The Emerald Isle is a very popular vacation spot. There are many Americans that are descended from Irish immigrants who want to go back to their roots and experience Irish culture in a way that they never could in the US, there are others who have no lineage but love the easy-going nature of the Irish and love the culture there.
Whatever the reasons for its popularity, it can be overcrowded and takes a lot of the fun away from a visit there. Cross and lines are the norm when visiting popular sites. Even trying to find unique gifts from Ireland can be a challenge when the souvenir shops are all too crowded.
Luckily, there are many ways to avoid those crowds and get the most out of a vacation to Ireland. In this article, we will give you several tips that will help you have a great vacation in Ireland.
1 – Go to Belfast
Dublin is the most popular area for many visitors heading to Ireland. They want to get a pint of Guinness at the Temple Bar area and get a traditional Irish breakfast. Dublin is a big city but it is also populated so it can be very crowded on a normal day. During the height of the tourist season, it can be unbearable.
The best thing to do is head up to Belfast as it sees a fraction of the tourists that Dublin does and has all of the charms. There are plenty of traditional pubs where you can get a good pint and even witness a seisiún which is a jam session of traditional folk musicians.
Prices are also much lower so you will get more bang for your buck there. There are lots of points of interest such as the Titanic museum since the ship was built there. The Cathedral Corner neighborhood has all the atmosphere you are looking for at Temple Bar but none of the crowds so it is actually much better.
It can make a nice day trip from other points in Ireland or can even serve as a base from which you take day trips.
2 – Go in the offseason
Summer is the peak season for obvious reasons so that is when things are going to be the most crowded. Although the weather in the offseason is not going to be as potentially nice as the summer, it may not be much worse, either.
For instance, it can rain even in the summer which you will need to be prepared for. Going in the fall when rain is expected means that you won’t have to worry about plans being ruined by it.
Winter is very mild by the standards of many Americans and Canadians. There is very rarely any snow, and the temperature rarely gets below 40°F. It can be wet and rainy, however. Which gives the perfect excuse to sit in a pub all day and warm yourself by the fire and listen to traditional Irish music.
The only thing to keep in consideration is that many bed and breakfasts may be closed in the offseason. With Airbnb and hotels open you shouldn’t have trouble finding lodging, however. The winter is also when the flights and hotels will cost the least so if you are on a budget this is also a good reason to go in the offseason.
3 – Head to Donegal
The Irish countryside is famous for its lush green and rolling hills and stark coastline. One of the most popular spots with tourists to take this is to go to the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are certainly one of Ireland’s most iconic sites. If you visit them during the peak season, they lose a bit of their luster due to the crowds. Unless you can go in the offseason, then a trip to Donegal is a better option if you want to see the stunning coast.
In Donegal, you’ll find the Slieve League Cliffs which are actually taller by over 1,000 feet and are just as dramatic. The best part is that they are far less visited. It’s partly because they are not as famous, but they are also at the furthest spot in the northwest of the country which keeps them off of the beaten path.
There is even a Star Wars spot that fans are always on the lookout for in Donegal at Malin Head. While many fans will be found at Skellig Head in the Ring of Kerry and jostling to take the perfect picture, you can have the hideaway of Luke and Rey to yourself.
4 – Cape Clear Island
Aran Island is famous for its remoteness and the iconic Irish fisherman’s sweater as well as its vibrant Gaeltacht community. However, it seems far less remote when you are there with thousands of other tourists. Instead, try Cape Clear Island to get off the beaten path and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Irish island.
There is still a thriving Gaeltacht community there which is one of the primary draws of the Aran Islands. In fact, there is a storytelling festival in September that makes it a must-visit area if you love the Irish gift of gab and that distinctive brogue. What also sets it apart, however, is not just that there are fewer crowds, but also the best weather in Ireland. If you go during the summer season you can enjoy the sunniest spot in Ireland and not have any of the accompanying crowds.
5 – Visit a distillery
Visiting the Jameson Distillery is on the radar of just about every traveler to Ireland. The Teeling Distillery is not, however, so you can avoid the crowds and get a more authentic experience if you love Irish whiskey. As a bonus, you’ll also save some money since the prices are much lower than at the Jameson Distillery. It’s located in central Dublin so you don’t have to travel far to go for a visit.
