A guide to Solo Travel in Ireland – Travel Dudes
Are you planning a solo trip to Ireland? If so, why not consider Ireland? The island is brimming with Irish treasures around every corner, with beautiful locations to escape for a long weekend away.
If you’re looking to solo travel in Ireland and have a good time, then you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of ways to stay safe while enjoying yourself.
And keep in mind, if you search for negative testimonials on the internet, you will find them. Ireland is a safe destination to visit.
Unfortunately, the problem with these searches for “solo travel experiences” on the internet is that an above-average number of people only speak up when they have had negative experiences.
Let’s start with a few general solo travel tips:
- Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. If possible, travel with someone else or in a group.
- Be aware of your surroundings and who is around you at all times. Trust your instincts – if something feels off, it probably is.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended. Drink spiking can happen anywhere, so it’s important to be cautious, even if you’re just having fun at the local pub.
Basically, your safety while in Ireland depends on what you want to do. The danger of assault by others is significantly higher in the city than it is in the countryside, as is to be expected.
The way of getting around in Ireland when traveling solo
The way you travel around Ireland can have a big impact on potential dangers. If you would like to do a lot of hiking, see the most beautiful places and be flexible, public transport is not an option anyway.
Hitchhiking can have its own appeal (not only financially), but of course, the chances of getting into an unpleasant or dangerous situation are especially high. Aside from the safety risk, Ireland and Scotland are great for hitchhiking, by the way.
The best way to travel in Ireland is definitely to rent your own car. Not only because there are no passengers (at least as long as you don’t want to), but also because you avoid waiting at bus stops and train stations.
Hiking solo in Ireland
On hikes in Ireland, you often don’t meet many people. The ones you do meet usually exchange a few pleasant words and then carry on with their journey. You frequently come across local farmers, who often tell you some information about the area or give you advice for the route.
Otherwise, the basic rules and potential dangers of hiking alone still apply. These are more likely to be due to sudden changes in weather, inappropriate clothing or lack of navigation skills.
Hiking by yourself can be a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before hitting the trail solo. First, make sure you are well-prepared with plenty of food and water, appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, and a map or GPS device. Secondly, pay attention to your surroundings and know where you are going so that you don’t get lost. Finally, trust your instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, turn back or find another route. By following these simple tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when hiking alone.
The most significant hazard in this area is probably that your vehicle could be broken into at the parking lot. You can read corresponding warnings occasionally at hiking parking lots. If possible, take your valuables with you on the hike (cell phone, wallet, camera, etc.) and leave pseudo-hiding places such as the glove compartment open so that potential thieves can see immediately that there is nothing to take.
Here, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful places for your upcoming visit.
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are situated alongside the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland. The cliffs tower approximately 702 ft above the water, spanning almost nine miles along the County Clare coast. Here, you can capture stunning views of Galway Bay with Doolin Cliff Walk, only a few miles away.
The cliffs are one of the country’s most visited sites and a true natural wonder, so be prepared for some crowds. If you want to catch the sunset, stop by during the evening when the numbers drop for mesmerizing views.
You can get to the cliffs by starting at Doolin and walking 8 km towards the Visitor Center. A small access fee is required.
The Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula is one of Ireland’s biggest treasures with its quaint, secluded feel. This west Kerry fishing town lies in the heart of the Gaelic-speaking region in County Kerry, which is also a tourist hotspot for cliff jumping with its Caribbean-like waters.
The Dingle Peninsula offers one of the most scenic drives for travellers, with jagged coasts, ancient sites and charming pubs along the coastline.
Limerick is the closest major city making the region easily accessible by car via the N21.
Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. It has inspired artists, stirred scientific debates and captured the imagination of millions.
A remnant of the Paleogene Period, the Giant’s Causeway came to fruition from continuous flows of lava moving toward the coast and cooling when they reached the seawater, between 50 to 60 million years ago. Giants Causeway is also Ireland’s first UNESCO Heritage Site, with an area flanked by dramatic cliffs and 40,000 basalt stone columns for all to see.
You can get to the site via bus or car, easily accessible from Belfast or Dublin.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny, otherwise known as ‘Marble City’, is a medieval beauty situated in Ireland’s Ancient East just 90 minutes from Dublin. The town offers a walk down memory lane with a 12th-century castle, cobbled streets, a bustling crafts and design scene, traditional Irish pubs and secret alleys.
The atmosphere in this town is electric, and the town’s people are often referred to as ‘Cats’. June through August is the best time for visitors who like it warm and maybe even a party or two. Some of Ireland’s best festivals occur in Kilkenny between May and August.
You can get to Kilkenny by air, by sea or by car.
Kingdom of Kerry
Kerry is one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland and is located in the far southwest. Like Kilkenny, Kerry offers the finest history with burial tombs, stone circles and ring forts from the copper and bronze age. Ever since the O’Connor chieftain Ciar took control of the territory, which reaches from the now Shannon estuary to the Maine river, back in the 1st century AD, County Kerry has been known as ‘The Kingdom’.
Few places can compete with Kerry’s stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, making it the perfect place for solo travelers who want to go back in time.
Wicklow Way
Wicklow Way is one of the oldest and most scenic walks in Ireland. Spanning around 130 km long, those who dare to take a trip here will find themselves crossing the Wicklow Mountains from Clonegal in County Carlow all the way to Marley Park in Dublin.
The best time to walk Wicklow Way is from April to September. During the winter, the days are too short and often too chilly, with many accommodations and restaurants closed. Most hikers take about 5-7 days to complete the hike, but this can sometimes take longer, depending on the pace. Expect quiet trails, rolling hills and high peaks spanning through multiple forests.
County Mayo
County Mayo is a county in Ireland which offers endless beautiful landscapes, from incredible Blue Flag beaches to bleak but mesmerizing bog land. The county is considered one of Ireland’s must-see destinations.
It has cozy, welcoming towns and villages, historical sites full of stories and heritage, and stunning, sprawling, picture-perfect landscapes.
Conclusion
Ireland is a great destination for solo travelers, especially if it’s your first time traveling alone. Basically, anything can happen anywhere and at any time. Crime does exist in Ireland, even though it’s often thought of as a safe place.
So, you should follow the usual rules, like not leaving valuables lying around in public. There are certainly bad apples everywhere in the world, but the Irish are generally helpful, friendly, and pleasantly reserved.
Ireland is a beautiful destination for any solo traveler, with one Irish beauty after the next. From impeccable walks to quaint Irish pubs, scenic views and cultural heritage, there is much to see for any avid traveler.
Remember, you can explore more than one destination, too. Why not take an extended trip and visit all seven destinations?
If you do intend to go on a road trip, you can wind down between stops by trying a selection of online slots at an Irish Online Casino where you can play Irish-themed online slots to further immerse yourself in the Irish spirit.
However, whether you are visiting only one or all destinations, we are sure you will have an enjoyable experience at these wonderful spots!
You can always find someone for a quick chat at the local pub, but you can also just keep to yourself without any effort. The latter may not always apply to an encounter with drunken adolescents in some pubs at a late hour, but I wouldn’t exactly call that typical Irish behavior.
