One of my favorite things about Dublin is its proximity to great day and weekend trips! Last weekend, I took a solo trip to Kilkenny, a small city Southeast of Dublin. This past weekend, I travelled to Cork and Cobh on Ireland’s Southern coast. In this blog post, I wanted to share some of my tips and recommendations to make the most of brief trips around the island!
Ireland has an extensive rail system, with Dublin as a starting location for every train line. Within a couple of hours on the train, you can be on the other side of the country! Make sure to take advantage of the student discount and book tickets online for cheaper fares. Iarnród Éireann trains also have free WiFi, so you can get homework done while travelling.
Do some research on your destination before you go! It’s very helpful to have a rough plan of what you want to see in each destination, especially when you don’t have much time there. Also, take note of the distance between attractions, entry prices, and opening hours. In Kilkenny, I knew I wanted to see Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. In Cork, the English Market, Shandon Bells, and the Titanic Experience in Cobh were all on my list.
While the main tourist attractions are worth visiting, I recommend spending time wandering around the city! Often you’ll find hidden gems or great restaurants this way. By slowing down and really taking in your environment, you’ll have a more authentic experience!
For the most part, Irish people are very friendly and welcoming! Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or recommendations in the area. Be sure to be polite and respectful when talking to locals, and remember that this may just be a vacation destination for you, but for others, it’s home. Conversations with locals are a great way to really get to know the place you’re visiting.
Hotels can be pricey, especially if you don’t book far in advance. Hostels are a great way to save money, especially if you’re travelling with a group of friends. I also recommend checking out Airbnb, especially in areas just outside of tourist destinations. In Cork, I stayed in an Airbnb house in the nearby town of Cobh, which saved me money and offered a beautiful view of the ocean!
Most importantly, have fun on weekend trips! Be present and take lots of pictures to remember your travels by. Ireland has so many beautiful places to choose from, you really can’t go wrong! I can’t wait to see more of the island on weekend trips and continue exploring this incredible country.
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Leo Breen
I am a senior at Sarah Lawrence College studying literature and writing. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, I am passionate about history, crocheting, painting, and my two black cats.
