Ireland

Eco-friendly travel guide to Ireland advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Ireland, Europe.

View of Dublin

Air quality: 4 / 5

Bus connections: 3.5 / 5

Train connections: 3 / 5

Hitchhiking: 3 / 5

National parks: 3.5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 4 / 5

Safety: 3.5 / 5

Accommodation: US$20 - $500

Budget per day: US$50 - $700

Responsible Travel

Ireland is one of the most popular countries in the world that is loved by tourists and visited very often to explore the culture and famous attractions. This country is an island located in the North Atlantic. St George’s Channel, North Channel, and the Irish Sea separate this country from Great Britain. This island country comes in 20th position for being the largest on Earth, 3rd largest island in Europe, and 2nd largest island in the British Isles. More than 7 people stay in this country and receive a vast number of tourists every year.

This country is also known as the Republic of Ireland, which is also very popular for being one of the wealthiest countries in the world. As popularity is very high in the country, the crowd of the country will amaze you. There are some of the places in the country that are famous all around the world for natural beauty and others. You will hear some of the historical stories about the country that will help you to understand the people very well. Apart from that, the museums and historical monuments help you to witness some of the original historic artifacts and others.

However, these are not the only things that attract tourists from different corners of the country. The culture and traditions of the country are also playing a very important role in making the country special and attractive. There are some things that you need to keep in mind while traveling to this country. As an eco-friendly traveler, it will help you and the country to stay healthy and clean.

After exploring the different places of the country, you will need some rest to get your energy back. The best way to do that is by visiting the city parks that will help you to both get close to nature and enjoy some quiet time. As an eco-friendly traveler, visiting the parks in the city will help you a lot to enjoy the green and inspire the local people to visit them and keep them alive. Some of these parks are a great recreational spot for the kids. You will be able to get very fresh air in these city parks as they are surrounded by lush green
After reaching the country, you do not have to look much for getting accommodation. The country is a very well known travel destination around the world that will help you to get a lot of accommodation options available. However, you need to both ensure a comfortable stay and keep the country clean from pollution and waste. The best way to do that is by choosing to stay in green hotels. There are plenty of green hotels available that you can choose to stay in the country. It will help the environment of the country a lot as they use green methods
Just like accommodation, you will get a lot of options available for choosing the transportations to move around. Most of them are operated using fuel and release smoke that pollutes the air. So, you can choose eco-friendly options that will both give you a very good traveling experience and keep the city out of pollution. Some of the eco-friendly options that you will get in this country are electronic cars, cycles, e-bikes, and others. You can also choose to travel the country by walking around if you have enough time available in your hand
One of the best ways to explore the culture and traditions of the country is by visiting the traditional restaurants and trying the foods. There are plenty of traditional restaurants available in the country that you can choose to get the best food experience. However, the street food delicacies of the country are also a major part of the culture. Make sure to visit the lanes and try out all the different street foods at low prices. It will both help you to save a lot of money and support the small sellers as well
You will find a lot of small shops and stalls available during your trip to the country. These shops will help you a lot to get different items available at a very low price. Some of them are great souvenirs that will help you to carry the culture back with you. Also, most of the small sellers and shops are dependent on tourism. So, it will help the sellers a lot to get some support to keep providing the best things to customers

Air Quality and Pollution

Keeping your health well is the topmost priority during the trip to any destination. There are plenty of things that you will need to check for keeping your health in a good state before the trip and one of them is the air quality. If the air is polluted or low quality, then it can cause a lot of interruptions for you and even ruin the tour. So, before going out and starting your tour, make sure to know the air quality of Ireland. The air quality of Ireland is very good compared to all the other states of the European Union.

However, the country is struggling very much to maintain the good air quality in the country. The number of deaths is increasing every year due to air pollution and most of them due to cardiovascular issues. You will be able to breathe freely in this country as most of the areas are pollution-free. However, it is best to carry some of the things with you to stay safe such as masks and medicines.

There are some areas, where the air might not be that good. So, taking precautions is very important to stay safe and healthy. If you have some conditions like asthma or breathing problems, then it is best to visit a doctor. The doctor will help you to stay safe and explore the country without any interruption. Before visiting any part of the country, you can take the help of online services to know the air quality.

