Is there a place in the countryside a Taiwanese woman could safely stay in Ireland?

Question

Not to say that I am different from any other nationality and need more protection or anything! I am 22, from Taiwan but US raised and am interested in visiting Ireland's countryside after seeing P.S. I Love You. It might sound sappy, but that movie really has taken my breath away and I want to experience the culture and drink in the "green" of the land.

I don't want to stay in a crowded tourist area/hotel, so are there empty houses in the country side I might be able to rent for a few weeks?

For those who live there/have visited, how safe do you believe this idea is? Should I bring a friend? Is it okay to walk alone at night?

Thanks to all who have suggestions and ideas.

Answer 1

Hmmm...given that you're basing your idea of Ireland on a movie I'm thinking you may be a little disappointed, the Ireland of the leprechauns is long gone. Even the countryside is becoming rapidly swallowed up by the cities and towns.

Still, if you're really set on the idea there are a lot of people who rent out houses in the countryside to tourists. I should warn you, they won't be cheap, in fact some of them are downright extortionate in the summer months, but if you hunt around a bit then you could get lucky.

'P.S I Love You' was filmed around Dublin and Wicklow (and Los Angeles) so if you're looking to rent a house in Wicklow try this site:

http://www.selfcatering-ireland.com/Wick...

I would also go to tripadvisor: (http://www.tripadvisor.com/) to look at reviews of places before you commit yourself to anything, most of the people renting out houses will be fine, but there are the bad ones too and you don't want to get stuck in some dump of a place, paying high rates.

You will probably be safe enough, the urban areas are worse than the countryside, but in saying that nowhere is 100% safe. I wouldn't particularly advise walking at night, alone or otherwise. Ireland, just like anywhere, has it's fair share of criminals and sexual predators and as is normally the case they are more likely to target strangers. So I think taxis would be your best bet, there's loads about and they're not that expensive. I think your safety is worth the small amount of money.

As regards bringing a friend, I would, for safety, but also for company. Irish people are fairly sociable but I think having someone you know with you will enhance the enjoyment of the trip. it wouldn't be much fun sitting around on your own in a house in the country. Even better would be if you could get a few people to go, there's plenty of entertainment in ireland and it's a fun place to socialise.

So there we go, hope I haven't put you off or anything, Ireland is a great place, if you treat it like you would anywhere else as regards dangers and other factors you should be fine. Hope you enjoy it, and watch out for those leprechauns, they bite really hard! lol! :)

Answer 2

There are a LOT of self catered cottages out in the Irish countryside.  We stayed in one called the Fuchsia Cottage near Kilfenora in Co. Clare.  It was a lovely place, rented out by some amazing people, and not far from the Burren (which I highly recommend going to).  We also stayed at one called the Atlantic View Cottage up in Dungloe, Co. Ireland (technically in Falmore, but it's right outside of Dungloe).  The house next door is owned by a LOVELY g*y couple who we just adored.

And I felt totally safe wandering the countryside.

Answer 3

There are plenty of towns to stay in all over Ireland that aren't very crowded and where you can still experience the rural life of the country. I'm not saying that Ireland is very unsafe but I don't personally think that is a good idea for any woman to walk in isolated areas on her own.

Westport has some really nice apartments to rent in the town where you would have your own space but still be able to enjoy the Irish culture.

Answer 4

If you want somewhere that not a hotel and is a bit quieter you should go to Killala. I used to stay in the cottages under the round tower there when i was doing geographical work in the rivers in the west.

Here a link to them

http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/Mayo/Towns/Ki...

It really beautiful there the pictures dont do it justice.

Even I was struck my how beautiful it was and I live in Mayo alot so when I see tourists etc talking about how beautifull the scenery is im usually thinking thats just the the mountains at my house its nothing special but i was impressed with Killala.

You might want to rent a car though.

Answer 5

I was in Wicklow about a month ago and if you plan to go there you won't be disappointed.  It was absolutely beautiful.  I haven't seen the movie you mentioned but I can see why they chose the area.  I thought it was pretty safe there but I would still take a friend-- you will need someone to "ohh and ahh" with!