Ireland is 32,595 square miles and has over 3,000 miles of coastline. While visiting Ireland at any time of year is sure to provide wondrous views and endless excitement, many seasoned travelers say that the late spring and early summer months are some of the best for tourism. But before you pack your bags and hop aboard the next plane, it’s important to have a game plan in mind to make the most of your Emerald Isle adventures. Here are just a few practical tips to keep in mind if you’re planning on visiting Ireland in the coming months.
Take Advantage of Free-Entry Festivals When Visiting Ireland
First and foremost, summers in Ireland are well-known for many elements, among them the endless array of festivals featuring things like live music, family activities, crafts, endless food options, and more. The average U.S. coffee drinker consumes 3.1 cups per day, but if you’ve ever wanted to try an authentic Irish coffee, or any number of traditional Irish delicacies, you’re sure to find it at one of the countless festivals that, best of all, are free to enter and enjoy!
“Summer is festival season, so take a look at the summer roster and pick something out for you and your travel partners. Dublin’s Swords Summer Festival, for example, features live music and family activities, while the Bray Air Display in Wicklow exhibits aircraft shows along with food and crafts. The Enniscrone Black Pig Festival includes a fun run and fireworks display, and the Scarecrow Festival in Durrow hosts clowns, castles, camps and fairies along with its main event: the All-Ireland Scarecrow Championship. Each of these festivals includes free entry,” writes Brenna Swanston on USA Today.
Don’t Underestimate Crowds
Since Irish summers are so pristine and perfect, they make for the busiest time for tourism all year. This means you’re bound to run into some serious crowds in touristy places. Make sure to prepare properly by reserving all of your tickets, tours, and rental cars in advance. Furthermore, if you’re taking advantage of any promotional deals from sites like Groupon, keep them easily accessible and organized for maximum efficiency. About 66% of people are more likely to remember to use a voucher if they have a physical copy to carry around, but there are plenty of places that accept mobile or digital versions of coupons as well. If you can conquer the crowds, you can make the most of your Ireland adventures.
Treat Yourself
We mentioned that free festivals are great for tasting a wide variety of Irish cuisine, but if you’re set on trying any seasonal delicacy, put ice cream or gelato at the top of your list. Gelato contains between 3% and 8% milkfat and 25% to 30% air, and though it may sound surprising, Ireland is well-known for its myriad of cafes and gelato shops.
Though summers in Ireland don’t typically come with extreme heat, there’s no reason you can’t indulge in a cool and delicious treat after a long day of sightseeing. You may not get a chance to try every single dish on your list of Irish must-eats, but ice cream or gelato should certainly be at the top. Both The Taste and The Independent can help provide suggestions if you just can’t decide which parlor to visit.
Be Adaptable
Finally, remember that Irish summers don’t typically come with sweltering heat, but rather, with fleeting warmth and frequent rain showers. With this in mind, if you want to stay comfortable, it’s best to remain versatile by wearing layers and keeping an umbrella handy. Just keep the sunscreen nearby too!
Keeping these tips in mind can help you enjoy your summertime trip to the Emerald Isle without having to rely on the luck of the Irish — though you’re bound to find some of that during your travels as well.