Respect the Culture

One of the major things that you need to keep in mind while visiting any destination is that it is not only popular for having beautiful locations and famous attractions. You will be able to see a lot of cultural and traditional differences from your home country that will amaze you. Ireland is one of the best countries that will help you to experience the culture and traditions very well. Some of the special things about the culture of Ireland is music, folklore, art, literature, language, food, and others.

Some of the traditions are available among the people of this country that has been maintained for a long time. You will see a lot of cultural influence of the Scottish culture, Anglo-Norman, and English culture in this country. To get the best cultural experience, make sure to visit all parts of the country very well. From foods to clothes, you can explore all the different parts of the country if you have enough time available. There are many places that will help you a lot to know about the culture of the country.

Most of the people you will come across are Irish around 84.6%, more than 1.3% of people are Muslim and the rest are from different religions. Apart from that, you can also visit the country at the time of festivals that will help you to both learn about the culture and witness some of the old traditions. There are plenty of museums and exhibitions available in the country that can help you to know the details about the cultural details of the local people.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Nowadays you will see that people from different parts of the globe love to visit Ireland. The reason behind this thing is that the country is wonderful and has some beautiful cities. And these places in those cities can live up to your expectations within a very short span of time.

Dublin Castle (Dublin) - This castle is the best and regarded as one of the A-listers in the capital city of Dublin. It has a brief history and tells you about how the British government contributed to the state. Never miss this place because you might not get the opportunity of visiting here again and again.
Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral (Cork) - Believe it or not, but it is a true fact that this cathedral was established in the year 1879. It showcases the full origin of Cork city and informs you of how it was formed. Just try it out and see how special it is for most of the tourists.
Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland (Galway) - As the name suggests this is a national live aquarium of Ireland which is located in Galway. Visit here and get to see some exciting fishes and sea creatures which leave you awestruck. And it also signifies marine life which has a very crucial role. Today if you miss it then tomorrow you can feel sorry about it.
King John's Castle (Limerick) - Actually it is a fortress but the people of the city call it a castle. It was built to save the kingdom from all the outside invaders who wanted to make their own rule. Now if you are interested to know more about it then visit here as soon as possible.
Belfast City hall (Belfast) - This palace is beyond any words and is located in the center of Belfast city. It is responsible for promoting the cultural heritage of the city which is an essential thing to do. Visit here and you would definitely find something very extraordinary and surprising.
House of Waterford Crystal (Waterford) - A house where pure crystals are made and from here they are being sent to the market. Come here and you can get knowledge about crystal makers and their significance in the day to day affairs. In the beginning, you may not find it interesting but later on, you will understand its value thoroughly.
Dominican Black Abbey (Kilkenny) - A holy place where you can come and feel the real presence of God. Get a chance to worship him and wish the best thing for you which can be very valuable. And after doing it you will see that one day it will be fulfilled very soon.
Apprentice Boy's Memorial Hall (Londonderry) - It is a hall that is made in the honor of those martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the war. Their works are still immortal even today and people want to have a very fair idea about them. Make an attempt for it and see how lovely it is.
Highlanes Gallery (Drogheda) - An art gallery where you will get some fabulous paintings and sketches by the most prominent artists. There are no words to express them because you have to have a look at them. And it can be only possible if you come here and see them carefully.
James Fort (Kinsale) - This is an archeological fort where you can get ruins of the early ages. They have some stories which reminisce about bigger things and convey to you something which you might have never known before. Therefore this fort is a must-visit for you as it is found only in your history books.

Dublin Castle

Explore

Now when it comes to exploring the cities of Ireland then what will you do? The answer to this question is simple: visit other places like some city parks and museums. So in this section of the article, we will tell you about those places only.

City Parks

Knockreer Playground (Killarney) - This park is meant for children of every age who want to have more excitement in their life. Bring your children over here and give them a lot of happiness and fun. But if they miss it then no one can help them to find the best place.
Public Green Demesne (Dundalk) - It is the best example of greenery and has more green spaces. You can explore it vividly and get a very different experience which you have never got earlier. Just go for it and you will love it to the fullest.
Mitchel Curley Park (Sligo) - Without any doubt, we can say that this park is meant for playing outdoor games. So you can try a match of cricket or football over here. There is no point in missing it because this scope does not come daily.

National Parks

Irishtown Nature Park (Dublin) - Visit this park and walk in the woods and you would get a serene feeling. It would give you better peace and relaxation which you might have never imagined earlier. Make its fair trial and you will see that you will be free from all your depressions.
Wallace Park (Lisburn) - Although this place is meant for events and functions you can come here for a long walk. From here the scenic views are amazing and they give you a nice pleasure. Therefore, missing it is another name of a silly mistake that should not be done.

