Planning the trip of a lifetime to Ireland? Here are our 5 favourite Irish travel experiences.
Ireland is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world - and it's one of our personal favourites as well! I've traveled to Ireland four times now, in visits ranging from 24 hours to an entire summer, and each time I always discover something new that makes me fall in love with the country all over again.
But I also get frustrated with some traditional images of Ireland. There is so much more to the country than wild parties in Dublin's Temple Bar or jam-packed castle visits! Here are five Irish travel experiences we always look forward to that reflect the real heart and soul of the country. Updated 2021! We've never had a hotel quite like this one. Would you stay at the EasyHotel Victoria in London?As we stood basking in the neon glow of the electric orange paint, key card in hand, I shot Ryan a sharp look. “Promise me”, I said, “Promise me that whatever’s behind this door you’ll give me your usual, cheerful ‘Oh, now this isn’t so bad!’”.
With a whoosh, we slid the key card through the slot and stepped into our hotel room. Ryan’s face fell. “Oh”, he said flatly, “This isn’t so bad?” And with that dubious and doubtful start we began the first of four days inside an EasyHotel, the EasyHotel Victoria in London. Updated for 2021!! 2 People, 2 Days, $200 - Is Extreme Budget Travel in London Possible?One of my favourite travel adventures is a $200 Challenge. In both the northern mountains of Vermont and in Canada’s legendary Algonquin Park we've challenged ourselves to see if two people could comfortably travel for two days and spend just $200. It's ultra frugal travel at its finest. In both cases, we've had outstanding trips, learned a lot of financial lessons, and gained fresh motivation to attempt this challenge in new locations.
After two camping related challenges it was time to try something new. It was time for a place with a real bed and hot running water! Could that place be London? Everyone want cheap travel in London? But is it really possible? Budget travel, London style, was going to test all of my travel skills. Dream of planning a trip to Ireland? You're not alone! These pictures of travel through the Emerald Isle will have you wishing every day was St. Patrick's Day - Lá Fhéile PádraigSt. Patrick's Day was originally recognized in the 17th century to commemorate the arrival of Christianity and Saint Patrick in Ireland. Through the years, it has morphed into a celebration of the history and culture of the Emerald Isle. In honour of this festive day, here is a Irish travel photo essay containing 35 pics from Dublin, through Limerick, to the Cliffs of Moher, and back again. Every photo may be clicked on to enlarge. Enjoy!
Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhaoibh! Updated in 2022! Around the corner from Trinity College and Molly Malone is a Dublin travel secret...in plain view. ![]() Sequestered at the corner of Trinity College and College for my final days in Dublin, I planned on doing a lot of writing and a lot of neighbourhood exploration. This tourism mecca, home of the famous Molly Malone statue, would surely be the perfect location for another 200 meter challenge. When you travel to Dublin it seems that all paths lead to Trinity. While O’Connell Street is the most significant street, it seems like every bus I take, every path I walk, every sign I follow leads me to this bustling corner in the city center. I’m certainly not alone. Hundreds of thousands tourists converge on this part of Ireland every year, eager to see the fabled Book of Kells, Molly Malone, and many other nearby attractions. Surely, amid this well-trodden tourism path there would be a little nook or cranny worthy of the 200 meter challenge. Confident in success of my task, I eagerly took on the challenge the next day, vowing to leave no pub or park unturned until I found my prize. Planning a golf trip to Ireland? Adare Manor is the ultimate Irish golf holiday.
Taking the back roads through County Limerick with my tour guide, and navigating all of the twists and turns like a local, I was taken aback by the simple beauty of the Irish countryside. But today wasn't supposed to be about the scenery. It was all about golf. But as it turns out, it was about the scenery as well!
Look what's hidden just steps from Trafalgar Square! Some of London's best hidden attractions and food are in the heart of the city. Nothing says “London” to me quite like Trafalgar Square. As a student studying in the UK, I had plenty of occasions to be there, visiting the National Gallery (which I absolutely love) and the National Portrait Gallery (which I appreciate but truthfully find a little creepy). The fountains and statues of the square, along with the interesting ‘characters’ – both locals and visitors alike – all contribute to its vibrant energy. I could easily pass a day here, popping in an out of the galleries and sitting by the water, watching the world go by. If you're looking for London's best hidden attractions, start at Trafalgar Square.
I found an incredible bargain at London's most expensive attraction. Updated for 2021 with new pricing!The Tower of London was the first famous tourist attraction I ever set my eyes on. Studying in nearby East Sussex for a semester meant weekly field trips into London for the purpose of visiting galleries, museums, and other historic sites, with plenty of free time on the side. Rolling into London for my very first time, the gloomy and atmospheric Tower loomed in the distance, beckoning me to investigate its secrets and scandals.
So why did it take me over 12 years to visit? Bikes are everywhere in Ireland.Ireland is such a beautiful country; you can find photographic inspiration on every corner. We loved capturing bicycles against so many different backdrops - from modern, bustling street corners in central Dublin, to the outside decor of County Limerick's most famous pub, to the centuries-old stone walls of tiny Bunratty village. We hope you enjoy Ireland's beauty as much as we did!
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