Solo Travel to Ireland: Everything You Need to Know to Plan the Perfect Trip
Curious about solo travel to Ireland?
This guest post by Julie Millan, of Toronto to Anywhere, details helpful information you should know when planning solo travel to Ireland. Read on!
Traveling solo can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and Ireland is one of the best places for it.
The country offers a perfect mix of safety, breathtaking landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture, making it a top choice for solo adventurers. Each time I’ve visited, I’ve found Ireland to be inviting and easy to explore on my own.
During my most recent solo trip to Ireland, I first stayed in Dublin, where I enjoyed its lively atmosphere and toured the city over several days. I also visited the stunning Irish countryside on several day tours from Dublin before taking the train to Belfast for a day.
Planning a trip? Use my favorite resources:
- Accommodations: booking.com
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
- Tours & Excursions: Viator
- Flights: Skyscanner
- City Pass: Go City
- eSim: Airalo
Safety First: Solo Travel to Ireland
With its low crime rates, friendly English-speaking locals, accessible transportation options, and overall safe environment, Ireland is an ideal destination for solo travelers.
Is Ireland safe to travel alone?
Yes! Ireland is a small country that is easy to navigate by bus, train, car, or with guided tours.
The friendly locals, along with a strong sense of community, make it a welcoming place for all solo travelers
Is Ireland safe for solo female travelers?
Yes! Solo female travelers in Ireland can feel safe and comfortable. While it’s important to follow general safety tips and practice common sense, Ireland is used to tourists and has a great infrastructure for visitors.
The helpful and welcoming locals also provide an additional sense of security for women traveling solo in Ireland.
Why Take a Solo Trip to Ireland?
Based on my own experience, Ireland is an incredible destination for solo travelers. Ireland’s unique charm and endless choice of activities made my solo trip truly special. Here are a few reasons why Ireland is an ideal solo travel destination.
Lots of Activities
Ireland offers so much to see and do. Whether you want to visit ancient castles, hike along scenic trails, or enjoy traditional Irish music in a local pub, there’s always something exciting to experience.
On my latest trip alone, I visited the impressive monastic site in Glendalough, hiked the stunning Howth Coastal Trail, took the train to Belfast, and wrapped up my days listening to live music in the Trinity Bar area of Dublin.
Easy to Get Around
Getting around Ireland is fairly straightforward, making it especially appealing for solo travelers. There is a well-connected network of buses and trains that make it easy to travel between many different cities and towns.
For those wanting to explore remote areas at their own pace, renting a car is another option. Remember, though, that you would be driving on the left side of the road.
Additionally, there are many guided tour options from major cities like Dublin, Belfast, and Galway that make it possible to see many of Ireland’s attractions on a single trip.
Rich History and Culture
Ireland’s history and culture are deeply rooted in its landmarks and traditions. Visiting historical sites like Dublin Castle or learning about the country’s political history provides a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s rich heritage.
Breathtaking Scenery
Ireland is a beautiful country, and Ireland’s landscapes will leave you in awe.
Some of my favorites include The Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway. I also loved hiking along coastal trails, taking in the dramatic views.
One of my favorite days was spent hopping on the DART (the local train) in Dublin and visiting the coastal towns of Sandycove, where the scenery was magical.
Friendly Locals
One of the highlights of traveling solo in Ireland is the friendliness of the locals. The Irish are a friendly bunch, making it easy to strike up conversations and feel at home, even when you’re on your own.
Just go to almost any neighborhood pub, pull up a stool, and it won’t be long before a local starts talking and sharing stories with you!
Traditional Irish Music
Ireland is also known for its traditional Irish music. You’ll find plenty of bars that play live music, with people singing along and enjoying themselves. As an added perk, it gives you something to focus on as a solo traveler. I never felt uncomfortable sitting at a bar alone when a band was playing.
In Ireland and in the UK as a whole, it’s actually not unusual for people to be in the pub on their own, so you won’t stand out as doing anything out of the ordinary.
Great Travel Base
Another advantage of traveling to Ireland is how easy it is to extend your trip to other parts of the UK and Europe. From Dublin, I was able to take only a 45-minute flight to Liverpool, England. This made adding another destination to my travel itinerary a breeze.