Irishtown Nature Park

Beaches

Blackrock (Louth) - The water of this beach is salty and you would be eager to get a bath inside it. Just try to feel it and see how it tells you the real meaning of beauty. Whoever tries it always recommends it to all their beloved persons and friends.
Woodstown Beach (Waterford) - There is not so much information about this beach but you can make an attempt at it. Here you will get some seashells and corals which are good for collection. Try to collect them and they would be your best showpiece.

Landmarks

Talbot's Tower (Kilkenny) - The most important historical landmark which is not like the others. In other words, it means that it is too different and always gives you a feeling of wow. People often say that it is nothing but you have to visit here and decide on your own.

Talbot's Tower

Museums

The Butter Museum (Cork) - In this museum, you would know the full history of butter and how it is sold. Just know about it and you may find some facts which are similar to your everyday lives. And it is guaranteed that after having its exposure you would want to give your positive reviews about it.
Galway City Museum (Galway) - You will notice that this museum is spread all over the internet. It is because here you will get some artifacts of the stones and coins of the 17th century. Everyone loves it and feels like getting absorbed in such a manner that they never want to return back. So make a double tick of it and mark it as a very important place in your travel diaries.

Cork Butter Museum

Eat

As mentioned earlier, food is one of the best ways to know the culture and explore it. There are many tourists available around the country who like to taste different types of foods in a country including the traditional ones. There are plenty of different foods available that you can try in the country. Being an island, you will be able to find a lot of seafood dishes available in the country. Some of the most favorite and popular dishes in this country that you need to try to include Colcannon, black-white pudding, Irish stew, Soda bread, Boxty, smoked salmon, shellfish, and many more. Most of these dishes are available in different cities in Ireland.

However, traditional dishes might change based on different cities. It is best to visit all the parts of the country very well to explore all the different options. Most of the restaurants offer these dishes but some of them are expensive and others are cheap. You need to choose them based on the budget and requirements. Apart from traditional restaurants, you need to try the street foods of the country as well. There are plenty of small shops and stalls available in the country, most of them provide different dishes to the customers at very low prices.

You will help out the local people and small sellers a lot by purchasing food and ingredients from them. If you are vegetarian or want to only eat organic food, then you will get the options available in this country too. In most of the major cities, you will find vegetarian restaurants that do not let you miss out on the traditional dishes. Try to book the tables in these restaurants earlier to ensure getting them available as they tend to get filled very fast and you do not want to wait in line for hours.

Drink

Just like the foods, you will also need to try all the drinks that are available in the traveling destination. Drinks play a very crucial role in the culture and traditions of the Irish people. You can take the help of these drinks to stay without any worries and relax in the country. Some of them will help you to get the lost energy back to explore the country well the next day. These are the drinks that you need to keep on your list of must-try for the best experience such as Irish Coffee, Jameson Whiskey, Bulmers Irish Cider, Redbreast 12, Murphys, Guinness, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and many more.

All of the above-mentioned drinks are available in most of the different parts of this country. You will be able to get a very good experience of having drinks by tasting these unique ones. There are many Irish drinks available that you can get in different areas, and they keep changing based on the city or area. When it comes to drinks, you will be able to get all different types of them available from coffee to alcohol. Try all of them to get the best drinking experience on the beaches or different locations of Ireland.

If you want to get them all available in the same place, then you will need to visit the nightlife of the country that is very popular. You will have a great time in the nightlife of this country and get a wide range of drinks available. From cocktails to soft drinks, you will get drinks available in the different price ranges in these bars, pubs, and nightclubs. You can also carry some of the drinks with you to stay hydrated during your exploration of the country.

Tap-water

If you get sick on your trip, then you will not be able to enjoy exploring the country. So, you will need to take care of your health and know which things are harmful to it. In the list of things that can harm your health, tap water comes in one of the top places. From restaurants to cafes, you will need to if the tap-water is safe to drink before visiting the country. However, you do not have to worry about getting sick when drinking the tap water of Ireland as it is completely safe. According to reports, most of the total population of Ireland drinks tap water.

There are no reports of getting sick or getting ill because of the water. However, there are some of the other people available as well who drink tap water after boiling and filtering it well. If you want to ensure your safety, then you can take the help of filtering devices or boil the water very well to get rid of harmful properties. There are some areas available in Ireland, where the tap water is not completely safe to drink.

