start by choosing your 'must see' tourist locations. By identifying your highlights and making them a priority, you have laid down the main grid for your tour map.
However, try not to pick destinations that are spread all over the island. If you are traveling on a tight schedule you'll never get it all done.
It's always best to pick three or four contiguous counties, and exploring all they have to offer.
2. Spending Most Of Your Vacation In Dublin
Dublin is a beautiful, historic city, but some of the best advice you'll ever hear is to limit your time spent there, especially if you only have a week or ten days to spend in Ireland.
Many visitors make this mistake on their first trip to Ireland. They fly into Dublin and stay there the whole time, except for taking day trips to nearby destinations such as Glendalough and Howth.
If you only have a day in Ireland, then sure, it makes sense to spend it in Dublin. However, avoid spending too much time in Dublin if you’re planning a trip to Ireland that’s longer than a day or two. Why?
Dublin is a great city to visit, but it’s very expensive. And there is so much more to see and do in Ireland. Remember the best scenery is on the west coast where the rugged Atlantic ocean meets soaring, lofty cliffs.
Plan your trip to Ireland and do take in the capital city if you are looking to discover your family roots. Many of the libraries and resources you need are found there.
We highly encourage you to spend a short time in Dublin and then leave to see the rest of this beautiful country.
3. Staying In Hotels And Avoiding Bed And Breakfasts:
Hotel stays can be expensive in Ireland especially if you are traveling with a large family. It can be difficult to find rooms with pull-out sofa beds to accommodate families with more than two kids.
My advice is to stay in bed and breakfasts as you work your way around the country.
Most are family owned and operated, and you will be made to feel right at home, with a true Irish welcome in each and every guesthouse.
And the really wonderful advantage of staying with a local - they know all the best places to visit, where to shop and where to have a friendly pint in the local pub.
It is often wonderful to base yourself in a bed and breakfast, then explore the surrounding county each and every day. Ireland's thirty-two counties are spectacular and each one is a unique tourist's paradise with plenty to see and do.
4. Sticking To Pre-Organized Tours And Being Too Scared To Rent A Car In Ireland.
Yes, Ireland is one of the countries in the world where drivers are required to keep to the “left” side of the road. This is the case in most countries that were once part of the British Empire.
This scares many people away from hiring a car, especially those from countries, such as the United States, where drivers stick to the “right” side of the road.
My advice is to think this over carefully. Hiring a car will provide you with freedom to roam wherever your heart may take you.
If you are hoping to find your Irish roots, your family probably hails from a corner of Ireland that is way off the beaten track. No tour bus will take you there.
If a tour is more your style, and you don't wish to feel under pressure, then you will find many tours that will show you the highlights of the country.
The Irish airports offer many choices for renting a car in Ireland
And I have tips for tourists driving a car in Ireland in this post.
Driving in Ireland can lead you to the road less traveled and you'll find many things to see and do, which the majority of tourists miss out on. Drive slowly and carefully and simply stick to the left side of the road.
In your own hire car, you can explore the highways and byways and create memories.
5. Staying In The Republic Of Ireland Only
Northern Ireland consists of six counties which are still part of the United Kingdom. However, it's very easy to travel between the north and south of Ireland. No border or patrols, just continuous roads.
Many tourists only travel to the south of Ireland believing that the north of Ireland is dangerous. There were troubles in Northern Ireland over twenty years ago, but the whole island of Ireland has been at peace for many years. There is no need to be afraid of traveling to Antrim, Armagh, Down, Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone. All six counties have so much to offer.
Some tourists mistakenly believe there's very little to do in Northern Ireland, but trust us, this is not the case. The scenery is amazing, and Belfast is a dynamic city with a thriving food scene and is now home to the wonderful Titanic Visitor's Center.
The popular show called “Game Of Thrones” was filmed in Northern Ireland and visiting all of the filming locations is an experience to be remembered.
6. Sticking To The Beaten Tourist Track
The Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin are three of the most visited tourist destinations in Ireland.
But with popularity comes crowds, especially in the busy season of July and August. Why huddle with the masses when Ireland has so much more to offer.
Now don't get me wrong. The Ring of Kerry is breathtakingly beautiful, but if's not the only magnificent scenery in Ireland, or County Kerry to tell you the truth.
