Solo Travel in Ireland

Why Ireland is Ideal for Solo Travel

Ireland is world-renowned as a friendly and easy-going place. That mainly comes down to its social fabric. Ireland has a self-confident and outward-looking culture which is very proud while not taking itself too seriously. This makes the Irish a close-knit global community which is very welcoming to (and curious about) visitors and outsiders.

Heading to the pub at night and having "the craic", especially on weekends, has been an Irish way of life for generations. New faces from out of town are always welcome whether you're alone or part of a group. This makes Ireland a dream destination for solo travellers. Just pull up a bar stool and join in the fun.

Packing for a solo trip to Ireland

Number 1 on the list of items to pack for an Irish Vacation is a raincoat, regardless of the season. It is not uncommon to get heavy rain showers in the peak summer months and a raincoat in such situations becomes invaluable. Depending on what type of activities you are planning on undertaking good quality water-proof footwear and leggings will also come in handy. A good pair of general walking shoes and a solid rucksack are also ideal as both the countryside and the cities of Ireland are great for exploring on foot.

The majority of airlines will allow 20kg (45lbs) luggage when flying into Ireland. It is worth checking the exact weight with your airline first. It is also worth booking some extra weight in case you go over your allowance. See more information in our Packing for Ireland guide.

Solo Accommodation & Dining

Most hotels in Ireland are priced by double rooms. Some Bed & Breakfasts will have single rooms. For a much cheaper price, although you will have to share a room with strangers, hostels are probably the best value for money.

Dining alone is perfectly normal in Ireland for both men and women at all establishments. A lunch of soup and sandwich with tea/coffee would be about €8-10 per person. The price of food and drink varies from region to region. A pint of beer typically costs €5.80-€6.10 nationally, with prices around €5.50 in rural areas. For more information about eating out in Ireland and which dishes to choose, please visit our guide to the best Irish traditional dishes for visitors.

Personal Safety & Emergencies

Ireland has a low crime rate in comparison with other countries in Europe and North America. It is a relatively safe place to travel solo, especially when travelling outside of the major cities. Obviously, the standard precautions should still remain in your mind. In any country making it obvious that you are a tourist can attract the wrong kind of attention, more-so when you are seen to be travelling on your own.

The Irish Police are known as Gardaí or "the Guards". They are quite visible with Ireland's major cities. The emergency number for the Gardaí, Ambulance and Fire is 999. The legal drinking age in Ireland is 18.

Very general personal safety advice that we would give to anybody, and it's the same for a person travellng on their own - and particularly female, is to just take the precautions that you would at home.

— Lisa Kennedy - CEO Tourist SOS

To find out more about staying safe in Ireland, visit our guide to safety while travelling in Ireland.

Information for Women Travelling Alone

Women can travel alone in Ireland without any problems. Again,taking the obvious precautions is always a good idea. If you don't know any local ask a staff member, where you are staying, if the place you plan to visit is safe. Let somebody know where you are going and what time you intend on coming back. If you have a mobile phone that is working in Ireland, give someone your number and take down theirs. Avoid drinking to excess and keep the name and address of your accommodation written down, on your person, in case you forget.

About staying safe in Ireland, visit our guide to safety for visitors in Ireland.

The Irish Pub Experience

You're in Ireland, after all.

The traditional Irish pub lies at the very heart of Irish culture and, if you want to meet people and get a real taste of life in Ireland, the pub is the first place to go. Irish pubs are one of life's great levellers: social status is irrelevant, age is forgotten (for over-eighteens, at least), and personal background is just something to pry about over a few drinks.

Pull up a stool in an Irish bar and it won't be long before people introduce themselves. Buy them a drink and you'll have great company for the duration of your stay. We Irish are great talkers, and we love to pass the hours with engaging banter and good old Blarney. If you're lucky, you might even catch a trad session - a traditional Celtic music night, where local musicians play for their own amusement and for anyone else who happens to be there.

Buying a Round

A crucial element of Irish pub etiquette is the round system, where each group member takes their turn at buying a drink for the others. To avoid or skip your 'round' is a serious social faux pas, whatever your own cultural background. In Ireland, it is often said: "It is impossible for two men to go to a pub for one drink".

Irish Festivals & Parades

Ireland is known for its festivals and parades, and there can be few better opportunities to meet people and find out what Ireland is all about than at these regular events occurring in towns and villages throughout the year. Whether it's music, dance, food, or literature, not to mention some of the more eccentric types of festivals you will find, Ireland has something for everyone, and its festivals are always a great social occasion.

You might be surprised by the number and variety of festivals in Ireland: we Irish don't need any excuse to get together and enjoy good company, good music and the occasional pint of Guinness. Popular and famous festivals include Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann traditional music festival, The Dublin Horse Show, Fairyhouse Easter Festival, the truly bizarre Killorglin Puck Fair (where a goat is Formerly crowned king in the Kerry town of Killorglin), and the All-Ireland Finals in Hurling and Gaelic Football.

Tongue-in-Cheek Festivals

Some of the festivals have to be seen to be believed. There's The Rose of Tralee beauty pageant, a self-ironic throwback and one of Ireland's guilty pleasures, famously satirized as "The Lovely Girls Competition" in hit Irish comedy show, Father Ted.