Incredible cities such as London and Edinburgh are also only over an hour’s flight away. Barcelona is only 2.5 hours away by plane, and Amsterdam is a mere 1.5 hours away.
This sets Ireland up as a perfect gateway to additional European countries!
How to Get Around Ireland as a Solo Traveler
Ireland is fairly compact, making it easy to get around. There are many accessible transportation options in Ireland, making it simple to explore the country on your own.
By Train
Traveling by Irish Rail is easy and fairly reliable. For the most economical fares, it’s best to book early.
For example, I took the train from Dublin to Belfast for a day trip. The train stations are conveniently located in city centers, so it’s often only a short walk to start exploring. I felt very safe taking the train and enjoyed discovering many different locations this way.
Car Rental
If you want to explore Ireland on your own and reach more remote locations, renting a car is a good option.
Main highways are pretty easy to navigate, but some routes, such as the Wild Atlantic Way, can be more challenging. If you’re comfortable driving in a different country, then a rental car gives you the freedom to explore hidden gems at your own pace.
Coach Bus
Tour buses provide lots of day trip options from cities like Dublin, Belfast and Galway. These tours are ideal for solo travelers. Not only is joining one a great way to make new friends, it’s also perfect for seeing a variety of major attractions in a single day.
Day tour options within Ireland include, to name a few:
Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Ireland
Ireland offers a variety of fantastic destinations for solo travelers, each with its own unique charm and attractions.
Dublin
Start your solo travel adventure in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. With an international airport, Dublin is easily accessible and a good place to get your bearings before heading to other destinations.
The city is easily walkable, with plenty to add to your Dublin itinerary. Some highlights include the vibrant Temple Bar District, the historic Trinity College and Book of Kells, the popular Guinness Storehouse Experience, and the Kilmainham Gaol Museum.
Additionally, you can take the local train to nearby coastal towns such as Howth, Sandycove, Dún Laoghaire and Dalkey – all within about 30 minutes.
Dublin also serves as an ideal home base to the rest of Ireland, if you prefer to stay in one location. It’s easy to catch a day tour from Dublin to many other parts of the country.
Belfast
Though Belfast is part of Northern Ireland and not the Republic of Ireland, it’s truly a city worth visiting as part of your travel itinerary!
It’s easy to spend one day in Belfast and see the main highlights, including its fascinating history at attractions like the Titanic Museum.
Another must-do is the small-group Black Taxi Tour, which takes you through West Belfast to see the political murals and peace walls.
You’ll learn all about The Troubles from locals who lived through those times. Belfast is accessible by train from Dublin if you want to go on your own, but day tours are also an option.
Galway
Galway, the third-largest city in Ireland, is located on the west side of the country. Known for its great pub and traditional music scene, Galway has a vibrant, artistic atmosphere with live music everywhere you go.
Galway City is a popular seaside destination with beautiful beaches, a vibrant city center and an active nightlife scene. The Salthill Promenade, a 2km-long path along Galway Bay, is lined with bars, cafes and seafood restaurants.
Some must-see attractions in Galway include Lynch’s Castle, the Spanish Arch and Galway Cathedral. Just outside the city, you can visit the magnificent Dunguaire Castle, Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey.
Spending a couple of days here allows you to fully enjoy Galway and even take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher without feeling rushed.
Cork
County Cork is the largest county in Ireland, and Cork City is the second-largest city in the country. Cork is close to Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone, making it a popular destination for visitors.
The English Market in Cork, open since the 1780s, is a fantastic spot for shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. You can also take a tour inside the Cork City Gaol or climb to the top of the Shandon Bell Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Cork is easily accessible by Irish Rail, making it a convenient and rewarding destination for solo travelers.
Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. This unique site has roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago.
As a solo traveler, I found the Giant’s Causeway to be one of the most fascinating and beautiful places I’ve ever visited. The guided tour from Dublin was well worth it for the spectacular views and the chance to explore these ancient formations.
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are a highlight of any visit to Ireland, located on the western coast in County Clare. Towering at 214 meters at their highest point, these sheer rock faces stretch for about 14 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean.
The cliffs offer breathtaking views of the ocean and the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, making them a must-visit for anyone traveling to Ireland. You can even take a brief cruise to explore these epic landmarks from a more unique vantage point.