The Ring of Beara in County Cork or the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry are just as spectacular and offer more serene and quiet locations to explore, what I call thin places.
The Cliffs of Moher can be overcrowded with large tour buses. There are plenty of cliffs to be seen on Ireland's coastline such as Slieve League in County Donegal and those at Mizen Head in County Cork.
Any spot along the 1500 mile long Wild Atlantic Way is scenic, beautiful and less crowded than the word famous Ring Of Kerry.
7. Traveling To Ireland When It's Most Crowded With Tourists:
The most popular time of year to visit Ireland is in the summer months of July and August. With over 9 million tourists visiting Ireland every year, that means many of the most popular tourist spots can be very crowded during the summer.
Ireland's summer weather is never guaranteed and July and August can be just as rainy as the spring and fall or autumn months.
Now all that rain in Ireland means that the famous Irish fields of green are always green. In 2018, the summer was exceptionally warm and Ireland's famous green grass turned a little yellow. But that was an exceptional year. Ireland is usually green all year round.
In the winter months of November, December and January, Ireland's days are very short. Mornings don't brighten until around 8 am and it can be dark by 5 pm on the shortest day of the year. Also, some tourist spots do not open during the winter.
Our advice therefore is to consider spring and fall for visiting Ireland. The weather is relatively mild, and there's always a year-round welcome for tourists to Ireland.
Donegal Thatch Cottages provide traditional Irish thatched cottages, which you can rent as your holiday home during your vacation in Ireland. Call us today now to make your reservation.
Here are some more posts with tips for visiting the Emerald Isle.
Irish National Parks You Don’t Want To Miss
The Best Beaches in Ireland – A Guide to the Coastline
11 Things to Do in Dublin Ireland You Don’t Want to Miss
7-Day Irish Itinerary: Things To Do In Ireland
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
If you enjoyed this installment, then here are some other ramblings you might enjoy ….
- What is a Celtic Druid?
- Interesting Facts About Ireland You May Not Know
- Irish National Parks You Don't Want To Miss
- 7 Amazing Castles in Ireland
- Where to Start With Irish Art: A Guide to Irish Art and Culture
- Where to Start with Celtic and Irish Mythology
- How America Transformed Saint Patrick's Day
- Dunluce Castle: History and Cultural Relevance
- What is a Connemara Pony?
- Explore Ireland’s Haunted Castles
- The Fascinating History of Ancient Irish Trees
- Reinvigoration of Roots - The Gaelic Woodland Project
Sheila
I completely agree with you about limiting time spent in Dublin. It’s a lovely city but if you only have a few days or weeks to spend in Ireland the true gems are in the countryside and along the coast.
Irish American Mom
Thanks for stopping by Sheila. Dublin is a wonderful city offering lots to see and do, but limiting a trip to Ireland to only its capital city, is a big mistake in my book too. And many are afraid to travel to the north of the island. They truly miss out on some magnificent scenery and interesting places.
All the best,
Mairéad
Erin Friedman
My sister and I traveled to Ireland last year - I did the driving and, while I was a bit apprehensive, it worked out just fine and we were able to sightsee and stop and linger on our own schedule. Before our trip, I got a boost of confidence from watching Youtube videos. Very descriptive and helpful for getting a feel for driving on the left on Ireland's picturesque and narrow roadways.
We skipped the Ring-of-Kerry -- ran out of time -- so I'm glad to read your advice on that one. Hope to make it back to Ireland someday - so much beauty and such lovely people.
Irish American Mom
Hi Erin - I'm delighted to learn driving in Ireland went smoothly for you. Watching YouTube videos before travelling is a great idea. The Ring of Kerry is beautiful, but in the summer it is ever so crowded. There's plenty more beautiful scenery to explore in Ireland without having to deal with all the crowds.
Thanks so much for your input, and I do hope you make it back to Ireland someday.
Take care,
Mairéad
Simone
This is a very interesting guide to visit Ireland about what i have TO DO when planning a trip in the emerald isle and what i have TO AVOID !
In the future i Will keep in my mind. SURE !
Best regards from Italy ! Bye!
