Who has been to Ireland and what is your tips/best advice?

Question

I am planning a trip something within the next year or so and i was wondering if anyone had tips/travel advice or precautions to aknowledge before i go.

Answer 1

Went to Sligo and Dublin so far.

First trip in 2004, I loved Sligo so much I moved there a year later. Would have loved to have stayed but alas, back home in Belgium now. if you need advice on lodgings or places to go, email me - I love the place and after living there for 7 months, I know a few nice places around there by now.

Not too fond of Dublin though - feels too big and crowded for my liking. If you like big cities though, go to Dublin - just remember to book a hostel in advance, especially during high season. You do NOT want to be stuck trudging your suitcase along from hostel to hostel at 11PM trying to find a place to sleep! (been there, done that, never again!)

Oh, forgot to mention Clonakilty, county Cork. Tiny town, really extra-friendly people (all of Ireland has friendly people, but there they were still more friendly), painter's paradise. Nice enough, only i didn't stay long enough to tell you much about it - worked there for about three weeks in October 2007, then went back to Sligo when I lost my job.

Answer 2

Take an umbrella, a raincoat and some boots that are suitable for walking in the mud. There's a reason they call it the Emerald Isle, and that's because it does tend to rain a lot.

Ireland gets a lot of tourists, so it's pretty well set up to handle them. There isn't really a lot to be worried about apart from the obvious safety considerations anywhere (don't go too close to the cliff edges, avoid drunken men lurking home from the pub down dark alleyways, etc).

Depending on where you come from, you might find Irish food a bit stodgy and greasy. They do like to fry everything. And the emphasis does seem to be on meat and potatoes especially when you eat out, so visit the supermarkets to get yourself some fruit and salad vegetables to balance up your diet.

Answer 3

Limerick city has some great cafes and restaurants, as well as a thriving arts scene. Basing yourself in or near Limerick is a good idea, as the rates are less than other places, there are plenty of options to choose room regarding accommodation, and the counties around are well worth visiting, and you're less than 2 hours from Cork by car if you decide you want to go there for a day.

Answer 4

Just saw a post saying that we fry most of our food.  Try to avoid eating at tourist spots, generally horrible and overpriced (as in America and everywhere else) you'll find great restaurants and cafes in most cities and towns.  To that poster, it's offensive and ignorant to generalise like that.  If you want to find genuine Irish souvenirs, try googling craft galleries and shops before you go.  Most of the touristy ones are full of c**p that's made in China.  You can get gorgeous pottery, jewellery etc for much more reasonable prices in loads of places.

Answer 5

shop  around  for  value  accommodation  .................lots  of  site s on  the   internet.  come   witha  friend  if  u   can  .

www.discoverireland.com

places  to  visit.dublin  city  bus  tour

wicklow   ...........................................

killarney  .great  scenery

  good  luck

Answer 6

Same tips and advise as anywhere you go:  use a money belt, be careful, be prepared.  

No matter where you go in Ireland, you will be in a beautiful place.  I've never been anywhere like it.  Just go prepared for rain and you won't be disappointed.