Republic of Ireland versus Northern Ireland?

Question

I am planning to trip to Ireland, from the US. Would it be cheaper to travel to Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland? And, anyone enjoy either one more than the other?

Answer 1

I live in NI and to be honest I would prefer the republic. Theres just so much more to see and do. I also find the people down south more friendly and easier to get along with. I would recommend, however, that you visit Belfast as it is steeped in so much history.

Cost wise, it may be cheaper to travel to the south at the minute due to inflation in the UK (which NI is a part of), but on the whole, Ireland isnt really that cheap to visit.

Be warned, if youre planning to hire a car the cost of a gallon of petrol in NI equates to $11 usd and the south is around $9.80 usd.

Answer 2

If you want to see the real Ireland, don't go to Dublin. Even my friends who live there say it's nothing like the west, it's such an 'English' city in feel.

Answer 3

Being from Dublin I would be biased in saying VISIT THE REPUBLIC but in all fairness its really expensive here and from my little trips up north they seem to be fairly cheap.

Answer 4

Well I def think it is cheaper and easier to fly into the republic (Dublin and Shannon have a lot of US Flights) The republic is great and there is a so much to do and see for such small country.  Belfast from Dublin a fast train ride and if you have time I really recommend going there, the people are very friendly, there is a lot of different history (due to it being part of the UK) great pubs , and beautiful cities and landscape.  I went traveling to England, Ireland N. Ireland, Scotland and Wales and Belfast was my fav. city, I really love that place and in the end I met my husband (from Belfast) on that trip and ended up living there for 5 years, now we moved back to my home (California) and I am so homesick for N.Ireland (my husband doesn't miss it at all!) Where ever you end up going I hope you have a great time.

Answer 5

I am from Ireland (Dublin).

I would strongly recommend the republic as if you go to northern Ireland it actually isn't Ireland at all- it is part of England.

Because of this you wont experience Irish culture if you do go to northern Ireland. Dublin has some amazing shops and two hours south of here is Waterford which i would highly recommend if you are a clubber! It is also very beautiful at night. I regularly go down there at the weekends.

Dublin has some good night life too but is way over-priced because it is our capital and tourists always go there!

I would recommend taking a drive up the Wicklow Mountains also, 'the sally gap' and 'the wicklow gap' are some of the most amazing views you will ever see, I promise you! I see them every day and it still takes my breath away.

Enjoy you holiday!

Lauren-Monique

Answer 6

2-1

Ole ole ole ole ole ole!

Answer 7

I am from Dublin, Ireland, so of course I shall say the Republic of Ireland! :) I miss my homeland, I'm currently attending Yale University., and about to move to Rome, Italy in order to be with my boyfriend I've met online. Hahaha, it sounds weird, I know.

But back to your question, You shall definitely visit Dublin, everything you could ever imagine is right there in town. :)

Answer 8

Well - I would have to say N. Ireland as I'm very passionate about where I was born  - not sure about the cost in flights etc but I would say try the north first.....lovely friendly people......

Answer 9

Northern Ireland is still part of England, so it's very anglicised and not the real Ireland. The people are much nicer down the south, you'll have a fab time.

Answer 10

The whole island is worth seeing. Those that say the Republic has more to see are usually those with little or no education of the northern counties. There's the Giants Causeway of course, Bushmills Distillery, Antrim Coast Road, Roe valley Country Park, walls of Derry, Sperrin Mountains, Lakes of Fermanagh, Belfast, Mourne Mountains, Armagh and its cathedrals etc etc...

The Republic is quite expensive at the moment but I wouldn't dare say 'don't go there...' just too much to see right across the isalnd - the Burren, Ballyvaughan, Doolin and its music etc etc...just come and have a great time!

Answer 11

It tends to be cheaper to fly into the Republic, but will depend on where you're coming from.  Shannon is a huge airport, many of the European lines like Ryan Air fly into Cork and Dublin.  There's also a lot more to see in the Republic than in NI, but if you do go into the North don't mess the Giant's Causeway!

Answer 12

the north is far cheaper but the Island's not that big, why not just travel around? maybe base yourself somewhere on the border, it would be a bit awkward with currency though.

Answer 13

You can get non stop flights to Ireland if you use Air Lingus. I took one out of Chicago and went straight to Dublin. Normally the most visited places in Ireland are to the south in the Republic of Ireland (Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Waterford Crystal Factory, The Burren, Crough Patrick, Ring of Killarney and much much more). But Northern Ireland has some great places as well. This much I can tell you...no matter how many pictures you take of Ireland you will NEVER do it justice...it is awesome. If you'd like to see some pic or like a list of must see's and do's just let me know.

MONK

My pic is me on top of Crough Patrick

Answer 14

The republic of ireland uses the euro , northern ireland used the uk pound, for an american the euro is better value than the pound, so the republic by virtue of the exchange rates.

Answer 15

L.Monigue is right. Northern Ireland is part of Uk so its so different to the Irish southern Ireland.