Irish American Mom
Hi Simone - Italy is not too far from Ireland by plane so it's easy to take a trip to Ireland. I have only ever been to Rome but I hope to see more of your beautiful country someday.
All the best,
Mairéad
Nicole Krause
Spot on with your 7 tips, went in 2016 and avoided all 7. Best time ever would love to go back!
Irish American Mom
Hi Nicole - Lovely to hear you've been to Ireland and that you had a great time. So good in fact, you'd like to go back - that's high praise indeed for Ireland as a tourist destination. Thanks for checking out this article. Glad you concur with this advice.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary
A perfect post for myself and 6 others in my family as we are leaving September 2-17 , for Ireland! I’m so excited! We went in 2012, and I can completely agree with the writer, LIMIT time in Dublin, DO rent a car and go for it (we had some very memorable times driving on the left!). I’d also recommend checking out AirBnB’s! For seven of us to stay in Ireland the cost is approximately 280$ apiece! We are praying for great weather, but even if it rains it won’t matter...after all...we will be in Ireland!! Blessings, Mary
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - How exciting - a trip to Ireland with your family. So glad to hear you're heading back to the Emerald Isle. It's amazing how many people visit Ireland, and then feel drawn to return. I love your tip about looking into bed and breakfast accommodation or AirBnB's. It's far less expensive than staying in hotels. We'll all keep our fingers crossed the weather'll cooperate for you in September. But just in case, pack plenty of layers. It's good to have a layer for the rain, and then other layers to peel off or put on as the temperatures fluctuate. In Ireland, there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.
All the best to you and yours, and have a wonderful time in Ireland.
Mairéad
Mary Lou Ni Maire
So far, my husband and I have made 3 trips to Ireland. We spent a week each time and found there are exceptions to every rule. Our trips in April, September and May were highly successful-althought the weather varied wildly each time (Snow, rain, hail and lovely sunshine with unseasonably high temperatures--all in the same week during our April trip. Our first trip was pre-planned stops thru and agency and we drove everywhere--too MUCH driving and not enough time to savor BUT the Ring of Kerry was the highlight of our visit. We spent an entire week in Dublin the 2nd time--to research in the Archives and for me to walk all the streets that O'Casey, Behan and Joyce described--it was not enough time. Our most recent trip we focused on 3 areas: Dublin, Cork and Kenmare. Still not enough time, but almost the perfect ratio of places. These rules need to add: Look for the local bus if you stay in any city--especially the Hop On bus. They are a great bargain and hit all the highlights for tourists but also allow the experienced traveler greater flexibility. (Hop on makes touring easier for the disabled traveler but expect some walking and stairs.) The only real rule as far as I am concerned is: Don't come with a check list--take time to smell the roses and SAVOR the experience. I can't wait to go back!
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary Lou - All four seasons in one day - that's Irish weather for sure. I agree with you about savoring the experience in Ireland. Many people look at a map and think Ireland is very small. It's far smaller than many US states. However, few realize how much there is to see in every little corner of Ireland. The scenery is spectacular and the best times are to be had exploring the highways and byways and interacting with the locals. So definitely your rule of no check-lists is perfect. Just go with the flow. Thanks for telling us about your wonderful Irish trips and adding to our tips for tourists to Ireland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
M
Here's a tip or two that helped me while traveling in Ireland. For me, I always book a hotel for the first and last days I’m in country. I rely on locals to make suggestions where to stay after that. One trip I made, flying in and out of Shannon, had me driving straight on to Dublin. But locals suggested taking a less direct path through Limerick, Rock of Cashel, and spending a night in Kilkenny before heading into Dublin. Long story short, I stayed at a B&B there for a week and never made it to Dublin! The woman running the place was married to the town butcher, and breakfast was second to none! But beyond that, she was able to expose me to locals, characters, and hidden gems that I never would have found on my own. On that trip I truly felt connected to my Irish roots and it has been a model for all my travels since.
Irish American Mom
What wonderful advice. Staying in B&B's in Ireland can be the most rewarding experience. The hosts are usually very knowledgeable about all there is to see and do in an area and will direct you where and how to find Ireland's hidden gems. The road less traveled is always more interesting, more fascinating and ultimately more rewarding. Thanks for these wonderful tips.
