5 Common Mistakes When Planning an Ireland Vacation

Jody chats with Irene Hamilton, owner of Scattery Island Tours, about a fascinating island just off the coast of County Clare. Get full article and links at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/scattery-island-tours-traveling-in-ireland-podcast/regions-and-counties/western-ireland/clare/ A short ferry ride from Kilrush takes visitors to an uninhabited island filled with ancient monastic ruins, a distinctive round tower, a lighthouse, and centuries of stories. Discover why Scattery Island is a wonderful addition to a Wild Atlantic Way itinerary, especially for travelers who enjoy history, peaceful surroundings, and experiences beyond the usual sightseeing stops. Episode highlights: - Discover Scattery Island's monastic history and fascinating landmarks. - Learn what makes this uninhabited island so special. - Find out about the short ferry crossing from Kilrush. - Explore the island tour options and family-friendly experience. - Get ideas for including Scattery Island in your County Clare itinerary. Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Galway is a popular place to stay in western Ireland, but just how much can you comfortably explore when you use Galway City as your base? → See the video of this episode: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/galway-base-explore-ireland/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/ → Get the Ireland Travel Compass: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass We'll look at the day-trip possibilities around Galway, what you can realistically fit into a day, and how to decide when a destination is simply too far away to make sense as a day trip. This episode is part of my series exploring the best places to stay in Ireland for multiple day trips, helping you choose a base based on what you actually want to see and experience. Locations highlighted: - Connemara - Aran Islands - Burren - Athlone Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

When comparing flights to Ireland, it's tempting to focus on the lowest fare or shortest total travel time. But there's another detail worth considering: whether your connection happens before or after your overnight transatlantic flight. Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/booking-flights-to-ireland-europe-layovers/ireland-travel-tips/ Resources mentioned in the podcast: - https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/TRIP - https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/FAQ I generally recommend connecting in the North America and flying directly to Ireland from there, rather than flying overnight to London, Amsterdam, or Paris and making another connection. In this episode, I explain why that choice can make your journey easier and help you enjoy more of your first day in Ireland. What you'll learn: • Why I prefer North American connections when flying to Ireland • What travelers should know about connecting through London Heathrow • How a European layover can affect your first day in Ireland • What happened when a canceled flight nearly sent my young daughters and me through Paris • When a European connection might actually be worth considering The cheapest flight isn't always the best flight. Think about how you'll feel when you arrive, not just how much you'll spend getting there. More Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

This is part of my series exploring the best places to stay in Ireland for day trips. This time we're using Dublin as our base to see just how many places you can comfortably explore without changing accommodations. See the video & article at: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dublin-base-explore-ireland/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/ Using my Ireland Travel Compass, I'll show you day trip options around Dublin, what falls within a reasonable travel radius, and places you may not have considered when planning your Ireland itinerary. Destinations recommended in this video: • Boyne Valley • Athlone • Kilkenny • Wicklow • Belfast And what about those popular day tours from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher and Giant's Causeway? Yes, they can be done. We'll look at why possible doesn't necessarily mean recommended, especially when you consider how much of your day will be spent getting there and back. Everything I'm using to explore these locations is inside my Ireland Travel Compass. The interactive planning map includes hundreds of places to see, things to do, and experiences around Ireland, along with the tools and advice to help you build a realistic itinerary. Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Kinsale may sit at the beginning or the end of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, depending on how you travel it, but this colorful County Cork town deserves more than a quick stop.Fáilte Ireland certified guide Clodagh FitzGerald shares a local’s perspective on Kinsale, from the history of Charles Fort and James Fort to harbour adventures, coastal walks, great food, and some of the best places to explore nearby. Charles Fort, viewed from the harbour Highlights include:Why Kinsale deserves more time than a quick day tripCharles Fort, James Fort, and the Old Head Signal TowerWalking tours, harbour cruises, kayaking, and other ways to exploreWhere to eat and stay in KinsaleDay trips to Cork City, Cobh, West Cork, and beyond Clodagh also shares an important Ireland itinerary tip: don’t over-plan. Quality beats quantity when you’re trying to enjoy Ireland rather than simply check places off a list. The post Exploring Kinsale, Ireland: Food, Forts & Coastal Adventures appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

