So you've booked with EF Ultimate Break on their Grand Tour of Ireland trip, now what?

Now, you... GET EXCITED!!! Congrats on booking! Having been on this trip myself, I know exactly how amazing it is! I'm here to share with you all of my tips from doing this trip with EF Ultimate Break.

Haven't booked with EFUB yet and just here for more information? You came to the right place! As an ambassador for EF Ultimate Break, you can book with my link, and save extra on any first trip! My link is in this guide below!

Galway, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Kilkenny, Ireland

Ireland

Belfast, UK

United Kingdom

Northern Ireland, UK

EF Ultimate Break Grand Tour of Ireland: Packing + Free Time Guide

Heading to one of Ireland's top cultural hubs? Good choice! In my guide, you'll find everything from must-see attractions, best of food & drink, hiking/nature, and of course the best places to stay! For a preview of the type of things you'll find in this guide, check out my free New Orleans & Florence guides. 

Galway City, County Galway, Ireland

Galway: Sights, Eats, & City Guide

Doolin is well-known for its imposing Cliffs of Moher, but this charming town is a delight in itself. I'm so glad to have lived there, and now I can share some of the best experiences in this ultimate guide.

Doolin is also a hub for traditional Irish music. Its cozy pubs frequently host lively sessions where locals and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the soulful tunes of Irish folk music and a good "craic".

My first tip for those who are visiting Doolin, or Ireland in general, is to give an opportunity to serendipity.

Ireland, or the Emerald Isle, features stunning green landscapes - frequently washed by the rain :) So, grab your raincoat and get ready to dance in the rain. However, it's not as bad as you might think! I enjoyed so many sunny days over there and even wished for some rain for a few moments.

I bet you will fall in love with Doolin - just like I did.

To help you get the most out of your trip, I have prepared this guide with:

- Lodging suggestions
- Pubs and restaurant recommendations
- Outlines of what you should do each of the 3 days
- Outdoor experiences nearby
- And more!

Keep in mind: This guide is flexible, allowing you to interchange experiences based on your mood and the (unpredictable) Irish weather.

Doolin, County Clare, Irlanda

3-Day Guide to Doolin by a Doolin Specialist 

Looking to explore Ireland down the country road less traveled? The west of Ireland is the perfect place to unplug, unwind and experience the true heart of Ireland.

I love traveling as much as I possibly can and live by two travel rules. Firstly, I have to have at least one trip booked at all times and secondly, I have to visit at least one new place each year. I went on my first flight at two-weeks old (to Ireland funnily enough) and I’ve been back to visit every year since. It’s the only exception I make to rule #2. 

I’m a third culture kid meaning I was raised in a country other than where my parents were raised. I was born in London to an Irish mother (who was born in Arizona but raised in Ireland) and an English father (who was born and raised in Singapore). We moved to Connecticut when I was 6, Hong Kong when I was 13 and back to Connecticut when I was 15. In an effort to keep my brothers and I in touch with our maternal Irish roots, we spent eight-weeks each summer on the west coast of Ireland in Spanish Point, County Clare. 

Spanish Point is a little seaside village along the Wild Atlantic Way about 45 minutes from Shannon Airport named after two boats part of the Spanish Armada that shipwrecked off the coast in 1588. It’s a perfect little spot to retreat to with lush, green, rolling hills, breathtaking cliffs, freshest air, and friendliest people. There are so many things to do within a ~30-minute drive from Spanish Point making it the perfect place to stay without spending too much time stuck in the car.

There is so much to see in this tiny but wonderful country and you might feel pressured to bop all over the place to squeeze in as much as you possibly can. If you take anything away from this piece, it's to lean into slow travel. Ireland is the perfect place to enjoy the journey instead of just the destination, immerse yourself in local culture and connect with charming locals. Plan your trip to have no real set agenda at all. You’ll be so surprised at what you stumble upon. 

Doonbeg, County Clare, Ireland

Miltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland

Spanish Point, County Clare, Ireland

Kilkee, County Clare, Ireland

Lahinch, County Clare, Ireland

A Local-ish Guide to West Clare

Have you ever thought about traveling to the Emerald Island? Here's the guide with the top 8 must-visit places in Ireland. If you have 10-14 days and you don't want to rent a car in left-side driving country, this guide is perfect for you as I traveled to all these places by buses and it was exactly 10 days. And this guide is for budget travelers so if you want to have a bit more comfort in your trip, just replace buses with taxis/personal transfers and hotels that i propose here with more expensive hotels,

The pearls of Ireland in 10 days

Inishmore

In my opinion, one of the most underrated destinations in Ireland! These beautiful islands and their unique culture should be at the top of your list. You can drive to the ferry terminal or opt for a tour that includes both the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher - it's a long day for sure, but the best way to make the most of your time.

This island offers a big infrastructure for tourists. More restaurants and lodging are available, as well as shops. 
You can rent a bike to visit the must-see spots, like the cliffs. 
It's more populated and touristy.  