If I come to Ireland on holiday, where should I go to stay away from the tourists, and what time of year?

Question

I don't want to be in a tourist trap, and I want to experience life as a local. Don't really want to stay in a large hotel. Any suggestions would be great!

Answer 1

impossible!! ireland is the ultimate tourist trap!! i joke....sorta....stick to the west of ireland...lil villages in Galway or Mayo...hav u got ne irish friends u cd house swap with?? if not, b&bs all de way!!

Answer 2

Bed and Breakfasts are better, especially if family-run. Most smaller villages don't have the large hotels anyway. Pick a place on the map and google it, there is likely to be a B&B there.

Answer 3

Definitely stay in a B&B and go in the off season, much nicer. The Summer is when most visit. I can't say that you will experience it as a local, depending on the length of your stay, but staying out of the touristy spots like Temple Bar will give you a more regular view. Visit smaller towns, not just the cities.

Most cities have their tourist traps - just figure out the areas that are being hyped the most - and go elsewhere.

Answer 4

Anywhere along the coast will be crawling with tourists from May to September. I'd recommend somewhere in Cork, a small place like Carricknavar, or Glenville, Rathcormac or Watergrasshill, all in the same area North of Cork city, and a B&B to stay in. If you meet another tourist there they have lost their way or they are Americans in search of their roots. The people are welcoming and really nice, the only problem is to understand their brand of English.

The best time in my view is spring, or if you want to have the occasional sight of and swim in the sea, late September, when we often get a spell of nice, dry weather.