You can drink the bottled water there and avoid drinking tap water. Bottled packaged drinking water is available in almost all the shops around the country. You will be able to get them at a reasonable price but make sure to include them in your budget. However, you can use tap water to wash your face or brush your teeth as it is not harmful for small uses. No matter which one you use, try to carry a water bottle with you to get hydrated well during your trip.

Activities

Being a county island, there are plenty of activities available that you can participate in. Some of them attract tourists from all over the world and help to make the country more attractive. You will get a lot of travel options available in this country from famous attractions to museums. You will be able to get a wide range of activities available in the country that will help you to spend your time very well during the trip. Being an island country, you will be able to do a lot of outdoor activities in the country.

From water-based outdoor activities to other ones, you will be able to do all of the different ones here. Some of the most common outdoor activities that you will be able to participate in this country are fishing, kayaking, trekking, snorkeling, rock climbing, scuba diving, and others. Try to visit different areas of the country very well to take part in all these activities.

If you want to visit a place that is quiet, then you can also visit the yoga centers. It will help you to improve your health and get away from all the crowd. As the local people of the country love to take care of their bodies, you will find a lot of yoga centers available. All of these activities will help you to spend your time very well and get a very good experience during your trip.

Accommodation

Being a popular tourist destination, you will be able to get a lot of options available for accommodations. There are some of the best accommodation options available in Ireland that range from cheap to very expensive. You will be able to get a lot of facilities available based on the price. You will need to choose accommodation in Ireland based on your budget and staying duration. If you are staying for a long time in the country, then you will need to choose accommodation at a low price.

In many areas of this country, you will not be able to get all the accommodation options available. If you want to stay in the country without harming your health and polluting the environment, then green hotels are the best option for you. It will both help you and the country very much to stay clean and out of waste. However, this is the list of most chosen accommodations by travelers around the world visiting Ireland.

It will help you to know the details about all of the different accommodation options and help you to choose yours. No matter which one you choose for your stay, It is best to book the rooms very early to ensure it as the rooms tend to get full very early. Also, try to book accommodation in the middle of the city to get connected to different areas. Here are some of the accommodations that you can choose for your stay.

Green Hotels

One of the best options that you can choose to stay in the country is by choosing green hotels. All around the world, travelers are choosing to stay in green hotels to improve air quality. These hotels are getting very popular in the world for improving the climate. You will be able to get a lot of popular green hotels available in different price ranges. From cheap to very expensive, you will be able to get different options available with a variety of facilities. By staying at the green hotels, you will be able to get all the benefits provided by green sources such as recycled water, solar energy, and others.

Based on your price, you will be able to get a lot of green hotels available in different cities in Ireland. If you are thinking about staying in green hotels, then it is best to book the rooms as early as possible. These green hotels tend to get booked very early by travelers. You can take the help of online services to book these hotels easily and stay very well in the country. If you are thinking of staying for a short time, then green hotels are the best option for you.

Hostels and Guest Houses

If you are thinking of staying for a long time in the country, then hostels and guesthouses are the best choices for you. You will be able to get all the different facilities available in this country that is offered by the green hotels but from a lower range. There are some of the expensive ones available in the country that come with higher facilities compared to hotels. Make sure to book the hostels and guest houses as early as possible to ensure the room for your stay. There are places available in Ireland, where you might not be able to get any green hotels available but guesthouses and hostels are available there.

The best thing about staying in the hostels is you will be able to lower the price of the room by sharing it with other travelers or people. The room sharing option is almost available in all the hostels. It is best to book the guesthouses in the middle of the cities or side of the beaches that will help you a lot to get the best staying experience. You can take the help of online websites to book the hostels or guesthouses a lot early. If you are thinking of staying for more than 2 weeks in the country, then hostels and guesthouses will help you to get flexible options.

Apartments

You might not be able to get any accommodation options available in your travel destination, but there are always apartments that will help you a lot to get the best experience of staying at a low price. Things are pretty the same in Ireland as you will get apartments available in all the corners of the country. While some of them come at a very low price, there are expensive ones available with more facilities. You will get all the basic facilities and benefits available in the rooms of the apartment, even the cheap ones.

