IRELAND'S EAST & MIDLANDS
A vibrant and historic heartland, this region seamlessly blends the energy of the capital, Dublin, with ancient history, monastic ruins, and the tranquil beauty of the midlands’ lakes and bogs.
Why Visit Ireland's East & Midlands?
Ancient Wonders: Explore the 5,000-year-old passage tombs of Brú na Bóinne and the historic Hill of Tara.
The Capital & Culture: Dive into Dublin’s famous literary heritage, lively pubs, and world-class museums.
Lakes and Legends: Discover the tranquil waterways of the River Shannon and the monastic site of Clonmacnoise.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the sweet spot for pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds than summer. Ideal for sightseeing.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): Expect lower prices on accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere. Be prepared for colder, wetter weather and shorter daylight hours.
Peak Season (June-August): The warmest time of year with long daylight hours. It is also the busiest, with peak crowds and the highest prices, especially in Dublin.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Dublin City
The bustling capital is the starting point for most visitors, home to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and Temple Bar. It’s a city rich in Georgian architecture and history, with a vibrant contemporary culture.
Your Smart Tip: To save money, explore the many free attractions like the National Museum and the National Gallery, and avoid the main tourist trap pubs in Temple Bar for a more authentic pint.
The Ancient East (Boyne Valley)
North of Dublin lies a landscape steeped in myth and history. This area includes the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth (Brú na Bóinne), and the sacred Hill of Tara.
Your Smart Tip: Book your tour to Newgrange and Knowth well in advance, especially during the shoulder and peak seasons, as visitor numbers are strictly limited.
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Known as the “Garden of Ireland,” County Wicklow offers stunning mountain scenery, glacial valleys, and the historic monastic settlement of Glendalough. It’s perfect for hiking and scenic drives.
Your Smart Tip: Instead of just visiting Glendalough’s main site, plan a hike on one of the upper lake trails to get away from the crowds and experience the best mountain views.
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands (The Midlands)
This lesser-visited region offers a peaceful escape centred around the River Shannon. Highlights include the magnificent monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise and the extensive boglands and lakes.
Your Smart Tip: Rent a canal boat or join a river cruise on the Shannon to see the heartlands from a different, tranquil perspective, often passing historic castles and ancient sites.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Ireland has a mild, temperate, and changeable climate. Expect rain year-round. Summers are mild (averaging 15ºC to 20ºC, and winters are cool (averaging 4ºC to 7ºC, rarely dropping below freezing.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: English is the main language, with Irish (Gaelic) also being an official language.
Slagging: Good-natured teasing or joking is common. Don’t be offended; it’s a sign of friendliness and acceptance.
Buying Rounds: In a pub with a group, it is customary for everyone to take turns buying a ’round’ of drinks for the whole group. Do not skip your turn!
Pub Chat: The Irish are famously chatty. Be ready to engage in conversation, especially with locals in pubs.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($30–$60), mid-range B&Bs/Hotels ($100–$180), luxury ($220+). Prices in Dublin are typically higher.
Food: Pub lunch/carvery ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$60 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Car rental ($40–$80/day, excluding insurance/tolls), bus/train ticket (intercity, variable).
Activities: Major attractions ($15–$30), Guinness Storehouse/Whiskey Tours ($30+). Many natural and historic sites are free.
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $80–$120 (hostels, self-catering/pub food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $150–$220 (B&Bs/hotels, mid-range dining, paid attractions).
- Luxury: $250+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car offers the most flexibility for exploring the rural areas, particularly Wicklow and the Midlands. Be prepared for driving on the left and narrow roads in the countryside.
By Train: An efficient network connects major cities like Dublin, Kilkenny, and Waterford (Irish Rail/Iarnród Éireann).
By Bus: Bus Éireann and private operators like Citylink offer extensive and affordable routes, including to smaller towns and villages. Dublin has its own bus and tram (Luas) network.
Must-Try Food
Irish Stew: A hearty stew traditionally made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Coddle (Dublin Coddle): A classic Dublin dish of pork sausages, bacon rashers, potatoes, and onions slowly simmered.
Full Irish Breakfast: A large fry-up including bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, eggs, tomato, and soda bread.
Soda Bread: A rustic bread made with baking soda instead of yeast, served with most meals.
Black/White Pudding: Blood sausage (black) or a similar sausage without blood (white), essential for a full breakfast.
Bacon and Cabbage: A simple, traditional meal of boiled bacon, cabbage, and potatoes, often served with a parsley sauce.
Boxty: A potato pancake or dumpling, popular in the Midlands, often served with savoury fillings.
Seafood Chowder: A thick, creamy soup packed with local fish and shellfish.
Barmbrack: A traditional sweet bread/cake often containing sultanas and raisins, particularly popular around Halloween.
Scones: Served warm with jam and clotted cream, a staple for afternoon tea.
Must-Try Drinks
Guinness: The world-famous stout, best enjoyed in a traditional pub; known for its perfect two-part pour.
Irish Whiskey (e.g., Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W.): Known for its smoothness, it must be triple-distilled and aged in wooden casks for at least three years.
Irish Craft Beer/Stout: A huge variety of local breweries are emerging beyond the major brands.
Baileys Irish Cream: A sweet liqueur made with Irish whiskey and cream, often served on its own or in coffee.
Irish Coffee: Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with thick cream.
Smithwick’s: A popular Irish red ale, often noted for its malty flavour.
Harp Lager: A traditional Irish lager, lighter than a stout.
Cider (e.g., Bulmers/Magners): A refreshing apple cider, often served over ice.
Poitín: A traditional Irish distilled spirit, historically moonshine, now legally sold and produced by craft distillers.
Club Orange: A popular, carbonated orange soft drink.
Barry’s/Lyons Tea: The two main brands of black tea, enjoyed frequently throughout the day.