All the best,
Mairéad
Joan
Mairead it is so nice hearing from you once again. Thank You for the tips.
Joan
Irish American Mom
Hi Joan - Thanks for stopping by. I'm so glad you enjoy receiving my emails with new blog post updates.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marion
I am so happy to hear from you. Haven't heard from you in a long time it is nice to know everything is okay with you. Hope all the broken bones are healed. Wonderful tips for a trip to Ireland.
Marion
Irish American Mom
Hi Marion - Thanks for your good wishes. So glad you look forward to my posts. Thanks for checking out these tips for planning a trip to Ireland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Marilyn
Glad you are doing okay. Thank You for this valuable and important tips and suggestions. Hope to hear from you soon.
Marilyn
Irish American Mom
Hi Marilyn - I have some new posts planned for this week, so stay tuned. Thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Amanda
We've made 2 trips to Ireland. We like to mix it up - some driving, some tours. Whether in the US or abroad, we like to travel during the shoulder seasons - spring and fall. You do take a chance with the weather, but the crowds haven't built up and prices are still low. We like to stay at B&Bs. They're cost competitive with hotels, and the landlords can be incredibly helpful. In smaller towns, we find them using the local Tourist Information Office. Mary Lou is dead-on about the Hop-On buses; our only regret about them in Dublin was we caught on too late. We should have done it first thing and then done our touring because they're a great way to get you familiar with the town so you can be so much smarter with your time. M. is also right about Cashel and Kilkenny. We stayed a day and night in each, and loved them both. Galway is a great base from which to do the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, then head north for Connemara, all gorgeous areas, and Galway is a neat town in its own right. Last trip we did a Game of Thrones tour - mostly to indulge the DH, but I enjoyed it too. Northern Ireland's coast will take your breath away.
Irish American Mom
Hi Amanda - It sounds like you have made two very successful trips to Ireland and visited many amazing corners of our beloved island. Thanks for all your wonderful tips. Galway definitely is a great base for touring Counties Clare, Galway and Mayo. I've never taken the hop-on Dublin bus tour. When I am back again I will make sure to do so. I'm sure I would get many great photos from the top of the open bus if the weather cooperates. Game of Thrones shooting locations have done wonders for tourism to Northern Ireland. It's wonderful to hear people are discovering all that Ireland offers both North and South.
All the best, and thanks so much for joining our conversation about all things Irish.
Mairéad
PJ
Hello! I have just returned from what I believe is THE most beautiful place on God’s earth (and I’ve been to 11 countries, and currently live in gorgeous southern Oregon)! I was fortunate enough to live in Co Meath 35 years ago for 3 months. It left such an impression on me, that I vowed to come back... Ireland just “sticks with you” like no other place. The people are amazing, the scenery beyond a storybook setting, and history galore. I agree with the “list of 7.” For me, one night in Dublin and Galway is plenty. The treasures are in the roads less traveled! The Cliffs of Moher are a must (indubitably!) - part of Princess Bride was filmed there, dontcha know!, as is the Giant’s causeway, but there are SOOO many hidden gems among the Isle! The locals are the real treasure, however. Grab a cup of coffee and chat them up...and DO stay at a BnB 🙂
-PJ
Irish American Mom
Hi PJ - "THE most beautiful place on God's earth" - that is high praise indeed for Ireland, and I have to agree with you, though being Irish born, I am a little biased. I've traveled extensively in the US and to many countries, but when the sun shines in Ireland it is a little slice of heaven, and even when shrouded in mists it's still a mystical place. I think what makes Ireland so exceptional is how the scenery changes so dramatically and so quickly. Every bend and twist of the road along the Wild Atlantic Way reveals a new and stunning vista. It has to be seen to be believed. I'm so glad you enjoyed your return visit to Ireland and that the land and people did not disappoint.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your recommendations and tips.
All the best,
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
I don't know if I'll ever make it to Ireland, but these are great tips! If I'm able to go someday, I hope I'll be brave enough to rent a car. Would love the freedom that brings.
Irish American Mom
Hi Cheryl - I hope you're enjoying your summer. I agree, driving in Ireland or any country visited, brings freedom and a license to roam.
All the best,
Mairéad