Planning a solo journey to a overseas nation is usually a daunting process. Significantly, if it’s your first worldwide journey alone. There are often just a few ideas that play by means of our minds earlier than leaping on the airplane. We query our security, the language, transport, the folks and naturally issues to do. Fortunately, solo journey in Eire isn’t solely completely protected, however additionally it is one epic journey.
This visitor submit is written by Laura Barton, an Irish content material creator who’s captivated with journey, the nice outdoor, and discovering new cultures. Being primarily based in Dublin, Laura certain is aware of what she’s speaking about! (And wish to learn extra on touring solo in different cities and international locations? Learn my posts right here!)
Why You Ought to Go on a Solo Journey to Eire
I wished to kick begin this submit with 10 explanation why it is best to guide a solo journey to Eire. As native, I hope to deliver to you some insider suggestions that can assist your first go to to Eire be further particular.
1. The locals are pleasant.
In Eire, you’ll meet among the most welcoming folks on this planet. The Irish are recognized for his or her laid-back angle, pleasant encounters, and willingness to assist others. It’s essential to notice that they are often extraordinarily sarcastic, however need nothing greater than to “have amusing” and to create enjoyable recollections.
If you end up in want of assist in your journey to Eire, don’t be afraid to show to a neighborhood. They’d be very happy to level you in the correct course. Simply ready to cease for some time as a result of the Irish are a chatty bunch.
2. There are many different vacationers.
Eire is a well-liked vacation spot to many. Which means you might be sure to stumble upon fellow solo vacationers as you benefit from the stunning surroundings of the Emerald Isle. Individuals journey from everywhere in the world to catch a glimpse of the enduring Cliffs of Moher. Or, have a sip of Guinness in a conventional Irish pub as they swap journey tales from across the globe.
Regardless of the place you find yourself on the island, you might be certain to make recollections that can final a lifetime.
3. Public transport in Eire is straightforward to make use of.
Among the best issues about Eire is the nation’s dimension. It’s attainable to get from one finish of the nation to the opposite in below 6 hours. Eire additionally has a improbable community of trains, buses, and boats (sure boats, you’d be shocked how usually you might use them).
The Leap Card has pay as you go a tap-on tap-off system that can be utilized on bus providers in most cities and a few main cities. It’s a good way to preload your transport price range onto a card earlier than touring.
4. There are inexpensive day journeys, particularly from Dublin.
The one drawback with Eire’s public transport is it typically solely runs between cities and main cities. Subsequently, these on the lookout for a extra “distant” really feel to their journey must look elsewhere. The excellent news is Eire typically has some fairly inexpensive day journey choices.
All it means is that you could nonetheless go to some bucket listing locations comparable to Glendalough, the Giants Causeway or the Cliffs of Moher with out having to depend on public transport. Day journeys from Dublin are the most well-liked amongst vacationers adopted by these from Galway, Cork, and Belfast. Day journeys are additionally an incredible alternative for solo vacationers because it supplies them with the chance to make mates as they journey across the nation.
5. There are some straightforward meals choices for these on a price range.
There is no such thing as a denying it, Eire is an especially costly nation, particularly when planning to spend just a few days exploring it. Nonetheless, there are just a few methods to maintain the fee down.
As a substitute of consuming heavy restaurant meals every day, think about shopping for from native “chippers” aka fish and chip retailers or meals vans. Meals vans have gotten relatively fashionable in the previous few years and are typically fairly inexpensive. Additionally they don’t all the time have to be unhealthy.
If you happen to plan to remain in hostels most may have a communal kitchen the place you possibly can cook dinner your individual meals decreasing your value considerably.
6. English is the principle language…nicely, type of!
Once you arrive in Eire you’ll discover there are two languages all over the place, English and Irish. English, nonetheless, is essentially the most extensively spoken language on the island.
Irish remains to be used all through the nation on street indicators, on public transport, and simply normally. Don’t fear although, English is the principle spoken language so you should have no drawback speaking. (As an Irish particular person it’s good to see our language nonetheless getting used and I find it irresistible when vacationers discover it.)
7. There are many hostels.
Staying in hostels might be essentially the most cost-effective method to solo journey. It’s additionally a good way to make new mates who’re additionally backpacking Eire alone. Fortunately, Eire has hostels everywhere in the nation, even in among the extra distant areas that you could be not count on to see them.
