Taking a Trip to Ireland from Wales
Whether you dream of sampling the very best Guinness in a real Irish Bar, checking out the Irish scenery (or, dare we say it, partying away in a club, or just checking out the online action on casinonightsireland), it’s certainly possible to visit Ireland in a day or for a more relaxed pace, on an overnighter.
Getting to Ireland from Wales is pretty easy, with three ports in Wales and three destinations within reach to choose from, 2 in Southern Ireland and Belfast in the North, although some routes will require a longer crossing – and of course, you have to bear in mind your travel time to the Port of your choice. You can’t actually travel to Belfast from Wales, but for those in North West Wales, Liverpool is not too far away – however, this is an 8-hour crossing, so not really suited for a day trip.
Which destination should I travel to?
Wherever you go, it goes without saying that Ireland is not Wales and the culture is different, but the Irish are known for being friendly and offering great hospitality.
If Guinness, Craic, and a bit of scenery are your thing, you’ll find that just about everywhere in Ireland, with live music in many venues to accompany the friendly greeting. However, in villages and towns, it’s far more laid back than in major cities like Belfast and Dublin.
How long does it take to get from Wales to Ireland?
Reaching Ireland from Wales is surprisingly easy and quick; you can reach Dublin in just over two hours and 15 minutes when sailing from Holyhead to Dublin.
However, for those in South Wales, the crossing from Pembroke to Rosslare is probably a better bet; at just over 3 hours, it’s certainly still doable for a day trip.
Things to do in Dublin
Ireland’s capital city, Dublin is now home to many ex-pats; it’s a popular hen and stag destination and has a growing reputation as a party city, with plenty of alcohol-related places to visit, such as the Guinness Storehouse and Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting.
However, there are plenty of other things to commend Dublin, not least the stunning castle, the Titanic Belfast exhibition, and if you are taking your car, a visit to the amazing Giant’s Causeway is a must. There is also a plethora of bus tours through the beautiful countryside, and you may not want to come home the same day, so it’s definitely worth considering a longer stay.
Things to do in Rosslare
Rosslare itself is a small destination; however, the Port has an excellent reputation, and the local scenery is lovely.
Most people visiting Rosslare tend to head for Wexford, where you can enjoy spectacular scenery, little towns, and a whole host of attractions, making it ideal for a family trip.
Kids and adults alike will love the Irish National Heritage Park, where you can pan for gold. Anyone who has visited Tintern Abbey in Chepstow will be delighted to learn that Wexford has a namesake with a lovely walled garden and walking trail. However, one of the best-loved attractions is the seal sanctuary, which was recently reviewed by https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20211202-irelands-inspiring-seal-sanctuary.
Johnstown Castle is also an agricultural museum, and the Dunbrosy Famine Ship experience brings the history of settlers leaving Ireland for the USA to life, complete with actors. It doesn’t seem to disappoint – people rave about it on Trip Advisor.
What is the currency?
Ireland has adopted the Euro, and therefore, you will either need to take Euros with you, use a credit or debit card for payments and withdrawals or exchange some currency while you are there. Most travel review sites recommend using an ATM to withdraw cash, and travelers seem to suggest this is the cheapest way to obtain euros. If you plan on having a flutter while you are away, online is good because you can use your currency – but don’t let the buzz of away make you spend too much!
Whatever you do and wherever you go, it’s definitely worth visiting the Emerald Isle at least once – so why not schedule a trip? As the Irish say, “May the road rise up to meet you!”