As a solo traveler, visiting the Cliffs of Moher was truly spectacular. I do recommend arriving early in the day, as the Cliffs can get quite busy. When you arrive, I recommend heading straight to O’Brien’s Tower so you can see stunning panoramic views from above the cliffs.
How to Meet People During Solo Travel in Ireland
There are many easy ways to meet people in Ireland when traveling solo. Here are a few suggestions.
Free Walking Tours
Free walking tours are perfect for meeting people, as you learn about the city while connecting with fellow travelers.
Free walking tours are available in many of the major cities such as Dublin, Galway and Belfast. Although the tours themselves are free, please note that you should plan to leave your guide a tip!
Small Group Tours and Experiences
Small guided tours, like food tours or Literary Tours in Dublin, are perfect for making connections. Plus, they are super interesting and offer unique experiences that highlight local customs and history.
Bus Tours
Bus tours are convenient ways to see popular places and meet new people. They are a great way to see several attractions over a large distance in a single day. Small group tours are especially good for forming connections.
Pubs with Traditional Irish Music
Irish pubs are ideal for finding local friends. The music keeps the atmosphere relaxed and entertaining. Pull up a seat at the bar, and it won’t be long before someone says hello.
Packing Essentials for Solo Travel to Ireland
Here are some essentials to pack for your Ireland trip, regardless of when you visit:
- Raincoat: A waterproof raincoat is a must in Ireland. It was definitely one of my best purchases ahead of my first visit, as it rains a lot here. Forget the umbrella, however, as it’s often too windy for one to be useful.
- Good Walking Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring cities and hiking trails.
- Extra Battery: Ensure you have an extra camera battery or portable charger for your phone, to capture all the stunning scenery without interruptions.
- Plug Adapter: The plug type in Ireland is G, which has three rectangular pins. If you are traveling from Europe or North America, you will likely need a travel plug adapter to be able to use your electronics in Ireland.
- Travel Backpack: I love my small, lightweight travel backpack. My favorite is the Travelon Packable Backpack. It’s lightweight, has some padding on the shoulder straps, has 2 water bottle pockets, and can be folded up into the pocket for easy storage.
- Phone Plan Having a phone plan is critical for solo travel. Whether with your cell phone provider or an eSim card, staying connected is vital. Access to taxi or ride-share apps, Google Maps, or transportation apps is essential for solo travelers.
Important Tips and Advice for Your Solo Trip to Ireland
In order to make the most of your solo trip to Ireland, here are a few important tips and advice I have learned from my time visiting the country:
Stay in the City Center
As a solo traveler, where you stay is crucial. When you’re planning your solo trip, Choose accommodations close to the city center or main attractions. Avoid traveling long distances back to your hotel alone.
This way, you won’t have far to walk or travel at the end of the day or in the evening, keeping you close to other people and livelier areas even after dark.
Book Accommodations Early
Research and book your accommodations early to ensure you stay in a safe place near the main action. Some of the towns are quite small, and some places book up quickly, particularly during peak travel times.
Hosts are often very helpful and willing to go out of their way to help solo travelers experience the best of the area, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations.
Prepare for the Weather
The weather in Ireland is predictably unpredictable. During my travels, I experienced a range of weather in a single day—rain, wind, and sun. A waterproof raincoat is a must, as is dressing in layers.
Pack Lightly
Packing light is essential, especially if you plan to travel and stay in various locations across Ireland. This will help make it easier to get on and off trains and buses.
You may need to walk certain distances to your accommodations, and there are often lots of stairs. Large suitcases can be cumbersome to lug around.
Final Thoughts: Solo Travel to Ireland
Solo travel to Ireland is an unforgettable experience. With its stunning beauty, rich history and friendly locals, this country is an ideal destination for those who choose to travel alone.
Ireland is so easy to get around and there is such diversity of experiences to be had, that it’s well worth visiting.
Embrace the adventure, meet new people, and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer. Happy travels!
About the author: Julie Millan is an experienced traveler and dedicated blogger based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With a deep love for her hometown, she shares valuable local travel tips and insights on her blog, Toronto to Anywhere. In addition to her local expertise, Julie frequently takes solo travel adventures and enjoys documenting her journeys to inspire and inform fellow travelers.
