Planning Trips to Ireland

From LoveToKnow Travel

Shamrocks, limericks, kissing the Blarney Stone, and sitting in a cozy pub with a plate of corned beef and cabbage--makes you feel ready to start planning trips to Ireland, doesn't it? Put on some Celtic music and start planning!

Old Ireland Map

Start Planning Trips to Ireland

The lush, green island of Ireland is rich in history that dates back to 7000 BC. The island, located in the Atlantic Ocean, is divided into two countries. Northern Ireland, with the capital of Belfast, belongs to the United Kingdom. The southern part of the region known as The Republic of Ireland, is a sovereign state. Her capital is Dublin. There is plenty to see and do in Northern Ireland as well as in The Republic of Ireland.

If you are planning trips to Ireland, you might as well visit both countries. The convenience of going back and forth between the two countries makes travel easy. The border is rarely signposted. Sometimes you may need to show your passport at random checkpoints set up by the police.

  • There is a wealth of history to see in Northern Ireland. Some of the attractions that are popular include:
    • The Navan Centre and Fort in Armagh
    • The Beaghmore Stone Circles in Cookstown
    • The Belfast Castle and Belfast Zoo in Belfast
    • Harry Avery's Castle in Strabane
    • Devenish Island Monastic Site in Enniskillen
Clogher Head
  • The Republic of Ireland has a number of historical places in Dublin:
    • The Dublin Writers Museum
    • Dublinia and the Medieval Viking World
    • The Irish Jewish Museum
    • The James Joyce Museum
    • Drimnagh Castle

The Best Time for Planning Trips to Ireland

May through October are ideal months to visit both The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Although the winters are mild and there is little snow, some of the tourist attractions aren't open during the colder months.

What to Bring

Travel light and wear comfortable clothing for sightseeing. You will also want to bring:

  • A good pair of walking shoes
  • A sweater or light jacket
  • A cap, hat or scarf for the windy castle tours
  • A camera with plenty of rolls of film or a digital camera
  • A small backpack or knapsack to carry water bottles and other items

Traveling to Ireland

Discount airfares can be found at the Aerlingus site. Also, cheap international airfare is available if you are willing to book a charter flight, use a travel agent, or go off-season.

You will need a passport to travel to either Irish land. Plan ahead if you don't have one or if yours needs to be renewed. Obtaining a passport can take up to six weeks.

When You Arrive

The Republic of Ireland is serviced by these main airports:

  1. Dublin Airport
  2. Belfast International Airport (Aldergrove)
  3. Cork International Airport
  4. Shannon Airport

When you arrive in Northern Ireland, you will land in one of these airports:

  1. George Best Belfast City Airport
  2. Derry Airport
  3. Galway Airport
  4. Kerry Airport (Farranfore)
  5. Ireland West Airport (Knock)
  6. Sligo Airport

Traveling Within the Countries

The Rail Travel system is an easy way to get around. If you choose to go off the beaten path and to remote areas, renting a car is a good idea. Remember that you will be driving as you do in Great Britain and in Japan--on the left side of the road. Taxis are economical for short distances. Northern Ireland also has the Ulsterbus and Metro Bus, reliable public transportation sources. Dublin has the Dublin Bus system.

Places to Stay

Ireland has four types of accommodations.

  1. Guesthouses
  2. Bed and Breakfasts
  3. Hotels
  4. Self Catering

Except for the bed and breakfasts, which are establishments owned and operated by individuals, the rest are rated on the star system. The more stars, the more services and facilities the place has to offer. Five stars, of course, being the best.

Self catering can mean renting anything from an executive apartment to a county cottage.

Summary

If you spend enough time planning well, and planning ahead, you will be sure to have an enjoyable trip to the island of Ireland. Take plenty of pictures so you will have them to look at and share with others.


 


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