However, the best thing about staying at the apartments is that you will be able to witness the culture and lifestyle of the local people up close. As the apartments are also rented by the local people, you will be staying your whole trip duration with them as neighbors. It will help you a lot to know more about them and get close to the people. If you are traveling the country to explore the culture, then apartments are the best options for your stay.

It will not only help you to explore the traditions, lifestyle, culture of the local people. But you might become friends with some of them too. Unlike other accommodation options, you will be able to get them available without booking them. Offline booking is fine to get a hassle-free booking for apartments. However, if you want the rooms ready, then you can take the help of online services too for renting the rooms.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is one of the most used modes of accommodation by tourists that helps them to stay in a country without paying the price. It is a group of travelers who helps other travelers to stay in their home when visiting their home city or country. You will be able to know a lot of different things about them by using online websites. It is best to use online services to find Couchsurfing hosts. You will not only get a shelter to stay but the host will also offer you food and great hospitality.

Luckily, there are plenty of Couchsurfing options available that you can choose to stay in the county. You will need to look for them very early as there is much paperwork associated with them. The best thing about Couchsurfing for staying in the country is that you will be able to witness their culture, traditions, and lifestyle very closely. You will be able to live like a local with a local family.

From foods to clothes, you will be able to get to know all of the little things about them. Most of the hosts also help to give information about the country and help to make the trip more interesting. If you get a Couchsurfing host, then you will not only save the money of accommodation, but It will be one of the privileges of the whole trip to stay with an Irish family and learn about them.

Camping

Camping is a very popular way of accommodation that many travelers prefer during their trip. The price of staying in a camp is almost the same as the hotels or guesthouses but you will get to see a lot of difference in the experience. Camping in Ireland will help you to get an unforgettable memory and adventurous experience. There are plenty of camping spots available in this country that you can choose to camp in. Being an island country, you get the option to stay near the beach as well and get the breeze air of the sea.

Apart from the sea, there are plenty of other locations available that you can choose from for your camping experience. You will need to choose a location based on your preferences. From cheap to expensive, you will be able to get different options available while choosing the camping spots. While some of them provide extra benefits, you will get all the basic benefits available in the cheap camps too.

You will need to book the camps very early to get them available as they get booked by the travelers very fast. Some of them help you to enjoy different views and others help you to get fresh air and outdoor activities. Many camps have different outdoor activity options available such as trekking, hiking trail, rock climbing, and other activities. So, choose very carefully based on your requirements to get an unmatched experience for a lifetime.

Regions

Regions of Ireland

East Coast and Midlands (County Dublin, County Kildare, County Laois, County Longford, County Louth, County Meath, County Offaly, County Westmeath, County Wicklow)
The Irish heartland, home to the capital and vibrant metropolis of Dublin.

Northern Ireland
A home nation of the United Kingdom, covered in its own separate article. Separate from the Republic.

Shannon Region (County Clare, County Limerick, County Tipperary)

Southwest Ireland (County Cork, County Kerry)

West Ireland (County Galway, County Mayo, County Roscommon)
Ireland's least populous region, home to the Irish "Cultural Capital" of Galway and the beautiful Aran Islands.

Northwest Ireland and Lakelands (County Cavan, County Donegal, County Leitrim, County Monaghan, County Sligo)
A region that is growing in tourism activity and has a lot to offer by way of natural beauty.

Southeast Ireland (County Carlow, County Kilkenny, County Waterford, County Wexford)

Cities

Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath) — the capital and the country's largest city. With excellent pubs, fine architecture and good shopping, Dublin is a very popular tourist destination and is the fourth most visited European capital.

The Dublin gardens with Norman Tower

Cork (Corcaigh) — second largest city in the Republic of Ireland - located on the banks of the River Lee. Founded c.600 by St. Finbarre and known for good food, pubs, shopping and festivals.

Sullivan's Quay in Cork

Galway (Gaillimh) — a city on the river Corrib on the west coast of Ireland. Famous for its festivals and its location on Galway Bay.

Killarney (Cill Áirne) — Possibly (at least until recently) the most popular tourist destination in Ireland.

Lakes of Killarney national park

Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) — attractive medieval town, known as the Marble City - home to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, held annually in early June.

Kilkenny

Letterkenny (Leitir Ceanainn) — Main town in County Donegal, designated gateway status and reputed to be the fastest growing town in Europe. Good base for traveling in Donegal.

St Eunan's Cathedral, Letterkenny

Limerick (Luimneach) — a city on the river Shannon in the south-west of the country.

