Vacations Blog

Ireland is known for hospitality, pubs and craic (pronounced crack it loosely translates to fun or to have a good time).  Unfortunately, too many travelers miss out on the craic.  Allow me to help you find it and make your Irish holiday one filled with fond memories.

Photo by Jody Halsted www.havekidwilltravel.com

10)  Drive yourself. This is truly the best way to tour Ireland.  The pace is your own.  You can follow the intriguing sign for hot tea and scones or try to find the castle you think you see in the distance.  In Ireland, getting lost is half the fun.  Really.  The only time to avoid driving is in the city of Dublin (they have fabulous public transport) or if you want to do the Ring of Kerry (though I recommend skipping that and driving the Dingle peninsula).  Think of it this way; do you want to meet the Irish or other tourists?

9)  Get off the highway.  Unless you are in a hurry to catch your flight, get off the highway.  Many of the greatest sights in Ireland are far off the beaten path (Glendalough, the medieval town of Kells and the Burren to name only a few).  Sure, you may get lost (see tip #10) but in Ireland you don’t remain lost for long- it’s not that big!

8) When you visit a pub sit at the bar.  It’s a fact- locals sit at the bar; tourists sit at tables.  So grab a seat and say hello.  You’ll surely make a few friends if you buy them a pint and you’ll be invited to join in on the craic.  If you’re traveling with kids (as we do) sitting at the bar isn’t the best option.  Pick a table as close to the bar as possible and order your drinks from the bartender.  Strike up a conversation.  If you’re lucky the craic might move to your table!

7)  Ask questions.  It doesn’t matter if you have your day planned or if you know where you’re going; ask what you should see, where you should eat or the best way to get to your destination.  This is the best way to learn where the locals eat, find the best music and get tips on sites that most tourists miss!

Poll na Bron portal tomb in the Burren Photo by Jody Halsted

6)  Visit the sites. That’s why you’re there.  But instead of rushing through take time to talk to the staff.  They are filled with information and can give you amazing insights on the history of a place and any interesting quirks it may have.  Engage the guides in conversation; ask about their favorite feature, inquire about legends, ask about locations associated with the site you are visiting.  Who knows, it may lead you somewhere you never imagined.

5)  Attend a local sporting event.  Don’t worry about not knowing the rules; nothing will gain you more new buddies than cheering on their team.  Hurling is an uniquely Irish sport, or try rounders which is similar to baseball.  To learn more about Irish sports visit the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) website.

4)  Kids, no matter where they live, like the same things.  Step back and relax at a park or playground.  Children are so outgoing they are sure to find a new friend quickly.  Follow their lead and say hello.  You may just learn about a local children’s festival or a theatre hosting free plays.

3)  Be flexible.  You never know when an opportunity will present itself.  The day we had planned to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral it was closed for a graduation ceremony.  We visited the Dublin Zoo instead- it was November and we practically had it to ourselves.  We were invited by the caretaker of the primates to follow him from enclosure to enclosure as he fed them.

2) Relax. Do something you wouldn’t do at home.  Join in a song at a pub, dance a ceili.  Let go a little; you’re on vacation.

1)  Slow down!  You’re not going to “see it all” so don’t even try.  Savor what you do see and enjoy your vacation.