Why not swing by the Irish Redhead Convention in Crosshaven, Co. Cork? Describing itself as "the heart of the global redhead scene", this fun summer festival is devoted entirely to celebrating people with ginger hair.

Then there's the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, which has been finding spouses for shy farmers for as long as anyone can remember. Expect a fun, tongue-in-cheek pageant of innocent, semi-awkward flirting. It's good-humoured, unobtrusive and well-meant Irish fun.

Aside from these and other quaintly caricatured examples, each local community will have its own festivals, celebrating pretty much anything, and they're a great way to experience Irish culture, meet the locals, and find some unmissable photo opportunities to take with you. There will be dancing, drinking and plenty of laughter at them all so let your inhibitions go and get involved. More info on Irish Festivals & Events.

St Patrick's Day

The most unmissable of all Irish experiences is St Patrick's Day, celebrated on 17 March every year not only in Ireland but across the globe. Traditionally a commemoration of Ireland's patron saint, St Patrick's Day has come to represent much more than this, becoming a unifying symbol of togetherness, acceptance and good-natured fun for individuals from all backgrounds. It's hard to imagine a mainstream festival better suited to the open-minded solo travel community.

If you're a solo traveller looking to meet people and experience Irish culture, with all of its warmth and hospitality, there can be no better time of year to visit than during March. Whether you're at a major event in a city like Dublin, Galway or Cork, or in a small village in a more rural setting, St. Patrick's Day will provide the perfect opportunity to mix with local people and have a great time.

• What clothes should I pack?

  Ireland has a mixed climate but it can rain at any time of year. So packing a waterproof jacket is always advisable and waterproof luggage can be a life-saver for those on foot. If you are on a budget you can line your luggage/backpack with thick black bin bags. This also works with your footwear. If not on a budget you can buy some decent waterproof gear that will you be grateful for later. For more information, see our full packing for Ireland guide.

• Where can I get free Wi-Fi in Ireland?

  Most bars and restaurants in Ireland have free WiFi. Usually, it's just a matter of asking the staff for the code.

• How many destinations should I plan to visit?

  It's a common mistake: trying to see the whole of Ireland in seven days, and spending most of your vacation on the bus or in a car. If you're working with a reputable tour operator, they will help you decide what is the right amount of travel and what is the right amount of free time for you personally in each region. If you're going it alone, allow two or even three days to explore major cities like Dublin, Galway, or Cork. When you've seen the major attractions of a particular area, only then move your accommodation to the next region. Minimising the number of hotel or hostel changes means you don't have to constantly pack and unpack your belongings.

• Do I really need to go beyond Dublin?

  Yes. Dublin might be considered the gateway to Ireland, but that does not make it the only place worth seeing. In many ways, the real charm of Ireland can only be discovered in the lesser-known locations favoured by real Irish locals. Even if your base is Dublin, you can easily add day trips to the likes of Cork, Galway or Belfast — by simply jumping on the bus or train. Depending on how long you're staying, these can be added as overnight stays or just a pop in and pop back excursion.

• Should I pre-book tourist attractions?

  Yes. We would always recommend that you pre-book Ireland's must-see tourist spots (e.g., Guinness Storehouse, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle). This goes for accommodation throughout your trip as well, again especiialy if you're coming during peak-season or during any local festivals, for example, the annual Jazz Festival Weekend in Cork City during the last weekend in October. If you're working with a tour operator, they will manage the advanced booking of these attractions for you.

• Is there anything I need to know about driving?

  The big one here is that we drive on the left in Ireland. Other ones to consider are; not all rental cars are automatic, the roads outside of major cities are unimaginably narrow, and roundabouts are everywhere! When renting a car, specify that you'd like an automatic if that is your preference. The are automatic road tolls, such as the M50 in Dublin, that need to be paid online the same day as you pass it. Ask about this when you're renting, if may or may not be a part of your rental plan.

Going truly solo in Ireland

Solo travel doesn't have to be about finding people to mingle with. It can be just that, solo travel. Sometimes, it can be nice to embrace the solitary aspect of travelling alone, allowing yourself to slow down and be mindful — even just for a day or two.

Ireland, a place of inner peace and solitude

Finding inner peace in solitude, and escaping into a place of "retreat", has a long history here in Ireland. Since the Seventh Century, monastic hermits have sought out the grounding isolation of Ireland's magical landscape, its plunging valleys and hidden lakes. Hundreds of years on, Ireland's peaceful landscapes remain as tranquil, calm, and unspoiled as ever.

It's no surprise, then, that Ireland remains such a profoundly spiritual destination, whatever your faith or beliefs. Today, Ireland attracts visitors from across the globe who retreat to Ireland's peaceful escapes for a summer's escape, a week's leave, or just an afternoon of time-out during a hectic travel schedule.

To explore Ireland's isolated locations and sacred sites, you can join spiritual group tours, visit designated 'retreat' accommodation, attend yoga or meditation retreats, book a fitness vacation of Ireland, or simply 'go it alone' and explore Ireland's most peaceful destinations in your own way and at your own pace.