St. Mary's Cathedral, Limerick

Sligo (Sligeach)- Home to W.B. Yeats, internationally renowned poet. Mountains and beaches, scenery in general are the best points of Sligo.

Sligo

Waterford (Port Láirge) — Ireland's oldest city.

Dunmore East Harbour, Waterford

Getting There and Moving Around

Before going out on the trip, you need to know what are the different options available for you to get to the country and move around. From expensive to low budget options are available but you need to choose the mode of transportation based on your available time for the trip. Most of the transportations take a lot of time to reach the destination except flights. When choosing a mode of transportation, it is better to check your location and know the available options. Based on your home location, you might not be able to get all the options available in the country.

You will need to choose an option based on your requirements from the location. Some of them help you to explore different places on the way very well and others do not. When it comes to choosing transportation for moving around, then you need to stay without any worries. There are plenty of transportation options available that you can choose to move around the country.

Most of them are run by fuel that pollutes the air very much with the smoke. As an eco-friendly traveler, you can choose options like a cycle, e-bike, electric cars, and others to move very comfortably without polluting the environment. Some of them will also help you to save a lot of money. You can take the help of online services to book these rides easily without any hassle.

Air

As mentioned earlier, the fastest way to reach any destination is by air. You will be able to get the flights available in most of the countries around the world to reach Ireland. Ireland is very well connected and gets international flights very frequently landed in different airports. If you do not have much time available for the trip, then flights are the best option for you that will help you to reach very fast without any discomfort. Ireland has a total of 5 international airports that connect the country with different corners of the earth.

While it helps you to reach the destination very fast, you need to know there are some of the things that you will not be able to get when traveling by flight. You will not be able to get any views and witness the beautiful places on your way to the country if traveling by flight. All you get to see in the clouds around you and the sea. Flights are also a very good option to travel inside the country from one to another city. If you are traveling to a country with a time limit, then traveling by flight will help you to reach the destination very fast.

More than 10 airports are available in the country that will help you to get to different areas very well. You will get a lot of local flights available frequently that offer online booking facilities. Try to book the air tickets as early as possible as the price of the flights starts to rise with time. If you are booking the flight tickets at the last moment, then you might not be able to get any seats available on the flight.

Dublin International Airport

Bus

While traveling by air is an expensive way of traveling but it helps to reach the destination very fast, traveling by bus will take a lot of time to reach the country but the fare is very low. You will be able to reach Ireland from other countries with the help of bus services. Some of the companies like Ulsterbus and Bus Eireann provide bus services from different countries like Great Britain, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and others. You can choose different bus services to reach the country very comfortably.

However, you need to keep in mind that it will take a lot more time to reach Ireland compared to flights. Also, you will need to have some extra time available on your hand as the traffic can delay you to reach the destination. Unlike flights, you will get to see all the different places on your way to Ireland from waterfalls to side scenes, and make your journey more interesting. If you are traveling from a country that is not connected with Ireland by road, then you will not be able to choose a bus to reach the country.

However, you can choose buses for moving around the country very well. From normal to coach buses, every type of bus is available in this country. The best thing about traveling by bus is that you will be able to get close to the local people. As the local people of the country also choose buses to travel around the country, you will be surrounded by the local people of the country while traveling by bus. It will help you to know the people very well and learn about the culture and traditions of the Irish people.

A bus in Dublin

Train

The train is not the ideal option for you if you are thinking of reaching Ireland as most of the countries are not connected by railway. The railway of Ireland is run by both Northern Ireland Railways and the Irish Rail. There are some of the countries available where the railway is connected but from most of the places, this is not a valid option for reaching Ireland. So, you will not be able to get the unique experience of traveling by train for reaching. However, you can choose to move around the country by train after reaching the country.

In all of the major cities of the country, you will be able to find trains very frequently. The best thing about traveling by train is that it will both help you to save a lot of money and get to your destination faster than a bus. As there is no traffic available when traveling by train, you will be able to get to your destination much faster. However, there are some places that are not accessible by train.

You will need to look for other modes of transportations in those areas. It is best to get the tickets for trains very early or you can be on the waiting list. Traveling by train will help you to get a very unique experience, and you will be able to see different things on your way. Benefits like food and toilets are available on the intercity trains that help you to travel very comfortably.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is the most popular way of transportation that is getting very popular among travelers. Travelers around the world are choosing it to reach their destination as it helps to save a lot of money and get a very adventurous experience. From many countries, you will be able to hitchhike to Ireland but this option might not be available to you if you are traveling from a country that is located far away. As the country is an island, you will not be able to hitchhike and reach. However, you will still get this adventurous experience when moving around the country.

