Hello all! I am considering a trip to Ireland from 12/15-1/4. I will be travelling solo (male-mid 30s), and have so so many questions! a.)Is this a good idea? Will the native people be friendly? b.)I am a fly by the seat of my pants type of traveller- usually I never make reservations- but over the holidays- I'm concerned that I may not have anywhere to sleep! c.)Rent a car/depend on buses/trains? I have heard terrible things about driving in Ireland. d.) I am definitely not a tourist- I would much prefer hanging out in a small town off the beaten track, meeting locals, and experiencing the reality of the country- not tourist destinations.
e.)any tips/ideas/comments are welcome! Thanks all!
Posted by
Atlanta
1358 posts
a) yes and yes Ireland has some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. b) I'd at least call/email ahead and see about rooms, even if it's just the day before. A lot of places will be full, some mom & pop places close up for the winter. c) depends on where you're going. It'll probably be cheaper for 1 to train/bus it.
d) there won't be as many tourists in most places at that time of year as, say, over the summer, so you'll have a better chance of meeting locals no matter where you go.
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
a.)Ireland is one of the best countries to travel solo. Locals are quite nice & generally very helpful with suggestions on places to visit that may not be mentioned in any guidebooks. b.)Tourist Information offices in cities or larger towns can often assist you with lodging if you are having a difficult time finding a room, but do keep in mind during the holidays the best rooms book in advance & smaller B&Bs may close up completely.
c.)It's cheaper to travel by bus or train as a solo traveller, but the train system in Ireland is not extensive by any means. And as you mention you prefer small towns off the tourist track, you would do better with a rental car as you are at the mercy of spotty or even non-existent public transit to get around for sightseeing during the holidays. If you are driving, keep in mind that estimated driving times should be increased by at least 20-25%. There are not many major roadways in Ireland, signage in the countryside is frequently missing, back roads are narrow and you often run into delays (slow moving farm equipment, flocks of sheep blocking a road, heavy traffic and roadway construction outside of major cities, etc.). d.) While most of Ireland's scenic charms lay in the countryside, don't assume small towns are the only place you can "meet locals, and experience the reality of the country". I think many Americans have an antiquated vision of the Irish and expect every place they go to ooze "authentic" Irishness with traditional music piped in and all the locals wearing tweed or hand knit sweaters while they drink pints of Guiness. The reality of today's Ireland is that you are just as likely to find half a rural village teaming with newly transplanted Brazilian immigrants or a young Dubliner wearing Dolce & Gabbana jeans and sipping a Michelob.