This is the first in my series exploring the best places to base yourself for day trips in Ireland. Full article with video & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/central-base-ireland-day-trips/planning-your-irish-vacation/itineraries/ We’re starting in the center of the country to answer a question I hear all the time: can you stay in one central location and tour all of Ireland? I’ll show you why it can work for some trips... and why one central base may not be as convenient as it sounds. Using Athlone as our base, I’ll take you into my Ireland Travel Compass to see what you can realistically reach on a day trip. Dublin and Galway look quite manageable. Westport, the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara make for much longer days. And once you start considering places like the Giant’s Causeway or Dingle, the reality of all that driving becomes very clear. The goal isn’t simply to find a central place to stay. It’s to choose a base that works for what you actually want to see and how much time you’re comfortable spending in the car. Throughout this series, I’ll use the Ireland Travel Compass to explore different bases around Ireland, what you can comfortably reach from each, what might be pushing it for a day trip, and experiences nearby that you may not have considered. Learn more about the Ireland Travel Compass: IrelandFamilyVacations.com/compassyt Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Do you actually need a Leap Card when visiting Dublin or traveling around Ireland? Maybe, but the Leap Visitor Card isn't automatically the best choice just because you're a visitor. Dublin city centre is compact and very walkable, and I rarely use public transportation when I'm exploring the city. Depending on your plans, individual fares or a Standard Leap Card may cost less than a Visitor Leap Card. Full article for indepth info & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/leap-card-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/ In this episode I'll explain: • The difference between a Standard Leap Card and Leap Visitor Card • How much the Leap Visitor Card costs • Whether a Leap Card can actually save you money • Where you can use a Leap Card in Dublin and around Ireland • Where Leap Cards aren't accepted • Why you may not need a Leap Card at all • How and where to purchase one Planning to take the DART to Howth? I'll also show you a real-world fare comparison that may make you rethink the €8 one-day Visitor Card. Additional information mentioned in the episode: - How to get around Ireland: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/travel-ireland-bus-car-train/planning-your-irish-vacation/ - How to use your mobile phone in Ireland: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/tips-using-mobile-phone-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/ - WifiCandy: IrelandfamilyVacations.com/wifi (use code IFV10 for discount_ - Ireland Itinerary Review: irelandfamilyvacations.com/review Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

What's the best way to get around Ireland? It depends on your itinerary, budget, travel style, and how much flexibility you want. Fill article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/travel-ireland-bus-car-train/planning-your-irish-vacation/ In this video, I break down the pros and cons of traveling around Ireland by train, bus, rental car, private driver guide, and even boat. We'll look at where each option works well, where it can make your trip more difficult, and why you don't have to choose just one. Mixing and matching transportation can often make the most sense. You might explore Dublin without a car, take a train to another city, rent a car for the countryside, or hire a private driver guide for a day. Before deciding how you'll travel around Ireland, figure out what you want your trip to look like... then choose the transportation that fits it. Topics covered: - Train travel in Ireland - Bus travel in Ireland - Renting a car in Ireland - Private driver guides in Ireland - Mixing transportation options in Ireland Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

In this episode of the Traveling in Ireland podcast, Jody chats with Caroilín Callery, founder of the National Famine Way, and Edel McWeeney Moran, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, about the Global Irish Famine Way and the Bronze Shoes connecting Ireland's Famine emigration story with communities around the world. Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/global-irish-famine-way/attractions/ Episode highlights: • How the National Famine Way grew from the story of 1,490 people who left Strokestown in 1847 • Why the Bronze Shoes have become such a powerful symbol for the Irish diaspora • How the Global Irish Famine Way expanded into Canada and is now growing in the United States • How local communities and historians are uncovering overlooked Famine stories • How travelers can experience the National Famine Way and take part in the 180th anniversary events in May 2027 Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5

Ireland's history isn't only castles and green landscapes. Famine, conflict, ancient beliefs, emigration, ghost stories, and traditions surrounding death are woven through the places travelers visit today. Full article & links: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/dark-tourism-in-ireland/ireland-travel-tips/ Luisa Golz, Director of Sales at Desmond Tours, completed her PhD research on festivals with dark themes. She joins Jody to explain what dark tourism actually means, why travelers are drawn to these places, and how Ireland's darker history can add depth to a trip without turning the entire vacation into doom and gloom. Highlights: • What "dark tourism" actually means — and why you may already be doing it • Why famine ships, workhouses, and memorials can create such powerful travel experiences • How Samhain, Halloween, folklore, and "thin places" fit into Ireland's darker traditions • How to visit places associated with tragedy respectfully Ireland Travel Resources: - Car Rental & Driving Guide: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/drive - DIY Ireland Travel Planner: https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/compass - Expert Ireland travel advice by email: https://ifv.kit.com/51952569c5