Smart Solo Travel in Europe

Irish Culture Experiences and Tips

One of the first signs you see when you enter the Dublin Airport is “Welcome to Ireland, Home of the Brave”.  As I learned more about Irish culture and this small country’s complex history and met many of its citizens, this sign said it all.  

People

My favorite experience was interacting with and listening to (Love their accent) the Irish people. I got lost a few times and was offered help without asking for it.  One person walked with me for a while until we could see the building I was looking for.  The Irish are friendly and easy-going, and speak both English and Gaelic; they are proud of their gracious hospitality.

The Irish have a quirky sense of humor and are very superstitious. They believe in leprechauns – one of my tour guides seriously described himself as a part leprechaun.  Mothers of teenage boys often call their sons “Fairies” if they sass off.  

Food

Irish lamb stew, pot roast, meat pie (shepherd’s pie), and potatoes – all simple, comfort food that tasted so good.  I’m not a big fan of potatoes, but I loved them in Ireland because they were fabulously fresh. The butter was incredible – you never have to ask for it, they serve it with everything.  There are no meat factories; all livestock are free-range, and the produce is organic and non-genetically modified.

 Prices are expensive – expect to pay $25 for a meat pie lunch and beer at a hotel restaurant in Dublin and $4 for a hotdog from a food truck in Wicklow mountains.

History Between the Irish and English

Take a tour anywhere or visit the Emigration Museum and you will learn a ton about what the English did to the Irish.  From invading and confiscating their land to persecuting Catholics, the English were brutal. After hundreds of years of gorilla warfare, the Irish negotiated a settlement with the UK where the UK would keep six northern counties while granting the rest independence; hence, Northern Ireland was born in 1922.

Weather

Unpredictable.  Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.  The forecast called for rain my entire trip in mid-August – but I never got caught in it.  It was mostly partly sunny.  Yes, it did rain at times, but briefly. 

It’s damp; when it’s cool it seeps into your bones and when it’s sunny, 70 degrees feels like 79.  Often, I was either freezing or sweating.  Wear layers and have an umbrella handy.

Irish Culture Attractions

I really enjoyed the tours booked through TripAdvisor.  From hiking the Cliffs of Moher, to riding in an antique black taxi in Belfast, to visiting the Wicklow mountains where Brave Heart was filmed to kissing the Blarney stone – I loved it all.  The average price was $65 per tour.  You meet the bus and they will guide and educate you about the area’s past, present, and future.

Dublin – Capital of Irish Culture

If Boston and London had a baby, it would be Dublin.  The city is fast-paced but easy to navigate.  Look for the Liffey river and familiarize yourself with what is north and south of it.  There are corner signs pointing to the major attractions everywhere – which really helped.  

I always felt safe walking alone in Dublin.  I did see homeless people on the street and beggars,   but I also saw others asking them if they were OK or needed anything.

Going Solo

Dublin is a great destination to take a solo journey – especially if it’s your first time in Europe. English is the main language and locals are willing to help a tourist.  There is plenty to see and do in Dublin and tours are easily available should you choose to venture elsewhere. 

Dublin is expensive.  I’d budget about $150 per day (not including accommodations or major tours) for decent food, souvenirs (had to get an Irish sweater), transportation, museum admissions, and of course, the PUBS.