I am going to Ireland between semesters, how should I go?

Question

If you have advice about any or all of these:

1) Internet pre-travel Research
2)Good Locations in Southern Ireland
3)Economical travel and lodging options
4)Any advice at all to a first-time international traveler

I'd be much obliged.
Keep in mind, I'm a college student at University of Central Florida, and only have about 1200 dollars to spend on this. Also, I have about a month of travel time, and I am ABSOLUTELY set on going in winter.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

If your budget of 1200 USD is just for travelling in Europe and without the airfare, you should be doing fine. That is just what you are going to need for a month travelling in Europe.

Some advice for managing on a budget:

1. Stay in hostels.
2. Do not eat out, buy your food in supermarkets instead.
3. Keep track of the expenses for activities - like going out to a bar, entry fees to sights, guided tours, etc.
4. A decent guide book like Lonely Planet, Rough Guide or Let's Go is helpful and worth the money.

I can also highly recommend getting a bus and rail pass for Ireland - check with Bus Eireann/Irish Bus, Irish Rail, Ulsterbus and NI Railways for more information to suit your needs and travel times.

http://www.irishrail.ie/
http://www.buseireann.ie/
http://www.bug.co.uk/

If you are living in Florida, a good way to cut down on airfare is with a charter carrier. For example, German based LTU will get you from Miami to Germany for 540 USD round trip. From there you could catch a flight with Ryanair to Ireland.

www.ltu.com
www.skyscanner.net

If you are looking for "regular" flights, search for flights that leave from Miami, as Miami usually has cheap international airfare. It also might be smarter to fly into London instead of Dublin, as airfare from the english-speaking countries to London is generally cheaper than airfare to Dublin.

Answer 2

Please do not shoot the messenger. Even with the 21 day advance purchase discount, your round trip air fare will be about $850 dollars. If your total budget is $1200 dollars you will only have about $11.50 per day to spend on food, lodging, and incidentals based on a 30 day stay. Ireland is a beautiful country, so I hope you find a way to make this journey.

Answer 3

Aer Lingus website.
Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula.
Hostels are the cheapest, and hitching in Ireland is very safe and most people are very obliged to give you a lift. Make sure you say lift and not ride. Ride is totally different, not so much problem for men.
Always bring less clothes then you think. and good rain gear its gonna be wet.

Answer 4

If you want to experience great craic, look at a paddywagon tour. Cheap, accom paid for, breakfast incl and all entrances to attractions paid for. Would be cheaper in winter too

Answer 5

Dingle Peninsula is gorgeous!

Answer 6

i would say definately go dublin...!! Cork is beautiful as is mayo, for accomadation i would find cheap B&B whilst there or look for an Inn. (Pub with rooms)

Answer 7

well you want to fir in so I would drink heavily...

Answer 8

by airplane LOL!