Most of the cities of Ireland are very well connected via road, which gives you the option to travel by hitchhiking. Using it you will be able to reach the destination with the help of lifts from others who are going in the same direction. However, you need to keep in mind that hitchhiking takes a lot of time to reach the destination compared to all the other transportations. As the Irish people are very friendly, you will be able to travel to the country very well without any worries. However, you will be able to get lifts easily if you know which are the best places to get one.

Try to look for lifts in the restaurants, petrol pumps, small shops side of the highway. In these places, the cars slow down and increase the chance of noticing you and get a lift. Some of the things that you need to carry with you on this journey include maps, dry fruits, water, medicines, and others. It will both ensure your safety and keep you healthy during the whole adventure. If you have a lot of time on your hand to explore the country, then this is the perfect option for you that will help you to explore all the different views on your way.

Others

Apart from the mentioned ones, you can choose many other ways of traveling to Ireland. However, most of them are not chosen much by the travelers as they take a lot of time to reach the destination and are more costly than some of the transportations. However, you can get a very unique experience by choosing these options for your journey to Ireland. As Ireland is an island country, you can visit it from many different countries by the water. From boat to ship, there are plenty of options available that will help you to reach the country and give a completely different experience.

It will take a lot of days to reach the country from most of the destinations and you will not be able to enjoy anything else than the sea and water on your way similar to flights. Apart from ships, you can also take help of roads to visit the country. From many countries, traveling by road is possible and will be a lifetime experience for you. If it is not possible from your country, then you can rent a car or bike after reaching Ireland. From one city to another, the roads will help you to boost the entire riding experience.

Rental services are available in almost all the cities of Ireland that will help you to travel to every corner of the country. Also, it will help you to explore different things on your way. You can also choose to visit some of the coastal cities of this country by water. It will take a lot of time to reach them but will help to get a very different experience from the other ones given above. If you are thinking of taking different transportations to reach the country, then make sure to have a lot of time available on your hand. Also, it is better to book the rides or tickets in advance to ensure your seat.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping has changed the meaning of shopping around the world. While people used to buy new things that create a lot of waste after use, people are buying second-hand goods to reduce the waste and pollution of the environment. It is very helpful for both the health of travelers and keeps the country safe. You can also choose sustainable shopping in Ireland and it is one of your responsibilities as an eco-friendly traveler. You will be able to get a lot of second-hand shops, flea markets, food markets available in the country.

As the people of the country are very concerned about the environment, you will be able to get a lot of small shops available in the markets. However, you can still inspire a lot of people who haven't taken the issues seriously in the country by visiting these markets. It will not only help the environment but also the sellers who are selling low price goods. If you want to add some of the rare goods to your collection, then it is best to visit the markets as fast as possible. Most of these items tend to sell out very fast, you will need to visit the flea markets as soon as possible in the morning.

Apart from flea markets, you can also visit the second-hand markets that are very well known for offering different goods at low prices. Most of these goods are as good as the new ones and cleared very well. Buying the goods will not only help you to save a lot of money, but it will also help the sellers as most of them are dependent on tourism. If you are a food lover, then try to include the food markets of the country in your shopping destinations. It will offer you all the local ingredients and secrets of delicious Irish food. There are plenty of food markets, flea markets, and second-hand markets available that you can visit in almost all the cities. Try to make a list to prevent missing a single one of them.

Recycling

Recycling is one of the things that is needed to be the top priority of every country around the world. The climate of the entire world is changing rapidly, which is threatening the environment. So, recycling things is the best way to keep the environment untouched and reduce pollution. Ireland is one of the countries that is trying to recycle goods and waste as much as possible. The country has managed to recycle more than 33% of plastics that are used by the locals. This percentage needs to rise to 50 before 2025 to meet the standards of EU targets.

They are aiming to increase the recycled percentage by 2030 by 55% and reduce the use of plastic once for all. Ireland is one of the countries in the EU that surprised all the other countries. It managed to achieve all the targets that are set by recycling the wastes. During your trip to the country, you will be able to see many recycling plants and initiatives taking place in the country. The government and people of the country are very good at recycling.

