- Rent a car! Otherwise you can travel in Ireland by coach. This is okay if you are unable to drive, but if you have the ability rent a car to see the countryside and meet the people on your schedule.
- If you want to spend some days in Dublin, try AirBnB as an alternative accommodation. It can be even cheaper than even a traditional Irish Bed and Breakfast but still the same intimate experience with local expertise.
- Compare booking sites before you book your car rental! brands like Hertz, Alamo, Budget, etc., you can also check companies like Dan Dooley, Irish Car Rentals, AutoEurope, Argus, and Sixt. Just know what you are getting before you reserve. Some companies are great at sneaking hidden fees.
- Add at least a 1/3 more time to travel estimates between point A and point B. The roads are small. There will be many stops between for pictures. And you may enjoy a wrong turn or two.
- Bring a good pair of walking shoes. It will be really tempting to (and you should) get out of the car and explore the countryside.
- The Trip Advisor Forum is very active and helpful when planning your trip. Take a look at Trip Advisor’s reviews of accommodations and attractions. You can drop the highest and lowest review to get more accurate evaluation.
- Contact to the locals—they have the best advice and it’s always great experiencing Ireland up close.
- Get lost. :-), taking a wrong turn in Ireland can lead to some of the best undiscovered small towns. It also gives you an excuse to stop to talk to people for directions or advices.
- Don’t try to see the whole country in a week. Pick a couple or three of places and really explore!