8. The nation isn’t so huge.
The nation’s dimension is one other nice cause to prepare solo journey to Eire as you’ll greater than doubtless constantly stumble upon the identical folks time and time once more. Most vacationers base themselves alongside Eire’s Wild Atlantic Approach route or in Dublin.
Subsequently, don’t be shocked in case you stumble upon a well-recognized face or two whereas on the street. You by no means know they might change into lifelong mates.
9. Eire is protected to solo journey.
Eire is a comparatively protected place to journey round. The individuals are pleasant and would look out for anybody who appears to be like like they might be in hassle. Nonetheless, with that being stated, like in all international locations, it’s essential to have your wits about you when touring alone.
Eire has considerably of a consuming tradition, particularly when vacationers come over, as consuming within the pubs is ranked one of many prime issues to do in Eire. And whereas an evening in town is all the time an excellent little bit of “craic” (aka enjoyable), it is very important drink solely a accountable quantity much more so if you find yourself touring solo (listed here are some solo journey security suggestions!).
10. Eire is gorgeous!
So, quantity 10 on the listing for causes to solo journey in Eire is nicely, as a result of it’s stunning. So, technically this level will be on any Eire journey listing nevertheless it’s nonetheless an essential one to make.
Eire’s surroundings is bound to take your breath away with each nook you flip. Whether or not you intend to spend your time in Eire alongside the Wild Atlantic Approach, or uncover Eire’s Hidden Hearthlands, or perhaps even exploring the Historic East, one factor is for sure: you’ll fall in love with the nation’s awe-inspiring magnificence.
That’s a promise!
Questions You Could Have Earlier than Your Solo Journey to Eire
Now that we now have established the highest explanation why it is best to guide a solo journey to Eire, I wished to deal with some questions you’ll have previous to reserving your journey.
What ought to I pack for my solo journey to Eire?
Packing for Eire isn’t a straightforward process, which is why it is very important have a strong Eire packing listing earlier than jetting off in your journey. If I needed to choose 5 issues you need to deliver on a visit to Eire, I’d say:
- A water-resistant jacket
- Snug strolling sneakers
- Health club/leisure clothes (most actions are outdoor)
- A journey adapter
- Transportable charger
When is one of the best time to solo journey to Eire?
The Irish climate is usually a little bit of an fascinating topic, as a result of, nicely nobody has fairly discovered the way it works. I can nonetheless advise you on one of the best occasions to go to primarily based on the “typical” climate developments however take the following pointers with a pinch of salt as a result of the Irish climate does what it needs, regardless of the season.
Typically talking, June is the month with essentially the most solar. In fact, this may change from yr to yr however I solely keep in mind as soon as when Eire didn’t have not less than one week of sunshine in June.
September is a superb month to go to as a result of all the kids have returned to highschool and the vacationer sights are far much less busy. The climate remains to be pretty first rate for Irish requirements and there’s a good breeze to maintain you cool within the night occasions.
I like Eire within the winter months, notably when the streets are stuffed with Christmas lights and everyone seems to be strolling round with the largest smiles upon their faces. There may be simply one thing particular about Eire in the course of the holidays.
What are one of the best issues to do in Eire as a solo traveler?
Eire is dwelling to among the most stunning surroundings on this planet and there are literally thousands of guidebooks on the highest issues to see and do. As a neighborhood, I wished to share with you a few of my favourite spots across the nation which might be rather less visited.
Discover the Aran Islands
This can be a group of islands situated off the coast of Galway. Considered one of my favourite issues to do in Eire is spending the day on a motorcycle exploring any three of the islands.
Bikes will be rented from 13 euros per particular person, permitting you to discover all of which the Islands have to supply, from hovering cliffs, a hidden wormhole, or a shipwreck made well-known by fashionable Irish TV present Father Ted.
Experience the Cable Automobile on Dursey Island
Step aboard Eire’s solely cable automotive (in case you are courageous sufficient) and dangle alongside the Wild Atlantic Approach. The Cable Automobile results in Dursey Island in West Cork. It’s a fashionable vacation spot for many who have a way of journey and like to discover.
See the Cliffs in Slieve League
The Cliffs of Moher are essentially the most well-known cliffs in Eire however what many individuals don’t understand is the nation is dwelling to a number of extra cliffs which might be simply as magnificent. One favourite is the Slieve League in County Donegal. It’s attainable to benefit from the day exploring the gorgeous surroundings of Slieve League with solely a fraction of the folks current on the Cliffs of Moher.
These are just a few issues in retailer for you once you go to my nation. A solo journey to Eire is unquestionably one thing you’ll keep in mind!