You will find a lot of recycled items shops available in the country that offer different goods at a low price. From green hotels to electronic cars, every eco-friendly way of living is available in the country that helps to make the whole process successful. These are not the only ways you can contribute to recycling the goods in this country, you can both help the locals and help other people by inspiring them and making the environment better. Try to use the plastics as low as possible to keep the country safe from pollution.

Waste

Ireland is one of the countries in the EU, where the waste management and recycling process is very good. You will be able to get a very good experience during your trip to the country and notice a lot of initiatives for waste collection. They have successfully suppressed all the targets given by the EU and made the environment better. As the country is separated from the mainland, the pollution percentage is low. From the very beginning, the government and the Irish people came forward to reduce the waste in the country.

So far, they have done a great job at improving the whole waste management. More than 3.2 tonnes of waste is produced in this country per person every year. They have managed to reduce the percentage a lot in the last few years.The low use of plastic in the country helped them a lot to improve the environment and waste management. The government and private companies of this country have taken several steps to improve the overall waste collection.

Household waste collection, recycling the waste, installation of bins in the different parts of the country have helped them a lot to reduce the waste. You will find a lot of options available to reduce the waste as well and help the country. As an eco-friendly traveler, it is one of your responsibilities to motivate the local people by joining tree planting activities, waste collecting activities on the beach, and many more. Try to place all the dumps like food waste, drink waste, and others in the separated bins.

Work and Study Abroad

One of the most important things that also attracts a lot of foreign people in this country is to work and study opportunities. You will come across a lot of people in the country who are staying and studying or staying and working from other countries. The education quality in this country is very good. Ireland offers some of the best study options and universities that are famous around the world. All of the universities, colleges, and schools offer different study courses at a low price. You will not only get courses available in this country, but plenty of jobs are available for the right candidate.

The amazing lifestyle and low living cost of the country help to pursue a career very well. They offer plenty of benefits to the students and workers from other countries that help them to stay very well. If you are thinking of studying in the country or work in different sectors, then it is best to take the help of online services to find the best-suited jobs or the best university for you. Here are some of the different benefits that will help you a lot to study and work in the country without any issues. Knowing them will also help you a lot in the initial stage of moving to a country.

Exchange Student

Students from different countries traveling to Ireland to complete their higher study is very common and have been going on for a long time. However, it becomes very hard for the students to travel to another country and study in famous universities that do not have a good financial condition. This where the exchange student program comes in and helps the students to achieve their dream by merit. If you manage to get nominated by the home university, then you will be able to choose any country and any foreign university to complete your higher study that has a partnership with your home university.

It will help you to study by paying only the tuition fees in foreign countries. However, you need to keep in mind that you need to be nominated to get this program. There are plenty of world-class universities, colleges, and schools available in Ireland that offer the exchange student program and have partnerships with universities of other countries. You can take the help of online services to know the list of countries that have the exchange student program available.

It will help you to find which universities in Ireland have partnerships with them. This is one of the best programs that helped a lot of students from other countries to complete their studies and get the best educational career ahead of them. It is best to prepare for the whole program as you will need to get nominated by the home university to get qualified.

Au Pair

Au Pair is one of the most helpful benefits that help travelers, workers, and students of another country to get settled in this country. Many people from foreign countries find it very hard to settle in a new place and find shelter. Au Pair is a very helpful part-time job that offers both shelters, food, and some pocket money as well. You will need to provide the service of taking care of the household, children, and babies in absence of the host. There is a wide range of Au Pair Jobs available in Ireland that you can take part in to get help in the initial stage.

You will need to take the help of online services to find Au Pair jobs in the country. It is best to look for the jobs earlier as there are many paper works and other formalities. If you find a host, you will be able to get shelter, food, and pocket-money and keep searching for full-time jobs, good universities, and explore the country without financial issues. This is one of the helpful benefits that will help you on your whole tour.

Volunteering

There are plenty of ways available for you to help out the country as mentioned above. You can keep the environment safe and inspire the local people of the country as an eco-friendly traveler. Among all the other ones, volunteering is known to be the best way of helping the country. You will get plenty of volunteering options available such as keeping the famous attractions clean, helping the locals to teach English, collecting waste with local people, guiding other tourists, and many more. All of these different options will not only help the country to stay clean or get help, it will also benefit you a lot to learn different things about the culture and their lifestyle.