Many people who research Ireland travel end up joining a bus tour or renting a car to visit the top tourist spots. But they’re missing out on one of the most rewarding aspects of any trip: getting to know the locals.
If you want to truly get to know Ireland, you’ll want to take advantage of opportunities to meet the Irish.
I’m lucky as I have cousins in Ireland and have been visiting the country for nearly 25 years. I’ve been able to walk through the very house where my great-grandfather grew up and meet countless Irish relatives from Dublin to Kilkenny and beyond. Without family or friends in the country, experiencing authentic Ireland travel that includes mingling with locals might seem daunting, but it’s definitely doable.
Avoid Dublin’s Temple Bar Area: Go Here Instead
Locals rarely hang out in the Temple Bar area unless a visiting friend or family member insists. It’s where you’ll find the highest prices and the majority of tourists, with countless busses dropping them off by the dozens. The musicians typically play outdated pop tunes rather than traditional Irish music, so you won’t get that here either.
For an authentic Ireland travel pub experience, consider Toners Pub. It’s been erving perfect pints of Guinness without pretentiousness since the early 1800s. Or, head to Walsh’s, a local favorite in the Stoneybatter neighborhood with a traditional interior as an old classic Victorian pub. With TVs broadcasting pretty much every match that’s on, lots of Dubliners head here to catch a game.
Conversation: What to Talk About
While you’re at any one of the local pubs, the topic at hand is almost always about the weather, which is usually too “something,” too chilly, too wet, too hot, or too dry. It’s almost never just right, although if you’re outside of the big city where things have changed quite a bit, the common saying out in the countryside is, “When the sun shines, there’s no place in the world you’d rather be.”
So true.
Another key to traveling like a local is knowing at least some random quotes from the popular Irish television series that ran in the 1990s, “Father Ted.” You might watch a few episodes before you go to catch the flavor of it. Whenever something surprises you on your journey, just say, “That’s mad, Ted.” And, just like the show, if you’re asked if you’d like a cup of tea, don’t ever refuse it.
The Irish tend to be very well-versed in what’s going on around the world, including the U.S. If you want to have some good conversations, catch up on a bit of Irish news by reading The Irish Times. Or download the RTÉ player before you go.
As you should in any destination, tread carefully when it comes to politics (and religion). Be aware that the vast majority of Irish people have a strong negative opinion of Trump. If you’re a fan, it’s a good idea to refrain from discussing the topic.
Stay After Closing When Possible
At many pubs, when the front door is locked and the shutters have closed, it’s time for the locals to enjoy the real party. If you’ve managed to blend in, taking part in this experience is sure to be the highlight of your trip. You may even be able to raise your pint and sing “The Parting Glass,” with the crowd around the bar.
Discover a True Hidden Gem
While it may seem as if there are few truly hidden gems when it comes to Ireland travel, there are still places not overrun by tourists. Of course, I don’t want to ruin my favorite. But that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon. Most don’t have enough time to head out to the Aran Islands, the three islands off the west coast of County Galway. Those who do usually visit the largest, Inishmore. Instead, consider the tiny two-square-mile island of Inisheer (officially Inis Oírr). It’s worth spending time on for those who want peace, quiet, and authenticity.
No, there isn’t a whole lot to do on Inisheer, but that’s the beauty of the place. You might wander through the endless maze of stone fences, stopping to visit with the cows, horses, and occasional donkey. Perhaps check out the lighthouse and the rusted old shipwreck featured at the opening of “Father Ted.”
Be sure to keep an eye out for Sandy. As noted, the local dolphin can often be spotted from the white sandy beach. It’s located right by the ferry dock that looks like it was stolen from the Caribbean.
You’ll want to spend some time at Tigh Ned’s. At this local pub, you never know what you might get. Like the time the host of an old children’s Irish show popped in…
Now, that’s the true magic of Ireland travel.
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