BootsnAll Travel Community

My name is Michael, and I am from Dallas Texas. I would really enjoy any helpful hints or advice , or stories anyone could provide for backpack travel in Ireland next month. I am fairly nervous for some reason, because this will be my first trip solo. I wanted to break away from the whole stay in a hotel scene. I could do that here in Dallas for a whole lot chaeaper. I bought a 3500 ci pack, a mummy sleeping bag, an airline ticket, and that is about it. The closer I get to my date on April 6th the more I realize that I dont have a legitimate plan or idea as to what the hel I am going to do there except walk around and see the sites. I would just like someone to talk about it with. Any help you could give thanxx

This is long, but I see you havent received any tips yet, and as I love Ireland, hope this helps:

Leave your sleeping bag at home, - it is too bulky to travel with and most hostels dont allow you to use them (spreads bed bugs)

There are so many great hostels in Ireland, and they are the best ways to meet people travelling. All you have to do is be brave enough to say 'hi' - every one is in the same boat! Most have self catering kitchens and it is a great way to meet people through all cooking at the same time.

Lonely Planet is useless mostly, but can be good for hostel contact details.

you can do a 'Paddywagon' tour if you want to go the hassle-free option. They do a jump-on, jump-off trip around the most beautiful spots and take you from hostel to hostel each day. Plus you meet people on the bus!! Be prepared for a lot of drinking!

Make sure you get to see Glendaloch (outside of dublin, gorgeous ancient cemetary), Blarney Castle (Cork), Dingle bay, Moher mountains and as many old man pubs as possible.

What makes Ireland so amazing is the people, and finding a small non-touristy pub guarantees curious locals wanting to speak to you with impromptu music being played throughout the night!

Black Taxi tour in Belfast is a must, but whatever you do, go to Derry (45 mins from Belfast) and the local hostel there does a free walking tour that will take you through the whole history of the troubles and is probably even more interesting than Belfast.

The Guinness is awesome in Ireland (America and Australia gets the 4th worst grade of the stuff)

Dublin: Guinness factory in Dublin is cheesy and a waste of money. Temple bar is fun but touristy. Phoenix park is stunning and Bono (U2) lives outside of town!

Galway is a beautiful west coast student town with windy paved streets and is nothing but enchanting

And finally: Milk Thistle helps boost your liver function and taken once a day can seriously prevent hangovers!!

Hope it is useful! You will have an amazing time, sometimes solo travel makes you more approachable for people to meet you. Take a deep breath when unsure and be brave and let go of inhibitions, 'shoulds', and sobriety!

Thank you for the great insights.

In Ireland you have Dublin, and then the rest of Ireland - a world of difference. See Dublin, yes, but then get outta there.

I can't speak for all of Ireland, but I spent a week in County Clare on a Cycling Safari and saw Ennis, Doolin, Cliffs of Mohr, Ballyvaughan -- all interesting little towns. Lots of excellent traditonal Irish music in the pubs - and plenty of Guinness and Baileys, too!

And I agree with coll, the people are supremely friendly - often they recognize you're a tourist and they'll come up to you and start asking where you're from, what you've seen, etc - and often pass on their local knowledge. They are eager to help. This is usually a much better way to get about than with your nose buried in a Lonely Planet. I've stopped using them and just pick up local free maps and brouchures along the way and start talking to people.

I wouldn't bother making a speecific plan - read up a bit on the different areas of Irelend and have a general idea where you want to go then just head out. You never know what you might find along the way. -- if you find a town you really like, stay longer - if you don't like where you are - keep moving. Simple, yes?

I know this is all a bit general, but hopefully it helps boost your feeling that it's going to be a fantastic trip and very memorable. Hopefully others with more experience with Ireland will jump in here and give some more detailed recommendations.